My mystery fish
This blue guy/gal was a bonus fish that accidentally made its way into the LFS’s net when I was buying Honey Gourami 2-3 years ago. It was so small that I didn’t see it until I was releasing the other fish into the aquarium. Since it had the blue coloring, and because they were in the next tank over, I assumed it was a Powder Blue Gourami. As it got bigger I noticed that it didn’t have the trademark modified pectoral fins. So now I have no idea what it could be. My best guess is some kind of Betta. I’ve never had one before, so I’m not super familiar. It doesn’t have the flowing fins that I typically associate with Bettas, but I know they have different varieties. However, I’m pretty sure Bettas need warmer water and this tank is 73F (about 23C) and this fish is thriving in the cooler water.
It’s about 2 inches long (5 cm) and I’m pretty sure it’s stopped growing.
Behaviorally, it’s relatively peaceful. It will chase the Honey Gourami, but there aren’t any injuries and the Honey seems stress free. Otherwise it ignores the other fish in the tank (white clouds, ember tetras and pigmy corys). I have witnessed it eat smaller adult cherry shrimp on two occasions.
It will gulp air at the surface semi-frequently, so I think it has a labyrinth organ. I think MAYBE it sometimes attempts to make a bubble nest, but there surface agitation is not conducive for one.
It also has more personality than the other fish in the aquarium. It approaches the front of the tank when Im around and its not afraid of my hands are in the water. I would actually describe it as inquisitive.
This blue guy/gal was a bonus fish that accidentally made its way into the LFS’s net when I was buying Honey Gourami 2-3 years ago. It was so small that I didn’t see it until I was releasing the other fish into the aquarium. Since it had the blue coloring, and because they were in the next tank over, I assumed it was a Powder Blue Gourami. As it got bigger I noticed that it didn’t have the trademark modified pectoral fins. So now I have no idea what it could be. My best guess is some kind of Betta. I’ve never had one before, so I’m not super familiar. It doesn’t have the flowing fins that I typically associate with Bettas, but I know they have different varieties. However, I’m pretty sure Bettas need warmer water and this tank is 73F (about 23C) and this fish is thriving in the cooler water.
It’s about 2 inches long (5 cm) and I’m pretty sure it’s stopped growing.
Behaviorally, it’s relatively peaceful. It will chase the Honey Gourami, but there aren’t any injuries and the Honey seems stress free. Otherwise it ignores the other fish in the tank (white clouds, ember tetras and pigmy corys). I have witnessed it eat smaller adult cherry shrimp on two occasions.
It will gulp air at the surface semi-frequently, so I think it has a labyrinth organ. I think MAYBE it sometimes attempts to make a bubble nest, but there surface agitation is not conducive for one.
It also has more personality than the other fish in the aquarium. It approaches the front of the tank when Im around and its not afraid of my hands are in the water. I would actually describe it as inquisitive.