Siamese
fighting fish take gulps of air from above water so they can continue to clash,
say scientists.
Males
of the species, known for their aggressive territorial displays, can also take
in oxygen from both the air and water.
Scientists
analysed how the fish harness this ability in order to maintain energy during a
fighting bout.
They
found that males incorporate visits to the surface into their battles to boost
their oxygen uptake.
"It
seems their smaller gills, a result of living in low oxygenated water, cannot
keep up with the vigour of the fight, and more air breathing is required,"
explained Dr Steven Portugal from the Royal Veterinary College, London.
He
worked with colleagues from the University of Queensland, Australia on the
study published in the journal Comparative
Biology and Physiology Part A.
Siamese
fighting fish (Betta splendens) are found throughout south-east Asia where they
live in low-oxygenated pools and rice paddies.
Continued: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/20462529
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