It's hard to fathom that the graceful and colorful Siamese fighting fish possesses ferocious fighting habits.
When two males encounter each other, they engage in relentless chases and biting until one succumbs, often leading to fatal outcomes.
In today's society, an increasing number of enthusiasts are captivated by the allure of keeping ornamental fish, with the Siamese fighting fish gaining popularity among breeders alongside species like peacock fish.
However, it's crucial to understand that keeping two male Siamese fighting fish in the same tank is a recipe for disaster due to their aggressive nature, resulting in brutal battles that often end in fatality.
Originating from equatorial countries such as Thailand and Malaysia, Siamese fighting fish inhabit shallow waters like swamps and muddy ponds with minimal water flow and temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius.
Despite being a tropical ornamental fish, Siamese fighting fish are relatively adaptable to varying water qualities. They can survive from 20-30 ℃, with the optimum water temperature being 24-27 ℃. Neutral water with a pH of 6.5-7.2 and dissolved oxygen maintained at 5mg/L is conducive to their well-being.
A distinctive feature of the Siamese fighting fish is its pleated gills, a unique respiratory structure. These gills allow them to breathe directly from the air in environments with low dissolved oxygen, aiding in gas exchange. Evolved from the pharyngeal gill bone and upper gill bone of the first-gill arch, pleated gills have microvessels, earning them names like fan gills or upper gill structures.
Distinguishing between male and female Siamese fighting fish is relatively straightforward. Males exhibit longer and larger dorsal and caudal fins, with a more vibrant body color and larger size compared to females. Additionally, females have a distinctive rounded "navel" at the front of their buttocks, resembling a fish egg attached.
While renowned for their aggressive behavior, Siamese fighting fish display hostility primarily between males. Their intense battles involve open gill covers, chest, abdomen, back, buttocks, and tail fins, with rhythmic tremors before launching attacks.
Despite their fighting prowess, Siamese fighting fish can coexist peacefully with other tropical fish varieties, making mixed breeding a viable option without triggering aggressive behavior.
The Siamese fighting fish, with its captivating beauty and fierce demeanor, elicits a unique fascination when observed.
The mesmerizing Siamese fighting fish, known for its vibrant colors and seemingly delicate appearance, conceals a fierce nature that surfaces when confronting its kind.
As more individuals immerse themselves in ornamental fishkeeping, the Siamese fighting fish stands out for its exotic allure. However, a critical lesson for enthusiasts is the inherent aggression between male specimens, necessitating solitary confinement to avert brutal clashes.
Native to tropical realms like Thailand and Malaysia, these fighters thrive in warm, still waters, showcasing adaptability to varying water conditions. Their pleated gills, a unique respiratory adaptation, enable survival in oxygen-deprived environments by facilitating direct air breathing.
Differentiating between male and female Siamese fighting fish is straightforward, as males flaunt larger fins and a more pronounced color palette, while females display a distinctive "navel" near their buttocks.
Despite their combative tendencies, these captivating fish can coexist harmoniously with other tropical species, presenting a harmonious option for mixed aquariums.
