Betta fish Betta fish Betta fish Betta fish Betta fish Betta fish Betta fish Betta fish Betta fishBetta In A BowlA Guide To Keeping And Caring For A Betta In A Fish BowlBetta fish Betta fish Betta fish Betta fish Betta fish Betta fish Betta fish Betta fish Betta fish |
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The Fish: Why Betta? |
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Bettas are one of the usual reasons of impulse buying and sudden giving in to the aquarium hobby. They are scientifically known as Betta splendens which is Latin for "Beautiful Warrior". Thanks to their brilliant coloration and long flowing fins, they are one of, if not the most recognized aquarium fish. It is common to people who just pass by the pet shop with no intention of buying a tank nor a fish in the first place and end up carrying a fish bowl kit with a Betta as they go home. The beauty about Betta fish is that they don't need a large tank to survive, they can cope quite well in a small bowl without the requirement of filtration or aeration. Again, I would like to stress that A FISH BOWL IS NOT THE BEST HOME FOR ANY TYPE OF FISH. A larger tank with a filtration system would surely make a better home and a happier fish. Nevertheless, if a fish bowl is properly cared for and maintained well, a Betta fish will do just fine in such a small environment. The Betta is also commonly known as the "Siamese Fighting Fish" because the males will always fight each other. You should never keep males together for this reason, but can keep a Betta with other gentle fishes if you have a large aquarium. In a fish bowl, however, it is best to keep a SINGLE Betta. Putting many fishes in a bowl means more waste, poorer water quality, and eventually a sick fish! Remember, a Betta fish will be happy being alone and will not get bored. Bettas are tropical fishes. They thrive on temperatures between 24˚C(75˚F) and 30˚C(86˚F). Since you cannot equip a fish bowl with water heater, you should situate it where it's very warm and never put it in an air-conditioned room where the temperature can get exceedingly cold. An interesting characteristic of the Betta fish is its capability to breathe surface air. It has a breathing organ called "labyrinth" which is somewhat similar to the human lungs. This is an important factor that allows the Betta fish to survive in a bowl without an air pump. Another interesting trait of the Betta fish is its ability to recognize its "master". Once your Betta gets to know that you are the one feeding him, he'll flutter around happily when you approach. He'll show off his vibrant color, spreading his beautiful fins, and push against the glass of his bowl as if he wants to greet you. Well in fact he is actually begging for food but still, isn't that just lovely? Other fishes don't even know you're alive. A funny thing about Betta fish is that when it is happy and healthy, it will continually create bubbles on the top of the water. No, the water is not dirty nor soapy! It is just his way of making a 'nest' when he is ready to spawn. It is where the male places the eggs of the female and continue to tend it until the eggs hatch. Oh, and did I always call the Betta a 'he'? Yes! Those beautiful Betta fishes with long fins and vibrant colors you see in pet shops are males. The females are not as highly colored, and have much shorter fins. You can keep a female Betta too, if you wish. Both have the same requirements for keeping. But never keep a male and a female together in a small bowl. The male tends to be aggressive towards the female after some time. You can keep several females in a large aquarium. But, as I mentioned, keep only a SINGLE Betta in a fish bowl! |
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Copyright © 2004-2007 Rony Caluag. Some rights reserved. |
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