2007-02-27 06:11:20 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
That's his gill plates. He does that and spreads his fins when he feels threatened or wants to attract a female. It's called flaring by betta keepers.
MM
2007-02-27 06:25:45 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, betta are known as Chinese fighting fish. When they see another fish or are irritated, they make the gills on the side of their head puff out. It's a scare tactic to make them look bigger and seem more scary to opponent fish. Do this. Take a mirror and hold it up to the tank. You fish will get really mad and stick those things out because he thinks it's another fish.
2007-02-27 15:01:18 · answer #2 · answered by SavingCats 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like normal betta aggression rather than fear. A betta who is afraid runs, and hides. A male betta (and sometimes the females) will puff out his fins, and "flair" his gill covers. I find they enjoy doing it, and often benefit from getting their mad on every so often. An hour or so of mirror time a week won't hurt. Just be sure not to leave the mirror out all day long. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bettaflare.jpg
2007-02-27 15:56:37 · answer #3 · answered by Sabersquirrel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is when the fish get upset they stick their gills out the sides head. Do not put them by a mirror because they do this often and it can injur them if they do if too much. that is why they are called Chinese fighting fish.
2007-02-27 14:43:54 · answer #4 · answered by meggie v 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its an intimidation or spawning tactic. Usually the male will shake his fins around and stick out his gills as if he were saying "Look at me I'm bigger, better and scarier than you." I have six betta fish and this is simply an intimidation tactic. Completely normal.
2007-02-27 14:25:10 · answer #5 · answered by Sara C 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi. I have had bettas for years. I agree with the other answers about agression. It is an intimidation tactic and a sign that it is standing up for itself. As much fun as it may be to sit there and poke at the glass on the tank to tick him off, avoid it...he will stress out and get sick. : )
2007-02-27 15:02:55 · answer #6 · answered by demongelding1@hotmail.com 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a defense mechanism. When the fish feels threatened or about to attack another beta fish they puff those out... not sure what they are called. It's suppose to scare the other fish/predator.
2007-02-27 14:18:16 · answer #7 · answered by peppermint242006 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's the gills flaring out. They do that when in "fight" mode. they can also do it to you sometimes if they see you. I read that you should try to get them to do it often because it's like exercise to them.
Put a mirror up to the fishes tank and it should flare it's gills for you.
2007-02-27 18:53:59 · answer #8 · answered by KarenGus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when bettas get excited (ready to fight) they puff up and they stick their gills out. could that be it?
2007-02-27 14:16:43 · answer #9 · answered by Ben W 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋
real descriptive :l
2007-02-27 14:15:13 · answer #10 · answered by =Matt= 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋