Betta Question

[MikeO]

I could not resist, I went out and got a 2 gallan tank today, filled the base of it with gravel from my main tank (the main tank has a UG filter) and put two of the live plants from the main tank in the 2 gallan tank, and put a lovly betta in it. I should have over seeded the 2 gal tank with the needed bacteria.

My question is, I notice that the betta is opening its gills fully at the side of the tank, what is it doing and why?

 

[DaisyGirl]

Nice choice with a betta. Good luck keeping just one. lol.

When a betta fish open up their gill covers, and open their tail fins more, they are "puffing up" to what they think is another male betta (their reflection) in the glass. When they puff up like that, they are showing how big and colorful they are. Don't be alarmed. Normal betta behavior.

Got any pics?

 

[Harlock]

Yip. DG hit it. After a while, once it's used to its new home, it will chill out and stop flaring anytime it encounters its own reflection in the glass. I think it is healthy for them to flare once in a while, so about once a week, I get a mirror in front of my son's betta to get him riled up. Also, most folks use this technique t get really good pictures of their bettas fins. otherwise, they sorta float around.

 

[Emg]

You mean this ?

It means he's feeling spunky and very well...enjoy your new betta Miko ! I love every single one of mine (I started with just one too....!)

 

[MikeO]

Thanks for the infomation DG and Harlock. He look really good in the store when I got him, his colors dimed abit on the way home, but I am sure that in a little while his colors will be great.


I have takens some pictures of him. you can see them here http://www.mikeoconnor.net/Photos/thumbnails.php?album=30