New Member

Posts: 6
From:
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-14-2004 09:13 PM         

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There are a few mistakes or misconceptions stated throughout this fourm which i would like to clear up.
Firstly Goldfish don't have a bone in their head to make them breathe athmospheric air. Never have and Never will. Goldfish use their gills, like most fish.
Also Bettas don't have this 'bone' either, they have a special organ, called a labrynth apparatus (spelling). This organ allows bettas to breate atmosphereic air, it is an adaption to their natural habaitats where the water contains little oxygen due to high temperatures.

Goldfish should NEVER be kept in bowls or anything smaller than a filtered 20 gallon tank. They simply grow too large and produce too much waste. They are GOLDfish NOT BOWLfish!!!!!

Bettas can be kept in bowls, but the bowl must be large enough for the fish to swim around. You must also change the water often, like two to three times a week. AT LEAST.

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Moderator

Posts: 806
From:
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 01-14-2004 11:07 PM         

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The “Labyrinth” is an accessory respiratory organ, located in the gill chamber alongside and above the normal gills. It is composed of BONY PLATES covered by a membrane through which flows venous blood. By gaseous exchange, passing through the labyrinth organ, the oxygen content is passed immediately into the blood stream, then the used air is expelled. Because only small amounts of air can be stored into the labyrinth, bettas must make frequent trips to the surface to replenish it. This is why you will see your betta regularly going back up to the surface of his bowl to take a gulp of air.

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Member

Posts: 146
From:canada
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-17-2004 07:20 PM         

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Just go to :
http://www.bettatalk.com/betta_anatomy.htm

--it will continue the conversation from above

[This message has been edited by fishybiz (edited 01-17-2004).]

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