What Does Flaring Actually Mean ?

[jasminekiddell]

Ok, what does flaring mean? Ive heard different things but what does it actually mean?

 

[loraxchick]

when a betta feels territorial and wants to strut their stuff (females included) the open their gill flaps really wide and males have an auxiliary membrane beneath the gills that also "unfurl" below their gills (called a beard...females dont have beards)...they do this to look bigger than they really are and as a threat to whatever is incroaching on their territory. could be another fish (or reflection), a snail, other tankmates, bubbles from the filter, plants, etc. some do it more than others.
is that the "meaning" you were looking for?
cheers

 

[jasminekiddell]

is that the "meaning" you were looking for?
cheers

Yep thats the sort of response i wanted lol thanks.

 

[loraxchick]

welcome as always!
cheers!