Actually, that's how they breathe. Bettas are a wacky exception - they actually breathe air from the surface, not through gills. So, if you have a tank or bowl where they can't reach the surface, they will actually drown.
they actually breathe air from the surface, not through gills.
Wait - what about those mini "ecosystems" that come with betas? They're usually a plant with roots hanging down into the water with the beta underneath. Like this one:
Also, several sites indicate that betas do have gills - they can "flare" them. However, all indicate that they can breathe air from the surface (via a gill-like organ called the "Labyrinth), and several sites indicated that they can get oxygen from water. Here's a kind of goofy, but decent article: http://www.bettatalk.com/betta_anatomy.htm
When we introduce our cats to guests it goes something like, "There is Sumi, who doesn't like you, and you won't see except from the end of the hallway for a second. And that's Abby who loves you. " Sumi's not mean, she's just a scaredy cat.
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Actually, that's how they breathe. Bettas are a wacky exception - they actually breathe air from the surface, not through gills. So, if you have a tank or bowl where they can't reach the surface, they will actually drown.
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Wait - what about those mini "ecosystems" that come with betas? They're usually a plant with roots hanging down into the water with the beta underneath. Like this one:
Also, several sites indicate that betas do have gills - they can "flare" them. However, all indicate that they can breathe air from the surface (via a gill-like organ called the "Labyrinth), and several sites indicated that they can get oxygen from water. Here's a kind of goofy, but decent article:
http://www.bettatalk.com/betta_anatomy.htm
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Sumi's not mean, she's just a scaredy cat.
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