Do fighting fishes fight?

Two male Siamese fighting fishes placed in the same aquarium instantly take up aggressive positions ready for a scrap. Their colours deepen, their long flowing fins becomes erect and they suddenly slash at one another at lightning speed. The fight is very dramatic and can last for up to an hour before one of the pair becomes too exhausted or injured to continue. The fight is such a spectacular sight that in Thailand contests are arranged before enthusiastic crowds and bets are placed on the outcome of the battle. For the aquarium market the fishes are bred for their beautiful flowing fins rather than for their fighting qualities. It is unwise to keep two males in a tank nevertheless.