Life beyond a jar: Effects of tank size and furnishings on the behaviour and welfare of Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)
2024

Effects of Tank Size and Furnishings on Siamese Fighting Fish

Sample size: 13 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Naomi Clark-Shen, Juliette Tariel-Adam, Anya Gajanur, Culum Brown

Primary Institution: Macquarie University, School of Natural Sciences, Australia

Hypothesis

How do tank size and furnishings affect the behavior and welfare of Siamese fighting fish?

Conclusion

Larger, furnished tanks improve the welfare of Siamese fighting fish compared to smaller, barren tanks.

Supporting Evidence

  • Fish in larger tanks swam significantly more than in smaller tanks.
  • Fish in barren tanks displayed more abnormal behaviors compared to those in furnished tanks.
  • Resting time was significantly less in larger tanks compared to smaller ones.

Takeaway

Siamese fighting fish are happier and healthier in bigger tanks with plants and places to hide.

Methodology

The study involved rotating 13 male Siamese fighting fish through five different tank sizes and conditions to observe their behavior.

Potential Biases

The order of tank exposure may have influenced the fish's behavior.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and varied tank exposure times, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Thirteen male Siamese fighting fish were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Confidence Interval

[46, 138]

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1017/awf.2024.67

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