my beta fish (by the way i bought about a week ago) well what it is doing is, you know the gills on the back of there neck that they open and close for oxygen? My fish is opening then really big like an inch away from the body. The other thing is he is keeping them open for as long as a minute, is this normal?
2006-12-19 07:25:18 · 8 answers · asked by electra 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Can he see his reflection in the tank sides because it sounds like he is displaying at what he thinks is a rival.
2006-12-19 07:34:58 · answer #1 · answered by stevehart53 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Beta fish are also know as "Fighting Fish." This is why the males have to be kept in a separate bowl. If they see another male, or think they see another male (their reflection), the gills go up and look really big. You can really see this if you hold a mirror up to their bowl. They try to look big, and even dart around, trying to intimidate their reflection. If this is what you're talking about, It's normal. Mine did this too.
More information on their behavior here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siamese_Fighting_Fish
2006-12-19 15:36:18 · answer #2 · answered by Sam-I-Am 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is there a mirror nearby? This is normally a defense mechanism. If there's a mirror or another fish nearby that could be causing it. Look for something that would make it feel afraid or challenged.
If your beta is doing this constantly it probably is not good for it because it is under constant stress.
2006-12-19 15:33:40 · answer #3 · answered by Duds331 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YAY...U have a healthy betta trying to flare at itself...hes not sick-- hes just trying to scare off his own reflection. its called flaring when a betta opens its gill covers and stretches that membrane thingie. its healthy for a betta to do it. hes perfectly fine...just trying to kill his reflection.....
2006-12-20 23:25:17 · answer #4 · answered by Shadow(betta boy) 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's totally normal so don't worry. They do this when they see their reflection, other bettas, or things that are upsetting them.
2006-12-19 23:26:53 · answer #5 · answered by ♥ Zoey ♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its very natural if they see anything another fish or not that they think is in their territory then they will defend themselves. Its to show the intruder how big he is and how the intruder wouldn't wanna fight him.
2006-12-19 15:43:06 · answer #6 · answered by molly 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is perfectly for bettas. It is how they show other bettas who is boss. Sometimes they do it just for no reason. So don't worry.
2006-12-19 15:49:18 · answer #7 · answered by fish guy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you have a male it will flair at an thing it will try to be tough and yes this is normal
2006-12-22 18:57:54 · answer #8 · answered by robert g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋