The effect of bubble nest size on sexual selection in wild Siamese fighting fish

Abstract

The effect of bubble nest size was tested on male contest and female preference in wild Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens Regan, a sexually dimorphic fish that exhibits paternal care. Females presented with two potential mates of different bubble nest areas did not prefer larger bubble nest males. Larger bubble nest males were not more successful in male contests. There were no differences in fighting duration. Comparing agonistic behaviour between large and small bubble nest males, there were no differences between these two males concerning any agonistic behaviours during fighting.

Keywords

• bubble nest size
• female preference
• male contest
• Siamese fighting fish
• Betta splendens