Finally found some guppies so I have a question.
Yes, its understood that Lisa presently has a Betta. I don’t think that I quite understand your point though; some books say WHAT for Bettas? I fail to see what you’re trying to say. A lone Betta in a 2 1/2 gallon tank is fine (having a 72 sq. inch surface area). Along these same lines, Dr. Innes went on to state: “Labyrinth fishes (Bettas, Paradise, Gouramies) need about half the amount of air surface calculated for other fishes of the same size.” To clarify, the rational behind this, as most of us know, is that Anabantoid fishes containing the auxilliary labyrinth breathing apparatus as part of their anatomy can make direct use of atmospheric oxygen. I had to catch myself there, as now with Badis and Dario species also included in this same Family, a blanket statement of Anabantids breathing air can no longer be used, although I’m sure the point is well taken with Bettas.
I’ll agree that Bettas should not be stuffed into flower vases just for the purpose of decoration. Most often, the recipient of such a gift (and they are often given as gifts) do not know the first thing about fish care. Coupled with that, I don’t believe there is any provision to feed the Betta in this situation, as there’s little access to the water’s surface. This does not even begin to address any filtration (or PWC) issues, which are completely absent with these set-ups and are direly needed more so in some case over others depending on the individual success (or failure) of the subject plant involved. Fortunately, the species will at least tolerate temperatures from 68 o to 90 o (and possibly a bit wider range), even though it may not be in their best comfort at times, since “room temperature” can have a wide meaning.
While it would seem that Platies would (could?) breed with Guppies, since they are both Livebearers, I have never heard of such a cross and there may well be some reason why they won’t (can’t?) interbreed. It has been already established though that guppies will breed with mollies. No need for speculation when it comes to Platies and Swordtails, as we know this is how various color strains of them both were first established. Ray
Category: Philippines Internet Koi Society
