Aquarium

Paradise Fish Breeding

2005-11-16T10:47:00.000-05:00

Paradise Fish bred through he 28 day poitn will do fine, as was noted .. but will reach a flash point after becoming top breathing and free swimming fish. They remain miniscule in size, but develop adult characteristics quickly with tail elongation, and diving and show signs of maturity.
In my case, however, they died as a group --but without a trace. They dissappeared in the tank ... not in or through the filter ..with no signs of a fish kill. There were however signs - incredibly of a few larger surviving paradise-fish fry. Additionally, a few of the benign snails grew two or three times their size.

Presumedly - -the fry began a voracious consumption, after developing surface breathing; and were also prey for the snails as the fry surfaced among the duckweed (limna minor). Would assume that the snails ate as they will funnel style at the surface. Fry had begun enlarging but were about eyelash lenght.

So as a conservative reminder .. either remove all contending species .. or with a cup ..remove quantities of the fry - unless you have a superior breeding tank (ie 55 gals etc) when they start to gathe at the surface.

The parents have been re-united in another 10 gallon tank with undergravel filter; nad conditions will be applied this week to induce mating again. That again wuld be water change (they react to the chemistry -leave it acidic as if by rain); temperature increase (about 70-74 F) (they have been at 64F in the new setting); and remove any other possible species distractions or adversaries (ie snails Zebra Danios etc); and additionally reduce the watre level partially -as if to suggest a dry season approach (this is optional).

Will report the results here again - likely successful - the female is fattening again now. On this additional occasion, the pair will be left in the tank -the female has pleanty of hdiing plances ; and pleanty of plants for fry to hide, in order to observe the male 'cull' and 'nurture' to some other survival polit. A few fry will be pulled for separate raising. The male's behavior in feeding will be especially anticipated. (recollect that last breeding he regurgitated food to the surface near the fry .. as if to prepare food for them. On this breeding - both in so far as manageable will be fed and kept with the fry -- sufficient parental food will possiby defer fry cannibalism.

Live-bearers Platys & Guppys

2005-11-16T10:35:00.000-05:00

Liver bearers in two aquaria include blue platies, and yellow-flame orange fancy guppies poecilla. First pairings went smoothly without much success . .they appeared mated but did not reproduce. In my area, local water is more acidic than desired, so additional water softening and hardening (calcium factor) were increased with ordinary marble chips --frequently used in planters or landscaping.
The water chemistry changed to about 7.3-7.4 and was raised higher in the case of the platies.

Water calcium apparently as well as softening are important factors in these two species, and the budget aquarist (with water testing for acidity-alkalinity at home or with a pet shop (ie PETCO) can adderss the water chemistry satisfactorily. Calcium, as in reef fish is needed in an abundant supply for these live bearers. Prior readings about the platies have noted calcium and water hardness & alkalinity figures approaching ph 8.4. Adjusting the water hardness (ie calcium with the calcium in marble chips behaving as a calcite factor) did the trick. Both species abundantly reproduced.

As a note in breeding - the blue-platies return a true to color offspring .. there appears to be not break. Guppies have reproduced but are to young and without full adult color as et.

Quantities of marble chips would vary per tank --perhaps the equivalent of a half liter (two cups) in any place or scatter on the gravel bed of the aquarium will adjust the water. Gradually with platies (frequently used to softer river water) may require more. Calcium is necessary in all species for bone formation and nervous system synaptic function. Rinse the chips before using to prevent tank clouding .. and as necessary -- avoid using where the tank bottom is not completely supported (as in heavy rock) on glass tank bottoms.
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Paradise Fish - Fry Day 13

2005-10-03T13:56:00.000-04:00

Paradise Fish Fry Day 13

Paradise Fish Fry ... now about 1/8th inch or 35-40mm. Having lost their tiny polliwog appearance with the semi-colon look, they have developed silver-gray translucent bodies with symmetrical eyes and developing vertebrae & spine. They swim freely rather than spending most time in still water at the surface. Air-breathers like the adult Paradise Fish, they spend time in full tank dives and surface whenever needed for air.

Food is a combination of powder-ground flake fish food and powdered tubifex worms -freeze-dried variety. One of the flake foods - used for goldfish - contains more vegetable-green mater, something their diet needs (cf. literature). On the vegetation point, the fry also nibble at algae on the aquarium glass, and occasionally anchor there against a mild filter current flow. Food is consumed in small bits and bites at small flakes -as adults do -- spat out when too big or disliked. Have assumed that they are now at the fast growth stage and they are getting larger and swim the entire tank freely. Fry have matured enough that swimming is by full tail motion - very pronounced.

Filtration power in the Eclipse 7 has been increased beyond a minor trickle without ill effects. The sponge on the filter intake has been replaced by a piece of nylon stocking which bars fry being sucked in but increases water flow. The greater outflow roil at one side of the aquariums surface is navigated safely by the fry with an occasional tumble - but no fish loss.
Tank had a partial water change (25%) and the bottom is reasonably clean and will be cleaned again - while protecting the fry against vacuuming with the water siphon.

Fry still number to several score and will be firmly counted as they enlarge. If growth goes as anticipated, they will be large enough to 'sex' in about a month (4-6 weeks age).

Paradise Fish (Macropodus)Spawning 'redux'

2005-09-27T00:52:00.000-04:00

Paradise Fish (Macropodus)
Spawning 'redux'

Male Paradise Fish paced in 7 gallon Eclipse tank alone. After about a month, a female (held in a cool water tank with smaller goldfish) was introduced.
Aquarium has plants for hiding and a small partly broken flower pot for a female's refuge.

On first female introduction -- at first a parry and mild charge .. then a mild receptive waltz. They get along rather like a mixed experience with Betta.
As mentioned below -- there were a few nests -- and have since affirmed that a water change (they are hardy - but one wants the tank cycled unless a sterilized breeder tank) induces abubble nest building. The female observes and helps with a few bubbles as she may with a successful spawning and 'egg-saving'.

Tried a leaf, which was avoided, (have used begonia or other green plant leaves .. mild tannic (partly browning) tree leaves may work - or 'tea' leaves as with 'betta' Cup lids or styrofoam peices didn't do it either. Nests were built alongside them. Floating plants like hornwort; or cabomba with feathery needles on the surface -give them privacy and a nest hiding place. Also, the nests were favored in the still water half of the tank ( a slow fliter roil or current does not dispel nest building ) & in my case the dark of the filter box (an Eclipse tank has an overhanging or water-touching filter box at water surface attracted most bubble nests- -partly away from the light).

Waltzes will be observed --actually a swirl and embrace -- sometimes no eggs -- she appeared fat when first introduced (stomach behind the pectoral fins). Twice as if a night fight or thrash around -no inuries -the nest was broken up ..and the female used the flower plot as a preferred sitting place .. and the male sulked. Once again, the weekly or ten days to two weeks partial water change did induce new bubble nest building - -and the pair which worked were never separated until the female was removed almost two days after spawning. I have the one female -- but two or more in a larger tank can be offered (as I've read) but the male aggression against egg or fry devourment may be riskier with two females to watch. With one - he just stands her off - more so as the fry hatch.

The water level can be lowered in the aquarium after a partial change to simulate a dry season - and though they tolerate cooler water - unheated- room conditions were warmer than average - so the water edged naturally up to 72-75F or so - but generally no higher than 72F.

Macropodus -Paradise Fish 'Fry' Day 5

2005-09-26T23:53:00.000-04:00

Day 5 - Paradise Fish 'fry'

Fry remain mixedly active & still.
From an heredity - evolution stand-point; the stillness may also be an evasivity technique (to avoid being eaten). They are rather like mosquito larvae. Size is increasing slightly; and they still eat with activity, and swim. Oddly --some are highly prolific after (and even before) five days and dive and swim more actively. Others behave as the literature for 'betta' fry and 'macropodus' fry are described - they stay at the water surface breathing -developing their lungs & grow -consuming their remaining egg sac or water top foods.

Most have no visible egg sac now -- just a small black tail and translucent bodies .. about 30 mm & growing - some now 35-40 mm (almost 1/8th inch). Food has been powdered fish food and powdered freeze-dried bloodworms. That dissolved in water was less receptive than that dropped dry on the water. (Grind it to powder from flakes or freeze-dried form in your palm or a spoon with your fingers - have been feeding twice daily about a quarter teaspoon - no over feeding or water fouling - have not used frozen food for these fry - but warm to room temperature before feeding.)

The male 'father' is still alert and watchful; he will be removed likely tomorrow. He is not eating the fry; eats other fish food; and stil throws bubbles as if to protect the fry from a current or to provide oxygen for them.
I may have mis-obserevd -- but he has appeared as if to eat one or two -- but has then blown a bubble and a fry or two (live) appear added to the 'back nursery'. He also twice today appeared to regurgatate some food into the nursery with the fry, as if to provide a ready 'soft' food source.

Have re-checked a 'betta' guide or too - they are both air-breathing fish with bubble nests. Fry are proceeding similarly. Most 'betta' breeders are anxious at this state and have removed the male -- but this paradise fish male appears a doting and benign parent.

The aquarium is filtering well & slowly; the water will have a partial 'freshening' in a day or too -- but is otherwise good. Heat is 'room temperature' about 68-71 F - cooling slightly naturally at night with no abrupt changes. Once again -they tolerate and actually prefer cooler temperatures unlike the 'betta' -which will also aid 'jarring'. Plan to raise the fry for a month or so in the "Eclipse' aquarium and then move them to larger quarters.
'Cupping' is pfereable to netting .. and water willbe removed with a small gentle siphon. Because my filter intake is 'sponged' the water has a slow current but is clear; and the bottom is not excessively 'funky' as with ordinary sponge filters. In addressing other aquarium cleaning like the glass and water changes - the fry are living primarily in the surface strata - and one needs simply to gently siphon from the tank bottom - if worried, a fine net immersed in the receiving water bucket can save any 'siphoned' fry.

Am assuming that after the male is gone -- and no other fish appear - the fry will have developed enough to swim and do so, even if this exposes them. The male regards without harm the early swimmers ... and firmly 'shepards' the others which remain less motile in the 'nursery'.

Male is blue with red stripes -- female is dark army green with a red fringe and reddish tail (rather like the 'Chinese' or 'Indian' Paradise Fish variant).

***

Macropodus Links -- a few more with photographs -- breeding - spawning - fry - nests etc.

Aqualand site -Macropodus Opercularis - Care & Breeding
Macropodus Opercularis Care & Breeding [UK site] Goldfish Bowl - especially for coldwater fish
Macropodus Care & Breeding - from Aquaworld -- this species darker Chinese-Indian variety -- macropodus cupana

Paradise Fish Breeding -Fry Day 4

2005-09-25T18:02:00.000-04:00

PARADISE FISH MACROPODUS
Breeding -- Fry
Day 4

Male is still watching nest and contributing bubbles as if to corral or supplement the young fry with air.
Some fry swim actively --- the same which hatched earlier. At this stage, as labyrinth --they are still developing their lungs; and fins. Most float at the surface like resting translucent gnats with small comma tails. Size about 1/16; 20-30 mm.
As some yet die they will sink or float in the middle current of the tank surface.

Am keeping temperature about 68-70, as for the adults - the fluctuation is from 'lights-off' night cooling.

Fry have been fed a fine powdered fish food -- will be fed some micro-food or other powdered food. Male is ambivalent about eating --and is un-aggressive to fry --but highly guarding/tending as a group.
Fry swim to food and consume like a school then return to still - unless developed to dive and touch surface.

Water has a slight roil and flow from a slowed Marineland filter (siphon foamed as well to reduce flow and avert trapping fry). An occasional tumble or swirl sends live fry scrambling back to surface and still corners of the tank - or to some hornwort.
An impression of dead fry when in still water disappears with small food amounts or a light stir of the water --they swim around - not just moved by the surface elasticity.

Not yet frenetic --the male watches as if watching gnats on the surface; throws more bubbles for a 'corral' or 'nursery' on the surface. He will be removed to another tank in a few days.

Filter is keeping water clear -- there is a little bottom cleaning -- some gravel and smooth black 'river stones' of medium size; and the Ramshorn snail. Were I more professional in spawning & raising -- only the black stones (as for Betta) might be in the tank; and no snail. For now -- there appear to be no problems ... the fry are increased by half to double. Count probably two to three dozen -possibly more.

Paradise Fish -- Macropodus --Breeding

2005-09-24T22:55:00.000-04:00

Paradise Fish Breeding

Fish in pair have been in one aquarium for about two months. The male had adapted to the tank well and was alone for a month and a half before the female was introduced.
Tank in use is an Eclipse 7 Gal (26 liters) with a Marineland filter. For mating -- they will mate in smaller basins - according to the literature.
Male color is blue with red stripes -- the female is dark green with a red fringe. Only other tank occupant is a Ramshorn Snail.

Breeding Attempts
Male has built three or four bubble nests and they have been abandoned or destroyed; sometimes overnight as if after a thrashing with the female.

About 72 hours ago (09-21-05) -- the male having completed anoher bubble nest was joined by the female. As before, she contributed air bubbles to the nest. Then while attending the nest in pair they began their waltz -- I ignored them (avoided watching them) -- then noticed over my shoulder a spray of eggs released by the female and fertilized by the male.

Size of the eggs
- about common pin-head size ... about a hundred (+) --- color was a silvery (like sevruga caviar).
I immediately unplugged the aquarium filter to avoid sucking any eggs through the filter.
Most all the eggs were naturally buoyant and floated to the surface - but the male, and the female, also avidly collected eggs and placed them under and in the spittle nest. This process is a toss - like a spitting - then on to grab more.

Both fish then watched the nest after tiring or adequately collecting. Some eggs floating nearby were ignored - and apparently, the fish noting that an adequate number filled the nest sufficed and stopped collecting.
--The light was left on over night to relax he fish and to aid their guard againts dislodged eggs. (Had assumed that a destroyed nest before may have indicated some confuison in egg colelction - but 'smell' alone may suffice for that.)
The eggs which appeared fertilized became an opaque white -- others remained translucent. Within 24 hours some eggs showed a small flagellum and moved as the fry consumed their egg sac and began hatching - most of these were translucent witha small black dot and black comma of a tail appearing rapidly to the naked eye. Some wiggling movement may be seen in the egg sac before observing a creature of that same size actually swimming at the surface.

Female Removed
The female remained most of the second day after mating & eggs began hatching - then was removed (36 hours after mating). The male was leftt with the eggs & fry and is still guarding the fry. She avoids him, appears interested but he averts/prevents any close approach. To avoid his distraction & irritation she is removed as recommended. She has no visible injury--appeared a little tired .. and after a day is swimming jollily in the other tank.

Day Three -- the numbers of successful hatches appear to be a few dozen -- more than expected and fewer than that may survive as fry.
Fry and male have fine powdered fish food - some of whch was also offered on Day Two. The male has not been seen eating - but is active. The fry respond to motion on the elastic surface film of the water and swim toward anything dropped at the surface - and eat the powdered food.
The bubble nest dissolved the second day and appears un-needed as the eggs and fry stay at the surface. The fry wiggle/swim like miniature frog embryos (tadpoles) -mainly translucent with a black tail - about 20-30 mm in total length. At times floating still (not moving) -- they group at the surface and move in reaction when the water is stirred gently or food dropped.
The male sits below and watches them as if observing infusoria - but is not aggressive nor hungry.
Tonight on Day Three the male has returned some spittle air bubbles to the water surface among some of the fry which are at the surface. A few fry are very obviously active - the others move then rest.

The aquarium filter with a sponge cover over the water intake has been turned back on -- and a gentle surface ripple moves across the tank water.

Eggs unfertilized or bad were a matter of disinterest by the pair and they dropped or floated free and are dissolving on the tank bottom.
Most of the fry have collected near the bubble nest and ocasionally actively swim or bite at food.

Also Day Three -- some Java Moss for 'infusoria' (ie Daphnia & Rotifers) has been added for 'live foods' value.

Food at this time will be finely powdered fish food & powdered hard-boiled egg yolk; and likely powdered/ground dried brine shrimp & tubifex.

As the fry double in size after a week - the male will be removed. They are now about a quarter to half the size of live-bearers' newborn fish.

Breeding Conditions -water
Aquarium had been thoroughly cleaned 3 weeks ago (full water change); and had had a partial water change the prior week (usually some changed weekly).

Some tips --
- Water changes (my local water is slghtly acidic) stimulate neest building. This has been noticed before in my aquarium with partial changes.

Other hobbyists / breeders raise the heat for a slight warming; change some of the water; and then drop the water level -- to simulate an approaching dry season. (I did not drop the water but had done a partial water change - then noticed the nest building return -- the heat in this unheated aquarium (68-72F) increased with warm weather - but just a couple of degrees - gradually naturally ).

After the pair mated - I left the aquarium light on to enhance egg tending by both in the nest - rather than impose darkness.

Some eggs hatched rapidy -- no particular reason for that - save they were 'nest center' and had the male's greater attention. Others were late hatching -- then showed movement after a wait as long as 48 hours. Checking articles on the WWW -- learned that the hatching time can be 24-50 hours.

Temperature has not been raised and is kept as constant as for the Paradise male with slight natural cooling at night a degree or two - ie 67-70F (as warm as 72F the nights of mating).

Actual matng is quick and less injurious than described and seen with Bettas. The female actually appears to inspect and watches the nest - occasionally helping; then circles with the male and then they intertwine. After the eggs began hatchng --she -a little apprehensive looking stayed at the bottom -until removed Day 2. (She's resting in a small communty tank.).

The fry like the male, are light receptive but also move to a still, darker corner. Some dive an inch or two from the surface. Other unhatched eggs still bob at the surface.

No water change other than partial will be attempted for the next week.

Tetra Tank Update

2005-08-21T11:27:00.000-04:00

Aquarium cloudiness seems to have been correctly analyzed as a function of increased aeration reviving organics in the tank. It has materially cleared and increases eventually to clarity as the new aeration constancy balances the aquarium's biology.

Another 'tip' to pass along -- in addressing a larger than desired small snail population expansion with the temporary residence of a medium sized 'Comet' goldfish. An adjacent tank with UG filtration rarely sustains any but the largest knuckle sized snails - because the gold fish eat them and constantly work over the gravel. So, he did the work in the 'tetra' tank for about three days - reducing the small snails population by about two-thirds and worked the bottom so efficiently that the catfish followed him around.
Uless you prefer some loaches ..the Comet works fine and looks like a big orange 'platy'.

Speaking of the latter ... the tetra tank has a pair of blue platys - she is about to burst .. and may have already incidently fed some of the tetras.

Four 'neon tetra' - fine for the 40L scale were added last week and they are a happy highlight and mix well as a little school of neon color. (Cardinal tetra - a little large will also do the same).

MACROPODUS -- Paradise Fish - paired in a separate Eclipse-7 have mated (often not seen - I missed it) .. and the male is guarding a culled -reducing jelly mass of eggs which he winnowed last night from three dozen or so to ybe two dozen this morning. The are attached and growing like a 'frogs egg' mass beneath a round piece of styrofoam. His mate still shares the tank -and will until the eggs hatch or agressivity becomes a problem. Culling undeveloped eggs may be a normal attribute ..and the male did this twice before to large displays of froth (spittle) contained eggs. They'll appear more like developing frogs eggs as they grow; and if none develop -they'll start again.
The pair have behaved amorously circling each other as any nest is rebuilt .. after mating, she then avoids him for safety and stands off on the tank's bottom; and he remains aleret to any approach to the nest and eggs. So far none have hatched - and the culling is as in any species in a toss out of 'bad' conceptions.

Water Cloudiness - Planted Tank

2005-08-14T11:44:00.000-04:00

Water Cloudiness - Planted Tank

Have had two weeks now of a normally clear long cycled planted tank sustaining an abnormal water cloudiness after a routinewater refeshing (ie 20-25% change.

Filter is biological-mechanical-chemical, and of course the tank sustains its biological cycle in nitrate elimination.

In effect the tank is behaving like a newer tank's diminished biological organic bacterial elimination state.
The water clears in about 2-3 days - which then thesholds the tank's water refresh cycle -week to ten days average. While awaiting further water chemical analysis -later today .. am concluding that the effect is caused by an increase in aeration (hence oxygenation).
Aeration points with side filter are the same - but a supplemented new air pump for another tank increased aeration in the heavily planted tank.

Hence the water 'refresh'; and the ordinanry 'harvest' of a full layer of 'limnia minor' - 'duckweed'; and the increased light born of greater surface agitation; has increased the oxygenated elimination of the tank's ordinanry quotient of organic bacteria. This planted tanks is behaving similarly to the on/off cloudiness effect of aquaria using CO2 cartridges alternated with aeration (ie day-night applied). Its cloudiness is decreasing & the tanks is adjusting from a lesser powerfully aerated rich water 'semi-green' aquarium; to my preferred planted greater aeration concept.

Fish & plants are otherwise flourishing with no ill effects - main fauna change is a current reduction in a light-induced seasonal rise of 'black algae' ... which is also reduced by a light reduction to lesser lumens(time & intensity).

Water refreshments are normal in my aquarium keeping (for oxygen & toxin reduction with filter address). This can help someone else in experience.
NB an urgency in aesthetic can always be addressed by temporary chemical-biological filter address -- otherwise a casual wait as in the new tank lesser food approach -even where no overfeeding has occurred. Newer & more 'air' has enhanced the oxygen using bacteria which eat the tank's decay in its transition from a slower greener tank.

Will post other observations & results here later -- tank is mainly a S.American fish 'Tetra' family 40L (small biotrope scale) aquarium.

Macropodus 'Paradise Fish'

2005-08-04T12:30:00.000-04:00

Paradaise Fish have been paired in the Eclipse '7' Aquarium ...male has built and lost one bubble nest --the female is alternately receptive and 'shy' ... if successfully mated they will mate like 'betta' and the male will tend the nest.

Goldfish

2005-07-11T11:10:00.000-04:00

Recommending undergravel filter for gold fish. Once the tank has been 'cycled' the environment - subject to temperature -- this is a cool tank with about 70 watts equivalent [from a 20 watts circline cool energy saving lamp] lighting ...handles the wastes well. Algae; and other build-up of organics are handled well by the filter and snails. Fish maintained are well growing Comets.
Should you have a larger tank or prefer an assist during cycling; or regular maintenance .. supplement with an outside mechanical/biological filter ... such as the Tetra Marineland Aqua-Clear etc.
The undergravel filter [UG] is abetted by cartridges in the air pipes which are mixes of activated charcoal & ammonia absorbing resin granules. Also as far as gravel - - have followed the general prescription of an extra pound of gravel. Plants do well rooting or floating; and the water is crystal clear. For Goldfish -- a simple and happy economy.

Current tank is 10 L

AQUARIUM

2005-05-17T15:31:00.000-04:00

As of this posting, this Blog -formerly 'Betta' has been changed to AQUARIUM and its topic broadened from cultivating the Siamese fighting fish.

Yes the "Betta' will still be discussed here, as will other aquarists matters (still a smaller one) ... my 'Betta' raising has been postponed until warmer weather and at least one other tank.

Thank you

Melaleuca

2005-02-04T14:24:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that melaleuca is generally available for 'Betta' ills ... specifically as 'Betta Cue' for Betta stress and as Mela-Fix (an ingredient) by Aquarium Pharmaceutics.

An 'anti-bacterium' generally sold for aquaria and ponds .. for fish treatment .. Melaleuca -the fish anti-stress compound is an ingredient -- derived from the Teaberry Tree
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals 'MelaFix'

Betta Buying

2005-02-04T11:17:00.000-05:00

In addition to a few well stocked fish stores or dealers ..and the seasonal pushes at othert stores...and the previus list of links with breeders by the internet ... Aquarists ... have an 'E-Bay' market all their own ... styled Aqua-Bid.
Bettas are included and the link for that sector of the AquaBid offerings follows. Prices range from $3.5 for the ordinary to the price rises of a dollar more for crown-tails to the expected 35-60 range etc for the 'high fancies'. For the beginenr and the serious .. it's a good look:

Aqua Bid Betta List

Spurt of Bad Luck

2005-02-03T19:30:00.000-05:00

Whether starter's luck or just a 'spurt' of bad luck ... this blogger's Betta keeping will be postponed a few weeks while weather warms up and an extra arrangement or two is made. As said before .. maybe we complicate life for the home aquarists' Bettas when we aquarium them rather than 'jarring' them.
Male Betta # 2 died this afternoon after succumbing to more fungus -possibly masking 'velvet' disease.
In any case care and keeping will be studied further and improved .. whether stock or me is uncertain. Likely -one or more males will oin a community aquarium in near future .. and be kept entirely from females which in 3 or 4 quantity (small-timer) would live in a separate tank. As our New England weather warms .. a traditional shallower tank breeding arrangement would be attempted.
As to pragmatism -- in addition to breed and problem familiarity - a lessonabout 'tank treatments' with some pharmaceuticals - ie. JungleLabs.com 'Tank Buddy' fungal treatments --work well -- but do note (especially newcoming aquarists & returnees) the false positives' reading on water tests during & after use.

As quoted in an e-mail from Jungle Labs Customer Rep: ...

'If you were to test the ammonia level right now, it would probably give you a high reading. Not because your ammonia is actually high, but because this medication affects the test - it gives a false positive reading.'

.. this can also apply to other water quality nitrogen affected test values ...

Also JungleLabs states that unless otherwise indicated fish may be fed with few problems during applicatio of their treatments if a sponge filter is added against food waste build-up.

Ciao until more Bettas - however tips or news as it happens.

Winter Spawning

2005-02-03T01:21:00.000-05:00

Betta female was displayed more explicitly to the male today who had been playing cat and mouse with her but had not commenced nest building. She had not been attacked but chased and 'impressed' with his gill-work. Her display was by floating container (clearly visible) to encourage his seeing more of her. He waltzed around her all afternoon - no nest building however.
She, however by late afternoon, began to show a minor sign of 'velvet' illness and was removed gently .. had not even been netted since obtention .. and succumbed. The male is doing fine. Additional females will be readied - but will be held back - hopefully two or three together until displaying full ovidity signs.
Should the male commence building a nest, a female will be introduced. Inducing a male to nest in this colder climate circumstance is hence now postponed at this blogger's home.

Living in New England in winter can make Betta spawning more difficult - unless one keeps a heated 'fish room'. So - to re-create the least perplexing and better spawning conditions one may either heat one or wait until spring or summer.
So,for me attempts to interest a male with a female in winter and to arrange a spawning will not be done. Instead any females will be kept and fattened for an offer in warmer weather. An aquarium in use has been kept fully filled with water whie introducing a pair in order to maintain heat. In Betta literature a half-filled - but warm aquarium - with the top half covered to retain heat & humidity - is recommended. (Keeping an aquarium filled full also retains heat but may discourgae mating - though it is frequently done.) Also at least, warm weather mating spares headaches with betta fry if successful. (My ambient unheated temperature in the room with the aquaria is now 59F - another heated tank would be becessary.)

My investment - fortunately - has been small thus far ... and the practice averts trauma with more expensive fish. male and female Bettas in fish stores locally cost about $2.69-$3.99.

Status of Pairing

2005-02-02T11:23:00.000-05:00

Male and female bettas are sharing a 10 gallon (40 L) tank ..and are in no hurry to mate. This blogger not being a more involved breeder of Betta Splendans (ie. a forced match of a specific pair), beyond a casual mating option has no hurry.
Behavior: the male has pursued the female - who is not wholly ready - though large enugh for egg-bearing -almost his size. She evades and alternately swims and hides about the tank. He occasionally nudges her when she is along-side as if pushing or readying his embrace of her - but does not attack her.
He has built no bubble nest .but has favored a grouping of surface plants and green begonia leaves in the tank's almost stilled surface corner away from the filter -an easy bubble store when he is motivated.
Both are being fed freeze-dried bloodworms a few (a portion of two or three per fish twice a day). When necessary -most days - the female is separately finger fed (placed atop the water by head) the worms to make sure that she eats minimally. She would otherwise share a feeding ring with the worms with the male.
Her evasion is classic and so is her socializing - sometimes the male searches for her and cannot discern her motionless on the otherside of aplant leaf. As she is receiving no bites nor attacks nor harm other than pursuit in free chase and swimming .. she will stay in the large full tank with the male betta. One assumes that the association shall induce her egg production and his nest-building.
The male occasionally flares his gills and fins as if bulling - not bullying her - as he might toward his own reflection or an onset of another male.
The male betta - more 'free roaming' - also folows the shrimp and catfish along the bottom to see as if to share whatever they are eating - but does not consume.
The side by side evasion of the male by the female is almost ludicrous at times .. but effective for her and rests her.

Their tank is shared by the aforementioned Corydoras Aeneus albino catfish for bottom cleaning; and joined, yesterday, by two 'Ghost Shrimp' as freshwater scavengers. Their tank mate -the Otocinculus catfish was removed; as he proved female with signs of eggs and roe (a crimson Cupid lipped ovipositor) and was returned to another tank with two males.

Another Betta Link

2005-02-01T02:19:00.000-05:00

Link below is from AquaLand .. and is especially recommeneded for its comprehesive Betta lore. Look for the additional links on the side.

AquaLand Betta Info

Meanwhile for the pleasure - or if Bettas have become discouraging .. the second link explains the Paradise Fish.

Paradise Fish

The Paradise can tolerate lower temperatures (alleged 40-80F fish) and other than dechlorination have no finicky water requirements & readily breed. Another ideal room temperature aquarium fish.

Bettas & Flexibacter

2005-01-31T14:26:00.000-05:00

Having lost a previously healthy male (had him almost a month) & a new female (yes - both in contact) .. did some additional research; and evidence (by observation & events) may lead to Flexibacter.

This is the name given a negative bacterium present in ordinary tap water ..which can incubate quickly with sudden temperature rises and thrive on surplus aquarium food -even though the water is routinely cleaned or filtered.
It can sometimes cause the fungus-like growth & anti-fungal agents can help. It is harmless to humans.

In my case, there was no sudden temperature rise - but the tank had been raised slowly to 78-80F ...
No overfeeding ... but a companion Tetra Tropical Fish product for tank companions (a granualar formula) was periodically ingested and spit out (regurgitated) by the Bettas. This was cleaned almost daily for the two days until it was stopped - but it can provide the 'fuel' for Flexibacter.

Therapies are recommended in the links below .. .one might also consider 'Betta stress' effected by new mates - other fish tank mates etc .. and for that Melaleuca as a calming and anti-stress agent is still commended. The antibacterials referred include tetracycline. (Adjust carbon filters of course).
The Flexbacter factor should also be watched when raising fry - even in 'clean tanks' - best guess -a mix of Betta stress .. and a 'leaving' of minor dropping like food regurgitates to the Corydoras cat on an aquarium flor may be too mush. Syphon them out and partly change water & avoid that food type in the Betta tank.

Betta pellet foods are less a problem unless regurgitated - though some are occasionally possible causes of Betta constipation. For that remember the Epsom Salt remedy (separate fish in some of its tank's water and add Epsom Salt - magnesium sulfate- at the rate of 1 Tbs to one gallon .. and let the fish bathe for 15 minutes in it. repeat it daily if the fish does not expurgate itself.

Flexibacter information generally from the following on-line articles.

Flippers & Fins FlexiBacter article
Aquamaniacs.net Flexibacter article

Female Betta Status

2005-01-31T13:24:00.000-05:00

Bad luck again ... the female Betta died - possibly due to 'Betta stress'? She has been replaced with another healthy female ..also from 'Dave's Soda & Pet City' and will be [DSPC-FW-WhiteFin-BlueOutine FanTail 2].
She was introduced to the male .. they have noticed each other .. he appears to be bubble nest site exploring ..she is learning the aquarium common to them which includes a Cory cat & an Otocinculus catfish .. The aquarium has plenty of refuges.

The male's reaction at first sighting -she was separated while aclimitizing in a clear plastic bag, was curiosity ..then challenge with flrared gills and puffery .. after her release to the tank .. they approached and parted without contest, and he began searching leaves on the surface as if plotting a nest. No immediate chase .. or fighting encountered .. she also has not displayed a mating response (vertical bars).
They will stay in this tank .. and we'll see the outcome of either a spawning or perpetuated disinterest. She may be substituted by other females .. and the male will be watched for nest building and other signs of a spawning interest .. and he too may be substituted.

Betta Male Status

2005-01-30T18:26:00.000-05:00

Red Betta Male [WM-RFT_M 1] died suddenly overnight .. after introducing a female .. she was more his size, and after first parrying .. she avoided him. Both alternated hiding - occasionally in her refuge -- but no nest building or sign of spawning interest.

Sadly - he alone developed a non-slowing case of cottony fungus - more like a relax of his mucus generation (his slime) ..whhc occasionally invites that cottony fungus or linting effect. It was a minor case - he displayed no debility but in the loo department. A treatment for fungus was tank applied (since he showed it after other fish were with him) .. but the male betta was the sole apparent inflictee. Treated seemingly successfully - the traces receded .. but he appeared upside down and dead with no fungus.
When that happens - another approach is to treat with Maleaca - the general fish slime treatment .. also marketed as 'Betta Care'. Bettas occasionally display a stress reaction which can cause a short-term fungus-like look - and the Maleaca permits them to replenish the slime and shrug the fungus. Always sounds rather like an anthlete's stress bronchial syndrome - so maybe the female was too much for him. Dropsy also may happen - actually 'droopsy'.

He has been replaced by a tourquoise and aquamarine-red fan-tail male from Dave's. (DSPC-FTM-1) .. .the female at this time is well and separated. Their diet is being upped with bloodworms [freeze-dried]

Until the male shows a nesting interest and the female readies, the 40 L tank has been adjusted with a power fiter - if a spawning occurs .. the nest and fry will be conserved by a sponge filter (to avoid excessively disturbing the water surface & to avert filtering eggs or newborn into the filter trap).

Betta Links & Info

2005-01-30T17:48:00.000-05:00

AquariumFish.com: about Bettas here
AquariumFish.com: info about betta-female
Betta Bubble Aquarium Fish .Net Betta Pages
The link above shows Bettas raised and kept in cups for sale. [My first betta's were 'cup' raised for the pet store market & purchased in good health at WalMart ]
The Betta Cave you'll love this guy's cave & betta raising
Betta Crazed excellent for betta care & also betta genetics
Just Bettas BC Betta more about spawning at this page
Auaria-Web Bettas
more about spawning here
Ritter article Betta splendans
- references betta color perception
dave's Betta FAQ's
Betta Illnesses
International Betta Congress
Bettas are also raised for fighting only - links:
First Blood Bettas PlakatThai actual fighting breed fish (not for looks only) igbetta Chia Bettas Match Bettas Fighter Betta
Betta Foods
Brine Shrimp Direct
Tetra Fish
news:alt.aquaria.tropical.fish.hobbist
news:rec.aquaria.freshwater.misc

New Female Betta

2005-01-28T23:41:00.000-05:00

New female Betta has been acquired to pair with this male. She is much larger, almost his size, and aquarmarine & red. Rather than keep them separate, they have been placed in the same tank again, along with a return of an Otocinculus and a Corydoras aeneus albino catfish. Male Betta has accepted them all - the two catfish help keep the tank cleaner, and do not bother him now. Female Betta was of interest, and again plays cat & mouse - but does not show a current readyness to spawn . but occasionally flashed hints of her vertical bars.
She is behaving as the other did - but older and larger. Male Betta was not 'tantalized' and has yet to show an interest in nest building - though he does not ignore her. � No injury to either fish, nor fight .. both have a few hiding places in the 10 gal 40 L tank.
Unless he fights or appears not to want her as a tank mate - she will ready herself there. More readied and serious breeders would tantalize the male to push a particularized pair to mate.

The female was purchased locally at Agawam's 'locally famous' Dave's Soda & Pet City .. he had a supply newly in this week - her cost is $2.69. She, hence, will be DSPC-Aqua-Red FanTail Female I (DSPCAQRFTF-I).
More Betta info and links at href=http://community.webtv.net/smc_wmass/AQUARIUM>AQUARIUM

Betta Spawning

2005-01-28T10:43:00.000-05:00

Male betta remains in fine form, and another female or two will be obtained.
As a re-publication, the following is a chronicle of a lay hobbyists initial experience with a Betta Splendans pair. NB: the pair were separately purchased.

Betta Mating & Spawning Behavior from 01-07-05
This chronicle of a Betta splendans pair spawning was first published at: http://community.webtv.net/AQUARIUM Its author, this blgger, re-publishes it here.
Observed preliminary mating behavior :: female introduced - male observed her casually while in separation - after barrier removed (plastic bag) male displayed fins and gills & female fled to the bottom of the tank under the rock and tilted filter bottom. She has periodically surfaced evading the male -- and he prowls the rock for her when she returns to her refuge. [01-07-05]
01-08-05
Betta female periodically swims about the top .. then stands about 10 inches from the male's position ... then she swims slowly away as the male approaches and then darts like a torpedo to the tank bottom or the other side, returning to a hiding place under the rock or filter. Female coloration: when introduced ivory-gold .. after sighting and playing chase with the male she displayed a florid red filigree (ie red-gilt damascene) .. still no embrace - but longer outings ...
01-09-05
Betta female color has changed from ivory-gold with red filigree to fuller red outline in fins and silhouette - with irridesence and turquoise mid-line. She hides less .. and appears to flirt -still evading 'capture' but staying closer at times. Male alternates aloof stance with awaiting her at her hiding place. He has not commenced a 'nest' - but she behaves more invitingly. [ courtship almost reciprcated ]. � ( half end of a filtered/aerated tank [enjoyed] has floating plants & water still enough for 'nest' )
01-10-05
Male Betta (WMRSTM-1) has begun building a bubble nest for the female (WMVSTF-1). Both in a courting ritual have been closing on each without an embrace. The female, now with a mixed red outline and varied blue mid-section is actually enlarging inhe abdomen. The chase is still on .. but the female comes alone to look at the nest or draws near with the male watching.
Originally expected the male to use a 'boom' of floating plants to contain a nest bubble -but he made no effort. Then today, two floating large (5cm) begonia leaves enticed him to attempt to build, but they were not totally flat and too convex at the water surface (did not appear to capture air bubbles free from a wash out). So I cut the bottom from a small styrofoam dessert dish (about 3 inches (6-7 cm) in diameter with a small circumferential lip. It sits flat with a slight concave 'dome' over the water; it is 'coralled' in his chosen preferred slower water corner of the tank; and he is filling it with air bubbles. The female, started alabaster-yellow is more florid part-red as described; and periodically comes to look -or when alone behaves as if contributing a bubble.
(The bubble nest will hold the eggs when fertilized -as betta rasiers know).
Somethng behaving like a flat leaf to protect the nest for eggs is needed. Many breeders (referenced on-line) use a piece of styrofoam cup ... some in Asia may also use a leaf or two as I tried -which dodrwa the fish' interest -but must lay semi-dry flat or concave (dome) over the surface.
WMRSTM-1=WalMart Red single-tail male #1
WMVSTF-1=WalMart Varicolored single-tail female #1
01-10-05
Tank II 20% water change
Betta nest secured to quiet corner - is being refilled with bubbles by male (bubbles dislodged with water level reduction) Female variant in color - fattening & interested Water adjustment now to avoid during spawning & to refresh Tank - filtration good heat : 80 F
01-12-05
Male & female still have not spawned.
Female colors have now progressed from the slighlty yellow and white alabaster/ivory when purchased to the red & vari-color as described. � She is now the color of a mottled red-blue-purple in her mid sections with a red fin and silhouette outline. The midsection also now has horizontal lines running the length of the body like a striped bass.
On a few occasions she has shown concentric frontward slanted symmetrical vertical rings or bars on her nid-sction back of the middle.. which bars, as I have read are not omnipresent at start but do appear and indicate an increased interest in spwaning. She also nearly noses the patient male who keeps the bubble nest. � He goes periodically to the opposite tank corner and leaves the female to skirt and see the nest.
The references describe this as normal courting behavior. The female still darts fully away from any fuller male intentions. She is enlarging in the abdomen .. and thus seems to verify that greater visible ovidity is a matter of readying before spawning. She was about half his size at start but has enlarged.
As I have just the pair .. and as she is relaxed in the tank ... they are remaining there with ample refuges for her. � Spawning by their behavior appears anticipated.
The male has begun a periodic � 'pacing' (anthropomorphically presumed) in the bottom half of the tank - but has no vicious attack or posture in him to the female; occasionally flaring at his reflection.
Am anticipating spawing within a few days now as the female is enlarging and displaying what apears to be a mutual & receptive course toward the event. Once again - the vertical bands appear and disappear.
01-14-05
Am waiitng today for male betta reaction to a weather front, now moving through my area. Literature references that as a factor; which I also considered and noted when the pair were introduced. No mating yet ..some of the courtship waltz (ie circling) but no full readiness by the female --but no hostility either. � A first mating is a factor . .her skittishness (running fear) was noted at the start; also her lack of fuller obvious ovidty - but her abdomen has been noticably larger. Today she responded more positively to the flake food option -rtaher than nibble at tank top or bottom to the large betta pellets - [Wardley's Betta food :: a dried blood worms & meal compound etc]. Also the male has relaxed 'nest building & tending' the nest has de-bubbled. Literature states that the nest building and mating are both territorial reactions: reactive to other males; or water changes or variances. Last water change ..which affected the nest resulted in an eager and hasty re-build before present abandon. Female is relaxed and companionable .. by reading-this is also a normal factor with two as a pair - there is no hostility but no mating. Hastening the mating and re-encouraging nest building may come later today when measure the impact of weather barometric pressure; including short-term removal of the female to a community tank; and another tack of bottom cleaning & filter rinse. Also - the male betta is not color-blind .. actually distinguishes color --and is attracted to his own.
My female betta's redding at start from a variant white-yellow, to the present mix od metallic blue-green stripe with gold mid-section countered by red fins and outline may affect short-term interest. Have also read ..that the initial white-yellow color of the female may be a 'stress phenomenon' by reason of shipping or container maintenance [see Just Bettas in the BETTA links table.]
'Java Moss' in the betta tank is growing and floating -- yesterday 01-13-05 was a food source for the female betta - not the plant actually but the infusoria 'java moss' generates (ie microscopoc rotifers etc) - she actually picked over it as if finding and eating crustacea in grass.
Two more helpful breeding links:
Ritter article Betta splendans
- references betta color perception
dave's Betta FAQ's
01-16-05
Male betta is completely indifferent to spawning now - female now is a mixed gold-red-blue midsection with a full red fin and silhouette. Weather system changed to high pressure - betta also receptive & docile to other tank mate - a bottom cleaning Corydoras aeneus albino catfish - to re-induce male 'nest building' & interest - female will be removed for a few days and returned in time for a low pressure system -pending rain/snow storm later this week. Nesting is induced as a form of territorial behavior at right time with a 'ready' female when the male asserts it. Styrofoam has been temporarily reoved and replaced with two large green floating begonia leaves -which invite a a similar canopy.
Notation on male feeding - receiving a standard prepared 'betta' pellet formula which includes ground blood worms & shrimp meal .. the male betta plays a form of 'head ball' ... soccer-style ... with the pellets ... bouncing and corralling them on his nose - moving them and then tossing them up for a gulp.
01-17-05
Female betta was removed [01-16-05] to the community tank for a week or so ..which will give her a continued growth period, and may when re-introduced, re-spark the male to nest building. The community tnak is a mix of peacefule grouping 'serpae tetra' , albino corydoras, and otocinculus suckermouth cats. She is the 'first' and currently only Asian species in the tank ... found her niche and privacy and has adjusted well -same for the other species. Male betta is 'lording' in the tank alone save for a Corydoras Albino cat ... and appears relaxed and spends more time cruising the tank - he has not resumed any nest building - but notes and uses the canopy of floating leaves, and a styrofoam shallow dish (about 8cm :: 3") as optional nest floats/canopies.
01-24-05
Male betta still in separate tank with Otocinculus added to him & Albino Corydoras 'cat' - to check glass algae ... female betta doing well adn adjusted in 'community tank' - growing and enlarging in the abdomen. Her colors have firmed now ..and she retains a materially red-gold look with some blue highlights mid-section & appears to be a 'crown-tail'. The pair may be re-united is week coordinating the full moon & an arriving weather system. [They respond to lows as if optimistic to rain]
This chronicle of this pair and their spawning continues at this Betta Blog RSS-XML Betta

Female betta Status

2005-01-28T10:30:00.000-05:00

Female betta died about 19:00 est 01-27-05 .. likely due to either an egg-bound problem or constipation. Epsom salts, if in time, 1 tbs per gallon in de-chlorinated and warmer water (ie 78-80F) as a 15 minutes or so bath, repeated daily for a few days if needed.
Lacking Epsom salts .. a salt - sea salt or Kosher salt which would contain a greater degree of magnesium - but in a weaker formula than Epsom (ie a tsp per gallon) may have some effect.
The maganese sulfate induces a relief of the constipation - which intestinal deposit string should be apparent. Decrease or stop feeding for a day or two.
Bettas with pellet food may sometimes become constipated.
In the case of egg bound female egg layers a similar treatment induces a passing or re-absorption of the eggs if in time.
This betta female had been unready at first attempteed spawning, and was separated to return the male's interest, and to allow her growth. With no signs of constipation or excessive eggbinding until this morning, she may have scented her male from plants or other fish transfered from the spawning tank ..which could have advanced her spawning readiness ... including the reappearing vertical bars.
The fish so affected -either case - may slow its movement, lay on its side, continue breathing [lessened gill and fin function], and would gradually weaken. The slowed metabolism invites other diseases or infection.
To attempt to mate an unready female is unproductive - hence the wait. By all other normal signs she would have been introduced this afternoon.
Another mis-leading sysmtom - a fish hiding at the bottom is sometimes a 'stress' from temperature change or new fish .. but these were ruled out ..as she occasionally mixed and stayed behind a rock. � She did appear as if her egg carrying status were moving her - perhaps a reaction to the male.
At first the mild salt bath appeared to work - but she then returned to the same weakened state .a second mild bath on the prior sucess had no ameliorative effect.
Links for some of the fish illness symptoms are on this page:
http://community.webtv.net/smc_wmass/AQUARIUM

Female status

2005-01-27T14:39:00.000-05:00

Female betta, after posting this morning, resumed a retreat in the
community tank next to plants at the tank bottom. About 13:00 est she
was obserevd less active after mid-day feeding. At first thought dead,
she was discerned alive ... still breathing but near motionlessness.
Removed carefully, she responded with movement and was 'jarred' in a
container to revive her. No response to food, and refreshed with an
aerator, but continued to lay on her side breathing. If the term is
appropriate, she appears egg-bound.
So, she was next placed in a container in the spawning tank for warmth
and maintenance. She is separate from the male who with cognizance of
her, has no interest in her. [Same male rejected her before after an
initial interest.]
She has pronounced visible black slanted vertical bars (one on each
side with the impressions of the remaining customary three pair) but
remains on her side occasionally rolli over, and still breathing.
Uknown what her response would be to e relief: ie as for constipation or
an eggbound state - such as an epsom salt solution.
As to mating, by reference to the mating literature, males may reject
females as spawnng mates. She has also been on the smaller side, and is
still almost half his size. Whether she can or will pass eggs and live,
without male embrace is unnown. Stale eggs would be eaten by fish or
left to decay, and not fertilized.

Female interest

2005-01-27T12:02:00.000-05:00

Female betta remains in a separate community tank, but is as yesterday
enalrging -ie showing signs of ovidity and the vertical bars more
latently apparent. (She will more visibly display those bars when
spawning in the male's presence .. the bars may also be muscular
developments of her abdomen to help her stain the rigor of the
spawning.)
Their spawning tank -a spartan 40 L (10 gal)- was further readied
yesterday with a graduated temperature raise to 80F (about 25C+ ... and
a cleaning of the tank bottom -which since by syphon vacuum lead to a
50% water change. The water change would also emulate a 'rain
freshening' with the passing weather front.
The tank bottom has two 'small-opening' places for the female size only
to enter and rest or escape a vigourous pursuit (her escape is her
protection until willingly embraced for spawn). [Used a two inch 5cm
piece of PVC pipe about 1.5 cm diameter & a small novelty ceramic
house].
Plants were removed - some floating anacharis and especially java moss
will be returned. Some of those plants, and the Corydoras and the
Otocinculus, which shared the male betta's tank, were moved to the
community tank.
If bettas have a proven sense of smell of chemical percepton to each
other as well as the referenced color enabled sight, then she reacted to
smell or chemical perception of the male on the plants or water with the
other joined fish. First excitedly and amoruoly to one small plant -then
to a second bunch of -planted anacharia -previously floated (in the
spawning tank) - by taking air and then staying on the bottom right next
to the rooted anacharis -almost pining. She is otherwise well and still
swims about -though less in the last 24 hours -maybe a mix of hiding and
anticipation. Were she an ordinary egglaying species - she would appear
almost eggbound -as if readying to lay her eggs; and a bit, newly,
territorial. She still eats normally. She will likely join the male for
a 'tantalus' today.

Betta Spawning

2005-01-26T13:18:00.000-05:00

The female betta .. still separated is showing more signs of full
adult-hood, including a subtle display of forward slanted vertical bars
-- three, and an enlarging abdomen.
Those are signs of ovidity and readiness to spawn. She may be re-paired
with the male today .. taking advantage of a lwo pressure weather
system.
They do apparently respond to the weather especially at mating time -
possibly a reaction to anticipated tropical rain.

this blog
continues a published chronicle of this betta pairing at this site by
Scott M. Connolly. -- scottmcon

Betta Splendans

2005-01-26T11:34:00.000-05:00

Shortly, this blog will chronicle the now - common to many - experience of this bogger in keeping and spawning theworld famous betta splendans the Siamese fighting fish.

Thank you for reading.