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