Spatial Effects on Betta splendens

Siamese Fighting Fish

PCB 3043L Principles of Ecology Lab Candace Calvert, Melody Harrell, and Kimberly Tarre

Question:This observation (in nature) poses the question that,

“If Betta splendens cohabitate in the wild, then why do they battle until the end when confined/ limited

space?”

Observation: Betta splendens cohabitate

in the wild.

Observation & Hypothesis

http://oregonstate.edu/media/cfhxbq

Hypothesis: Is space a variable when

determining if male Betta splendens can cohabitate in

captivity?

Total # of aggressive behaviors displayed

Tank size (gal)

027.513.75 41.256.875

Figure 1Predicted outcome

General Prediction

As the tank size increases the display of aggressive behaviors will decrease.

55.0

Lab ExperimentTest what is the optimal tank size in which 2 male betas can cohabitate

by analyzing aggressive behavior.

55gal

Variable Tested: Aggression/Habitat Size

27.5 gal

13.75 gal

6.875 gal

Figure 2Methodology

A 55 gallon tank will be marked & a barrier will be placed depending on

the random pick.

41.25 gal

Time Table: 5 minute increments & subject to change

Methodology

10 Betta splendens 5 Tank-Sizes Biases Eliminated Randomized

Selections 5 Days (all tank sizes

tested each day) 2 Fish per Tank Size

Environmental Biases - Abiotic factors: Temperature & Oxygen Tank heater Aerating system

Biases, Consistency & Repetition

Learned Behavior/Personal recognition Bias

Randomize betta pairs

Worn Out Bias Randomize

Resource/Energy Bias Feeding schedule - 2 pellets & 1 hour before test

Overall Point of this slide is that we have taken factors in account that could alter our results and lead to a misrepresentation of how the space variable actually influences beta cohabitation in the nature/wild.

Complexity Additional variable after data collected and analyzed?

Prediction:Adding complexity to a smaller tank, will decrease the aggressive behavior

as compared to our results from the experiment.

THE END

http://www.thebettalady.co.uk/bettainfo.htm

References

Braddock, J. C. and Z. I. Braddock. 1955. Aggressive Behavior Among Females of the Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta Splendens. Physiological Zoology 28 (2): 152- 172. Print.

Goldstein, Stephen. 1975. Observations on the Establishment of a Stable Community of Adult Male and Female Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta Splendens). Animal Behaviour 23 (1): 179-85. Print.

Itzkowitz, Murray. 1971. Preliminary Study of the Social Behavior of Male Bambusia Affinis (Baird and Birard) (Pisces: Poeciliidae) in Aquaria. Chesapeake Science 12 (4): 219-24. Print.

Jaroensutasinee, M. and K. Jaroensutasinee. 2001. Sexual Size Dimorphism and Male Contest in Wild Siamese Fighting Fish. Journal of Fish Biology 59 (6): 1614-21. Print.

Matos, R. J. and P. K. McGregor. 2002. The Effect of the Sex of an Audience on Male-Male Displays of Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta Splendens). Behaviour 139 (9): 1211-21. Print.

Skomal, Gregory. 2005. Freshwater Aquarium. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley Publishing, Inc.