Male Betta?

[adam98150]

My male betta has, you could say, frills/a beard which it shows when being attacked or threatened, is this for defence purposes to scare off predators because it seems to do so, and works, when my gourami comes close to it/threatens it.

Thanks in advance, adam.

 

[lisie]

It's just meant to make him look like a big tough guy.

 

[soritan]

You're refering to "Flaring", which bettas are famous for.

When I read your topic and topic description, I had a funny image of a sign, "DANGER, BETTA SPLENDENS, GAURD FISH", and a little bowl with a madly flaring fish on your front porch.

 

[ezrock]

B) i pictured that same thing! funny little mental image

-Ian

 

[amio]

Hehe. I pictured something similar.

Oh, and by the way, you're not supposed to keep your betta with a gourami.


John

 

[liz2]

Poor Mr Betta move him away from nasty gourami!

 

[adam98150]

Thanks for the advice and info, appreciate it.
The gourami doesnt bother my betta since the 'flaring' incident.

 

[splashluff]

Your Gourami hasn't attacked your Betta YET, but do you really want to take the chance and risk his life? My friends baby Gourami ripped dozens of scales off of her giant goldfish out of nowhere, in one day. Imagine what she could do to a little Betta! Please give your Betta a nice 5g to himself, he'd love you for it! He also isn't compatible with guppies and neon tetras... and it looks like your tank is overstocked.

 

[flautist]

The tank is definitely over-stocked... if I remember correctly, plecs need at least 20 Gallons to themselves. Even if I'm wrong on that, though, the general rule of thumb is one inch of fish per gallon of water.
Also, your Gourami will attack the betta, your Tetras will nip at the betta's fins, and the betta will attack your guppy. It's not a good mix at all.