The present study looks at the aggressive behavior of male Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens). These fish show four types of aggressive behavior: fin flare, gill flare, charging, and biting to visual stimuli. The first experiment examined the Bettas reaction to their image as shown to them in a either a magnified or normal mirror. The results of this experiment indicated that the fish will display more and longer at their regular image. The second experiment examined their reaction to another individual whose tank was placed adjacent to theirs in which there was recent or no recent mirror exposure. Results indicated that there will be more aggressive display between males when there was recent mirror exposure. Experiment 3 looked at the affects of different color on the aggressive displays of the fish, when the fish were presented with stimuli resembling themselves. The results of this experiment revealed that color does not appear to affect the aggressive displays of Betta splendens.
             Aggressive Behavior of Male Siamese Fighting Fish
             (Betta splendens) in Various Encounters.
             Male Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) are a very interesting and common aquarium species. They are small colorful fish native to rice paddies and other shallow waters of Thailand. Contrary to common expectancies, these fish are extremely aggressive toward and competitive with each other (Lee & Lux, 2001). The interesting part is their display and attack behavior that they exhibit when exposed to rival males of the same species. Male fish have a built in instinct to fight other male the fish. Males, by nature, will fight until their opponent is near death or has swam away in defeat. Reasons for this could range from territory to mating. There are four common aggressive displays that Siamese fighting fish display; these are flaring of the fins, flaring of the gills, charging and gulping.
             Like all animals, Siamese fighting fish must make an ...