1. Introduction
【Child】 Professor, do you know the famous Old Fashioned Strawberry painting by Jean-François Millet? I was just thinking how delightful it would be if there was a fish as mesmerizing as the Old Fashioned Strawberry! Is there one that you know of?
【Professor】 Ah, what a fascinating connection you’ve made! Yes, there is a fish that fits that description perfectly. It’s called the Old Fashioned Strawberry, also known as Betta splendens. They are a gorgeous species with a captivating beauty, much like the strawberries in Millet’s painting. Today, let’s learn more about these charming creatures.
2. Characteristics
【Child】 Professor, when I imagine an Old Fashioned Strawberry, I think of the countless delicate colors blending together on a canvas. Does this fish similarly boast an array of vibrant hues?
【Professor】 Indeed, it does! The Old Fashioned Strawberry’s body features a stunning mix of red, blue, yellow, white, and other colors. You can find variations in body shape and size, but generally, they are around 2-3 inches in length. Their striking fins are also noteworthy, as they can be varying in length and design, resembling a flowing gown at times.
3. Habitat
【Child】 Professor, I remember reading about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which was an oasis amid a desert. How do these magnificent fish survive in the wild? Do aquariums provide a fitting habitat for such a wonder?
【Professor】 A great reference! These enchanting creatures naturally dwell in shallow tropical ponds, rice paddies, and swamps in Southeast Asia. In an aquarium, it’s essential to recreate their natural environment, providing them with plants and hiding spots. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem as predators, feeding on small insects and larvae.
4. Husbandry Requirements:
【Child】 Professor, like Jane Austen’s elegant novel, Pride and Prejudice, I can imagine these fish living a life of refinement. What are the specific requirements needed to ensure they flourish in an aquarium?
【Professor】 Great analogy, my young friend! For an Old Fashioned Strawberry to thrive, it requires proper care and attention. The water temperature should be between 76-82°F, and the water pH should be 6.5-7.5. A tank size of at least 5 gallons is adequate for one, and a gentle water current is ideal. They prefer live or frozen food, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
5. Behavior
【Child】 Professor, in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the vibrant characters come out when night falls. Are these fish also active during the night like nocturnal beings, or can we observe their vivid ballet throughout the day?
【Professor】 Beautifully put! They are not purely nocturnal but are known as diurnal, meaning they are predominantly active during the day. They swim gracefully, usually alone or in small groups, and display stunning agility when hunting their prey.
6. Breeding
【Child】 In the classical Chinese love story of The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, the protagonists can only meet once a year. Professor, how do these enticing fish reproduce to continue creating such undeniable beauty?
【Professor】 What a timeless romantic tale! The Old Fashioned Strawberries are bubble nesters, meaning the male creates a nest of bubbles at the water’s surface. After elaborate courtship dances, the male wraps around the female, embracing her and fertilizing the eggs she releases. The male then carefully collects the eggs and places them in the bubble nest while protecting them until they hatch.
7. Cautions
【Child】 Life is filled with complexities, like the intricate tapestries woven during the Middle Ages. Are there any potential challenges or difficulties in keeping Old Fashioned Strawberries with other fish species?
【Professor】 What an apt comparison! Yes, there are some cautions to consider when keeping Old Fashioned Strawberries. They are known as Siamese Fighting Fish; males can become aggressive towards each other and sometimes other fish. To minimize territorial disputes, it’s best to provide ample hiding spaces and avoid housing them with overly aggressive or fin-nipping species.
8. Conclusion
【Professor】 In summary, Old Fashioned Strawberry fish are captivating creatures with their vibrant colors and elegant fin displays, much like Millet’s painting that inspired our discussion. To create a comfortable environment for them, adhere to the proper husbandry requirements, monitor their behavior, and ensure a harmonious aquarium. Just like the intricate beauty in literature and art, these fish never cease to amaze those who appreciate their charm.