1. Posturing and Displays:
- Fin Spreading: They flare their fins, especially their long, flowing dorsal, caudal, and anal fins, making themselves appear larger and more intimidating.
- Color Enhancement: Their vibrant colors become even more intense, likely due to increased blood flow to the skin.
- Body Positioning: They position themselves with their bodies angled towards each other, often with their heads lowered and their bodies arched.
- Gill Cover Display: They may rapidly flutter their gill covers, creating a pulsating effect.
2. Attacking and Defending:
- Biting and Wrestling: They use their sharp teeth to bite and attempt to pin their opponent.
- Tail Slapping: They may lash their tails against their opponent, attempting to stun or disorient them.
- Circling and Chasing: They circle each other, trying to gain an advantage or outmaneuver their opponent.
3. Submission and Retreat:
- Color Fading: The losing fish's colors may fade as they become subdued.
- Fin Folding: The losing fish may fold their fins and lower their body, signifying submission.
- Retreating: The losing fish may retreat, acknowledging the other fish's dominance.
Factors Affecting Fighting:
- Territoriality: Fighting is primarily driven by territoriality, as males fiercely defend their space.
- Hormonal Influence: Testosterone levels play a role in aggression, particularly during breeding season.
- Environmental Factors: Crowded conditions or limited resources can increase aggression.
Important Note: While fighting fish are known for their aggression, it's crucial to remember that it's not a good idea to encourage fights. These fights can be stressful and even deadly for the fish. It's best to keep them in separate tanks to prevent unnecessary aggression.
Instead of encouraging fighting, focus on providing a stimulating environment for your betta. This can include:
- Ample space in their tank
- Live plants for hiding and exploration
- Enrichment toys like caves and driftwood
By understanding the factors that trigger fighting and providing a peaceful environment, you can ensure the well-being of your fighting fish.