1. Introduction
【Child】:
Professor, I encountered a fish species called フラミンゴ (furamingo) in a book I read recently, but I don’t seem to find much information about it. Can you tell me more about this fish?
【Professor】:
Ah, my young friend, it seems there might be a small misunderstanding here. The term フラミンゴ (furamingo) actually translates to “flamingo” in English, which is a type of bird, not a fish. Nevertheless, let us embark on a fishy adventure and learn more about a fascinating fish species in this article.
2. Characteristics
【Child】:
Oh, I see! It must be like the Cheshire Cat’s mix-up in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. So, let’s talk about a real fish! How about the Betta fish? What makes them special, professor?
【Professor】:
Indeed! Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a vibrant bunch, just like the colorful characters of wonderland. They come in an array of colors and patterns, making them a visual feast for the eyes. Apart from their beauty, they are known for their distinct, elongated fins and aggressive nature, especially among males.
【Child】:
I’m reminded of the intricately folded paper cranes in Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes! With their elaborate fins, Betta fish must be the masters of aquatic origami, don’t you think?
【Professor】 (chuckling):
An amusing analogy; Betta fish do indeed have an artistic flair of their own. Their long, flowing fins have a captivating elegance, making them a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts.
3. Habitat
【Child】:
In Gulliver’s Travels, Gulliver explores various fantastical lands. Could you be my guide and tell me about the natural habitat of Betta fish and how we could recreate it in an aquarium?
【Professor】:
Betta fish originate from the shallow, slow-moving waters of Southeast Asia, like the rice paddies, marshes, and ponds. Just as Gulliver adapts to different lands, Betta fish can adapt to a range of environments.
In an aquarium, the key is to provide them with adequate space and hiding spots with plants or decorations. The water should be kept clean and warm (between 76-82°F). And just like in their natural habitat, a calmer water flow is preferred.
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】:
An aquarium is like an underwater utopia, don’t you think? What essentials do we need for our aquatic friends to thrive?
【Professor】:
Indeed, creating the perfect Utopia for our Betta fish involves catering to their needs. Maintaining water quality is imperative; a pH of around 7.0 and soft to moderately hard water is suitable. A 5-gallon tank or larger is recommended to give them enough room to explore. As for nutrition, Supply them with a balanced diet of high-quality pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods.
5. Behavior
【Child】:
Are Betta fish the social butterflies of the underwater world, or are they like introverted poets, existing in their solitude?
【Professor】:
Ah, a wonderful comparison! Betta fish, especially the males, lean more towards the introverted side. Males can be territorial and aggressive if kept together, so it’s best to keep them individually. However, female Bettas can coexist in a sorority tank, under the right circumstances. And like nocturnal poets that write under the moonlight, Betta fish rest during the night and are active during the day.
6. Breeding
【Child】:
As Romeo and Juliet found love in a hopeless place, Betta fish must have their own love stories. How do they breed, professor?
【Professor】:
Betta fish breeding is quite a fascinating process! The male creates a bubble nest at the water surface. When the female is ready, she embraces the male, and they release eggs and sperm simultaneously. The male will then collect the fertilized eggs into the bubble nest, guarding it from potential threats. Just like Shakespeare’s plays, Betta fish breeding can be highly dramatic!
7. Cautions
【Child】:
Even paradise comes with a few perils. What cautions should we take when keeping Betta fish?
【Professor】:
Indeed, caution is necessary in creating an aquatic paradise. When it comes to tank mates, one must carefully choose non-aggressive and non-finely-finned fish; otherwise, the Betta fish may become the aggressor or the victim. Be watchful of sudden changes in water quality, as these can stress the Betta fish, making them susceptible to diseases.
8. Conclusion
【Child】:
Professor, you have been the Virgil to my Dante in exploring the realm of Betta fish. But before we depart, could you recount the highlights of this watery journey?
【Professor】:
Of course, dear child! Throughout this exploration, we learned about the fascinating appearance and characteristics of Betta fish. We discovered their natural habitat and how to replicate it in an aquarium. We also discussed husbandry requirements, behavior, breeding, and essential cautions to ensure these enchanting creatures continue to grace our underwater paradises with their vibrant presence.
【Child】:
Thank you, professor! The world of Betta fish is just as marvelous as I imagined! I can’t wait for our next aquatic adventure.