Now under water
Where our fish friends inhabit
Must have gills to breathe.
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But one that breathes air
The Betta in rice paddies
Has a labyrinth.
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Labyrinth takes air
Supplements the gill function
Breathes air and O 2.
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Bettas can be trained
Tap on tank, they come to feed
So much fun to watch.
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Bettas bred for years
So long ago--4 K years
Domesticated.
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No males in same tank
Very territorial
They fight to the death.
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Bass a ray-finned fish
Largemouth bass in sunfish group
Apex predators.
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Upper jaw--past eye
Largemouth has a massive gape
Opportunistic.
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Excellent vision
All directions but below
And too from behind.
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Have internal ears
Otoliths--bony structures
Hear half mile away.
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Opportunistic
Feeders, If a prey can fit
In mouth, it is gone.
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Ambush predator
Eats fish, crayfish, frogs, and snakes,
Small birds or rodents.
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Often hides in shade
Also in vegetation
Even in old logs.
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Swallow prey all whole
Prey width is more critical
Length not a problem.
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Spawning in the spring
Warm water temperatures
About sixty-five.
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In sand or gravel
Male sweeps out circular nest
Female then lays eggs.
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Thousands or more eggs
Male then fertilizes all
Stays to guard the nest.
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Male continues guard
For up to three or seven
Days. Then the grand hatch.
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Being cold-blooded
Their own metabolism
Judged by water temp.
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Indeterminate
Growth: Females larger than males
Grow throughout their lives.
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