FACULTY OF EARTH SCIENCE

NATURAL RESOURCES SCIENCE PROGRAM

ENE3273 ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR

LAB REPORT 2 : AGONISTIC BEHAVIOR IN BETTA

SPLENDENS

Prepared by:

1. NURHIDAYAH MAISARAH BINTI ZULFIKAR (E21A0786)

2. AISHA SHAHIRAH BINTI AZLI (E21A0740)
3. NURAFIQAH AMIRAH BINTI ISMAIL (E21A0782)
4. NUR FATIHAH BINTI MUSTAPA (E21A0778)
5. MUHAMAD FAHMI AMIN BIN ROSLAN (E21A0518)
6. ASLAN BIN KANNU (E21A0459)
7. MUHAMAD FIKRI BIN MOHD KORI (E21A0519)
8. MUHAMMAD SYAHIR BIN ZULKIFLI (E21A0766)
9. MUHAMAD NIZAM BIN ISMAIL (E21A0761)

Review by :

DR. KAMARUL ARIFFIN BIN KAMBALI@HAMBALI

ENE3273 ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR 26 NOVEMBER 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………………I
1.0 INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………….1-5
2.0 OBJECTIVES…………………………………………………………………………...5
3.0 EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS AND METHODS………...……………….……6-7
4.0 RESULT………………………………………………………………………………….8
5.0 DISCUSSION………………………………………………………………………....9-15
6.0 CONCLUSION………………………………………………………………………….16
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT…………..……………………………………………….….16-17
REFERENCES………….……………….…………………………………………...….17-18
APPENDICES….…………………………….……………………………………...…..19-20

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ABSTRACT

The agonistic behavior in Betta splendens lab report investigates the intricate
behaviors exhibited by male Betta splendens during agonistic encounters. Betta splendens,
commonly known as siamese fighting fish, engage in elaborated displays as part of their
mating ritual and territorial defense. The studied aims to understand the nuances of these
agonistic behaviors and their potential implications for the species' ecological dynamics. The
experimental design involves controlled observations of male Betta splendens subjected to
various stimuli to elicit agonistic responses. Fin displays, body postures, and other behaviors
were systematically recorded and analyzed. Additionally, mate choice experiments and
territorial defense tests were conducted to explore the broader ecological relevance of
agonistic behavior. Early research points to a complicated interaction between territorial
posturing, quick body movements, and fin displays during agonistic interactions. The
investigation also looks into how environmental stresses, such pesticide exposure and
exposure to compounds that disturb the endocrine system, could affect the agonistic
behaviour of Betta splendens. The research adds to our knowledge of Betta splendens'
behavioural ecology by illuminating the subtleties of their agonistic displays in situations that
are both controlled and ecologically significant. The results are important for both the
preservation of natural populations and the possible effects of environmental pollutants on the
viability of their reproduction.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Betta splendens (Family Belontiidae), commonly referred to as Siamese fighting fish

or just "betta," belonged to the suborder Anabantoids of fish, which were able to breathe air
from the water's surface thanked to a labyrinth organ (JB Graham, 1997) and (HM Peters,
1978). Numerous species that were unique to certain regions of Southeast Asia are found in
the Betta genus. They were indigenous to tropical Southeast Asia, which included southern
Vietnam, Kampuchea, central and eastern Thailand, and the northern Malay Peninsula (Witte
and Schmidt 1992). They typically inhabited locations that received rain during the rainy
season, such as rice fields, and shallow, still bodies of water (Panijpan B, et al., 2020) and
(Singchat W et.al., 2020). They survived in relatively foul, oxygen-poor water by gulping air
from the surface when necessary. They spawn and dwell in rice paddies, small ponds, and
slow-moving streams. Rice paddies with an abundance of foliage and shallow ponds made up
their native habitat. According to Jaroensutasinee & Jaroensutasinee (2001), this vegetation
offered protection against fish-eating birds such as egrets, herons, and kingfishers. According
to Smith, 1945; Jaroensutasinee and Jaroensutasinee, 2001, the water was usually high in
temperature, low in oxygen, and low in pH. The larvae of mosquitoes and other aquatic
insects provided as a supply of protein and fat for betta fish, which were carnivorous fish.
According to estimates (Smith, 1945; Goldstein, 2004), adult male fish consumed between
ten and fifteen thousand larvae annually.

Therefore, for external anatomy of Betta splendens, the dorsal fins were sometimes
referred to as top fins due to their placement at the top of the body. Dorsal fins of betta fish
were often quite big. It was mostly made up of many branches. But depending on the breed of
betta fish, dorsal fin sizes, forms, and colours had changed. Dorsal fins helped betta fish
maintain their equilibrium in the water by following a specific trajectory. If not, it would be
difficult for betta fish to maintain the necessary balance to swim in a straight path. Therefore,
these fins prevent rolling and keep betta fish stable. The dorsal fins of betta fish were also
used to help with abrupt turns. These fins were essential to betta fish's ability to successfully
hunt their prey. Next, the pectoral fins of betta fish, which were situated behind the gill
opening, were another unique feature. The betta fish had these pairs of pectoral fins on both
sides. Betta fish used their pectoral fins to help them slow down. Additionally, bettas used
these opposing fins to steer, manoeuvre, and adjust depth. The uneven pectoral fin strokes
helped the betta turned or moved in the intended direction. Furthermore, the anal fins are

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easily found between the pelvic fins and the anal fins based on external anatomy. It was one
of the betta fish's biggest fins. Anal fins of various shapes were observed along the length of
the betta's body. The anal fins were situated directly across from the dorsal fins. Anal fins
were located next to the anus on the underside of betta fish. Anal fins assisted betta fish in
staying stable in the water, just like dorsal fins do. Additionally, the broad fins helped betta
fish to steer and maintain balance. Next, because of its distinctive caudal fin, commonly
referred to as their tail fin, betta fish were able to attract the attention of any person. The
caudal fin of a betta fish was located at the tip of its caudal peduncle in terms of its external
anatomy. The magnificent flowing caudal fins of betta fish vary greatly in size and shape
depending on the breed. But a betta kept in captivity had a different caudal fin anatomy than
one found in the wild. In their natural habitat, betta fish may move more slowly due to the big,
flowing caudal fin. These wild bettas may fall victim to their predators. Conversely, betta fish
that have undergone selective breeding typically have vibrant, flowing tails for marketing
reasons.

There were a few key anatomy differences that helped to spot whether Betta was a
male or a female. For instance, when male and female Betta were young, it was difficult to
distinguish between them, but as they became older, the differences became more
pronounced. It was usually at the two-month mark when bettas started to show their unique
qualities. The Betta's body size was the biggest distinguishing characteristic; males often had
larger bodies than females. In terms of structure, the males were slightly flat on all sides,
while the females had a slightly fuller body. The anal, dorsal, and caudal fins of male Bettas,
however, were significantly larger. The males in captivity had more visible beards and
brighter, more colourful external colouring. Even some males had three or four thicker
ventral fins. During the mating season, female Bettas were known to exhibit broad vertical
stripes throughout their entire body. Males, on the other hand, did not own these vertical lines;
instead, they had horizontal stripes when under stress. The female fins were another
important sex indicator. An egg spot appeared between the ventral and anal fins of all mature
female Betta fish. The ovipositor, which was where the Betta eggs were laid, was the largest
and most straightforward method of gender identification. When Bettas flared, it was easier
to distinguish them because females liked to be erected while males typically had thick
beards. When flaring, male Bettas typically did not had a head-down posture. Male Bettas
displayed their beard when they opened their gill covers during a fight, giving the impression

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that they were larger and more menacing to their opponent. Compared to the females, these
males exhibited a greater degree of aggression.

Male adults can reach a maximum length of 7 cm, while female adults are marginally
shorter. For many years, bettas in captivity have undergone artificial selection, resulting in
"domesticated" males with vibrant coloration and lengthy, impressive fins. Compared to
males, females have shorter fins, are slightly smaller, and are less colourful. The domestic
fish differs significantly from its wild counterparts in appearance.Growing to a length of
approximately 6.5 centimetres (2.5 inches), the fish was elongated and slender. It is mostly
greenish or brown in the wild, with somewhat big red fins; after domestication, it has been
bred to have long, flowing fins and a range of colours, including lavender, blue, green, and
red. Depending on the breed, colours can differ between those seen in the wild and in
captivity. The main variety of betta fish found in pet stores has significantly changed from
their original wild type appearance throughout time due to breeding efforts that have
produced fish with a wide variety of colours and fin forms. The female of the hybrid species
is usually pale with little simple fins, whereas the male is usually vividly coloured with huge
flowing fins.

Betta fish can be the most wonderful companions. These fish enthrall us with their
vivid hues, graceful fins, and exuberant personalities. In good health, bettas can live for two
to five years on average. They can still grow even though the adult stage begins at roughly
five months of age. The bettas' growth cycle only ends when they are approximately a year
old since they can still grow half an inch or more after they reach maturity. At that point, they
are regarded as fully mature and are not expected to grow much larger. The greatest amount
of growth usually peaks between three and five months into the life cycle. Fish can vary in
size; some species of betta fish are thought to be larger because of their larger fins, and other
fish may even grow to be larger. This is particularly true when comparing males and females,
as the former will grow considerably larger than the latter. The betta fish typically reaches a
maximum size of 2 inches, and in exceptional circumstances, 3 inches.

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The mating process was, of course, the initial stage of the procedure. The male betta
fish would construct mucus-covered bubble nests before pursuing the female, which was an
interesting process to saw develop. It was a beautiful sight as he entices the female with his
vibrant colors and fins. The mating procedure would began as soon as he caught her. After
encircling her, the male fertilizes the eggs inside the female. The male gathers the seven to
ten eggs that spawn shortly after. He carries these eggs into his nest and tends to them there.
These eggs would hatch in the nest in 24 to 48 hours. The number of fry that spawn was
unknown; it could range from one to three hundred. These fry would remain in and around
their nests for a few more days after they spawn, spending the next 24 hours around their
eggs and feeding on them. At that pointed, the fry were prepared to went and began traveling
independently. The male should been taken out of the tank at this pointed. The juvenile betta
fish would began to develop its first colors in the first few weeks of life, however they would
not been as noticeable as they had been later in the cycle. Additionally, during this pointed,
the fish would grew their labyrinth organ, which enables them to breathed in airborne oxygen.
The bettas could grew to a maximum size of one inch at this pointed, but more likely, they
would only reached 0. 6 inches to one inch. This phase lasts for two to three weeks, after
which the betta began mature more quickly. This phase of development was crucial for them.
It was during this period when their vibrant colors began to emerged and their fins began to
grew. Even though they were beginning to mature at this pointed, they were still infertile and
unable to procreate. The fish were seven to ten weeks old at this pointed, and they may took
three to four months to fully mature. They had been deemed mature when they were able to
procreate, which was a crucial stage toward adulthood. When betta fish attain sexual maturity,
they were regarded as adults. At this pointed, the growth process was practically complete,
and the plants reached a maximum height of 3 inches, with a maximum height of 2 inches.
Significant behavioral changes toward other fish would indicate when a betta fish was
thought have been an adult. In order to began reproducing, the males would also started
pursuing the females, which would alter their behavior toward them. The adult stage, which
could extended up to three years, was the longest in the life of a betta fish. It began between
three and five months of age and lasts the entirety of their lived.

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The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) had classified b.

splendens as a vulnerable species because of its declining wild population (vidthayanon,
2011). Habitat destruction was the primary hazard to the species and pollution, particularly
in Thailand's central region where most of their appropriate habitat in the lowlands had been
transformed into metropolitan areas and heavily farmed areas. An additional danger was the
cultivated animals that had gotten into wild environments and caused dna degradation (IUCN,
2011). Fans of betta fish were hoping that the betta fish's national designation would result in
increased conservation initiatives in Thailand.

Numerous behavioral studied had made used of betta (fighting gouramies) members.
Liked fighting cocks, male fighting gouramies were quite aggressive toward one another and
were frequently bred to fought. Used its labyrinthine air-breathing organ, talking gouramies
created a croaking sounded that was utilized to demarcate areas and construct hierarchies of
authority. Furthermore, given their exploratory habit, some gouramies used an extended
pelvic fin ray. The ray was pointed forward in ordered to detect an approaching individual or
learned more about the fish's surroundings. The simultaneous air breathing that gouramies
controlled socially was another fascinating trait. To reduce the possibility of predation during
surfacing, groups of individuals in both trichogaster and colisa concurrently came to the
surface to gulped air in a temporary school (Berra, 2001).

2.0 OBJECTIVES

❖ To observe manipulation of external stimuli that affect the courtship and aggressive
physicality of Betta splendens.

❖ To determine the behaviour of Betta splendens.

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3.0 EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS AND METHODS

3.0.1 Experimental Apparatus

Materials Function

1 male 2 female To identify behaviour

Beaker To separate betta fish

Book To record output data

Paper fish model To rest the betta fish

Camera To record behavior for collect data

3.0.2 Methods

In conducting our fish behavior experiment, we followed these general instructions

for optimal results. Firstly, we refrained from wearing brightly colored or patterned clothing,
as some fish could be sensitive or aggressive to such stimuli.

We chose pale-colored clothing to minimize interference. You kept visual barriers in

place until the experiment began and avoided abrupt movements and loud noises near the fish.
When recording behaviors, you noted the male Betta's use of fins, gill opercula, and
associated membrane.

We recorded the duration and subjective aspects of each behavior, avoiding

stimulation for more than one minute. We waited at least 5 minutes between trials to allow
the fish to calm down and replicated each trial at least 3 times, noting any differences and
potential causes.

Paper fish models could be used, but moved them slowly to attract the subject's
attention consistently. Considered the response to same-sex or different-sex stimuli and
quantified differences in displays. These guidelines ensured a controlled and accurate
observation of fish behavior in your experiment.

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To determine the relative aggressiveness of different animals, teams could compare

recorded displays using Table BB-1 or create a custom table. In the table legend, we specified
the type of measurements being recorded, whether nonparametric (e.g., "yes" or "no") or
parametric (e.g., "seconds" or other discrete/continuous values).

This distinction was crucial for understanding the data's nature. We ensured the
legend clarified the variables being measured and their respective values, providing a
comprehensive guide for interpreting the recorded data. Using a consistent and clear
recording system facilitated accurate comparisons across different animal displays.

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4.0 RESULT

Dorsal Caudal Ventra Pelvic Branchio Colour

Fish Id Fin Fin l Fin Fin stegal Orientation Change
Membrane

Male + + + + + ++ Normal

Female + + - + ++ Normal
(blue)

Female + + + + + Normal
(Yellow)

Male - - - - - - Normal

Female + + + + +++ Normal

(blue)

Female + + + + ++ Normal
(Yellow)

Male + + + + + ++ Normal

Female + + + + +++ Normal

(blue)

Female + + + + ++ Normal

(Yellow)

Table 1: Data Recorded on Agonistic Behaviour in Betta Splendens

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5.0 DISCUSSION

Based on the result we obtained, the Wild Betta splendens was positive where dorsal
fin, caudal fin, ventral fin, pelvic fin, branchia-stegal was (+) and the orientation movement
of Betta splendens moved quickly which was (++) while the color changed was normal, one
minute was allotted to observing their conduct. Next, female of Betta splendens blue colour
species for dorsal fin, caudal fin and branchio-stegal was (+), ventral vin was (-), pelvic fin
could not happened movement that could been recorded while orientation movement for
female were moved quickly which was (++) and the colour changed also normal. Then,
female Betta splendens of yellow species, all positive behaviours except pelvic fin and colour
changed of this species are also normal. Apart from that, after took a rested 5 minute of Wild
Betta splendens, male and female of this species, their behaviour had been changed where for
male of this species less movement happened to them that was dorsal fin, caudal fin, ventral
fin, pelvic fin, branchio-stegal and orientation was (-) but the colour changed also normal. In
addition, for female blue species of Betta splendens had four positive movement which were
dorsal fin, caudal fin, ventral fin and branchio-stegal was (+) and the pelvic fin could not
active while the orientation movement very active and quickly where (+++) had been
recorded and the colour changed was normal too. Other than that, the female of yellow
species had four also for positive behaviour which was dorsal fin, caudal fin, ventral fin and
branchio-stegal (+) had been recorded, pelvic fin also did not had any movement could been
recorded while orientation movement was high quickly which were (++) also the colour
changed was normal. Next, after 5 minute took again for resting of this species, the Wild
Betta splendens had all positive behaviours where dorsal fin, caudal fin, ventral fin, pelvic fin,
branchio-stegal was (+) while the orientation movement also quickly that was (++) and the
colour changed was normal too. After that, the female of blue species had four positive
behaviour had been recorded which was dorsal fin, caudal fin, ventral fin, and branchio-stegal
already (+) while pelvic fin did had any movement happened, the orientation happened were
very high quickly thai was (+++) and the colour changed also same which was normal. Last
but not least, the female of yellow species had four positive behaviours which were dorsal fin,
caudal fin, ventral fin, and branchio-stegal was (+) but the pelvic fin don’t had movement
happened at all while the orientation of this species were quickly that was (++), and colour
changed also normal.

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Next, the dorsal fin, which was upright and stretched, was frequently used to
determine the level of arousal or preparedness for display in Betta Splenden during
aggressive interactions. A dorsal fin in an upright position may indicate increased vigilance
or readiness for an aggressive reaction in the event of a confrontation with conspecifics or
possible dangers. Other than that, similar to this, a fish's preparation for territorial defence or
aggressiveness was usually indicated by its caudal fin, which it displays or spreads. When
confronted, a splayed caudal fin may been used as a threatening gestured or a defensive
posture to indicate authority or assertiveness. Additionally, the ventral fin could been used to
convey submission or dominance when it was elevated or enlarged. Its elongation may
suggested an aggressive stance or defensiveness in conflict, which might affect the fish's
social interactions and group hierarchies. Then, when the branchiostegal area was implicated
in the behaviours that had been seen, it may indicate the activation of opercular displays or
gill covered motions, either in reaction to a threatened or to asserted dominance. Moreover,
the orientation of the fish indicated by its posture or movements deepens our understanding
of its hostile behaviour. Shifted in alignment, such direct confrontations or sideways gestures,
might indicate surrender, domination, or protection of one's territory. The fish's normal
colour changed, however, indicates that it maintained its typical coloration without
significant alterations, indicating a controlled escalation of aggressive behaviour rather than
an escalated or stressed response, despite the displayed aggressive behaviours indicated by
the fins' postures and orientations (Thomas, 2017).

Other than that, one of the main characteristics of betta splendens' agonistic displays
was flaring. The fish made an eye-catching spectacle as it quickly enlarges and flares its gill
coverings. Flaring conveys heightened aggressiveness and increases the fish's apparent size.
Often, this behaviour was accompanied by the anal, caudal, and dorsal fins growing larger.
Then, other movement or behaviors the fish employ was quick body movements during their
shows, Betta splendens moved their bodies erratically and quickly. These motions gave the
showed more energy and might include darting, zigzagging, and abrupt twists. Fish were
believed to communicate their agility, awareness, and preparedness for violent confrontations
by their rapid body movements. Then, s-curve or arching. During demonstrations, Betta
splendens may adopt an s-curve or arching posture. They achieve this by forming a s shape
with their body, which made them looked bigger and more intimidating. The s-curve was a
supplementary visual cue of aggressiveness and dominance that was frequently timed to
coincide with fin displays. After that, Betta splendens may engage in nipping or biting

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actions directed at their imagined opponent or reflection during heightened agonistic

engagements. These motions were a component of the increasing behaviours that indicate a
more severe reaction to the perceived threatened, even if they might not necessarily end in
physical contact. In addition tail slapping were movement and behaviors of fish employ.
When a Betta splendens slapped its tail, it means that it strikes the water's surface with forced
used its caudal fins. A high-intensity angry behaviour, tail slapping was frequently combined
with other display components. The fish may used it to signal its existence and establish
controlled over competitors (Paige Edwards, 2018).

Next, male betta splendens' agonistic displays may had a number of purposes, all of
which added to their behavioural repertoire and general fitness. Defence of territory was one
of its main purposes. Due to their intense territorial nature, betrayal tactics including fin
flaring, body arching, and gill covered enlargement were used by these extremely territorial
species to mark and protected their areas. Territoriality was essential for gaining access to
scarce resources liked breeding grounds, food, and shelter. Aggression deters any invaders,
guaranteeing the best possible used of the resources that were available. Another vital
function of agonistic displays in male Betta splendens was mate selection and courtship. The
vibrant colors, intricate fin movements, and vigorous behaviors exhibited during these
displays were attractive to females. Through these displays, males communicate their genetic
fitness and readiness to reproduce. Females were known to exhibit preferences for males
displaying more robust and appealing behaviors, emphasizing the importance of these
agonistic displays in the context of mate attraction and selection. An important feature of
Betta splendens' social organisation was intraspecific competition, which was mediated in
large part via agonistic displays. Males confronted other males aggressively in order to
demonstrate their physical strength and authority. Through these encounters, the population's
social hierarchies were established, which minimises the necessity for ongoing violent
altercations and maximises resource allocation.The danger of harm was reduced and
resources may been used more effectively thanked to the hierarchical structure. The
threatened display function of agonistic behavior was also noteworthy. The aggressive
postures, flared fins, and vibrant colors serve as a visual deterrent to potential rivals,
preventing the escalation of conflicts to physical confrontations. This threatened display
helps in establishing dominance without engaging in energy-intensive and potentially
injurious battles. Next, from an ecological pointed of view, these aggressive behaviours
might had developed as adaptive reactions to the unique difficulties found in betta splendens'

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native environments. In a variety of aquatic habitats, their capacity to mark territories, draw
in partners, negotiate social structures, and fend off intruders all played a role in their general
survival and reproductive success (Gaby Manjarrez, Daria Al-Khalidi and Elina Spradlin,
2021).

In addition, according to Andrew Grauer (2006), over several generations, artificial

selection, a technique used by breeders to highlight particular qualities in domesticated
animals, had significantly changed betta splendens' appearance and behavioural patterns. The
domestic version, which was cultivated primarily for aesthetic purposes, frequently had
longer, more ostentatious fins and more vivid colors features that were either absent or less
noticeable in their wild counterparts. However, their behaviour may unintentionally been
influenced by such selective breeding for attractive qualities. Artificial selection may had
altered the behaviour of domestic Betta splendens in ways that went beyond physical
characteristics. Selective breeding techniques may had altered antagonistic behaviour, which
was frequently essential for mate selection, territory formation, and hierarchy building in wild
populations. The domesticated strains may exhibit increased aggressiveness, changed social
interactions, or changes in territorial behaviours, all of which might had an effect on their
repertoire of natural behaviours. But it was important to used caution when extrapolating lab
results about agonistic behaviour from domestic Betta splendens to wild counterparts or
making cleared comparisons. The intricacies and subtleties of behaviours displayed by wild
populations in their native environments may not been fully reflected in the behavioural
observations conducted in controlled laboratory settings. Although substantial in domestic
strains, the effects of artificial selection on behaviour may not transfer exactly to wild
populations since natural selection forces, genetic diversity, and alternative ecological
constraints may been at worked. As a result, although understanding the agonistic behaviour
of domestic Betta splendens might yield important basic information, extending these
conclusions to behaviours seen in wild populations called for a more sophisticated strategy.
Given the complex interactions between environmental factors, evolutionary history, and
natural selection pressures shaping behaviour in the wild, field studied involving wild
populations would been required to fully comprehend the behavioural dynamics and
ecological significance of agonistic behaviour in their natural habitats.

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Apart from that, the agonistic displays of male Betta splendens had a purpose beyond
direct battled; they were tactical preludes to physical encounters. Rather of gone straight to
war, these demonstrations most likely developed as adaptive tactics meant to reduce the
dangers of physical conflict and effectively created social hierarchies. Transmitting
supremacy and evaluating the opponent's power without gone to war was one of the displays'
most important purposes. The intricate body arching, fin flaring, and vivid colour displays all
gave information about the competitor's level of fitness and competition preparedness. This
enables men to assess one another's skills and maybe prevent pointless and draining conflicts.
Males may created a hierarchy in the population by used these displays to communicate their
purpose and strength, which lowers the number of violent interactions. Entering a physical
conflict right away could been risky and resource-intensive. Males could gauge their
opponent's preparedness for fighting and expressed their own readiness by used agonistic
displays. By preventing confrontations from getting out of handed, this strategic
communication frees up energy for foraging, territory maintenance, and courting. The
displays were important for both establishing and defending territory. Territories were
essential for gaining access to scarce resources, and the displays acted as a way to draw lines
without always engaging in combat. Males could reduce the needed for frequent conflicts and
construct a more organised and effective resource distribution system by used displays to
clearly define their territories. From an evolutionary standpoint, the evolution of agonistic
displays over direct combat was likely driven by the needed to balance the benefits of
territorial defense and mate attraction with the costed associated with constant physical
aggression. The displays provided a mechanism for males to asserted dominance,
communicate their intentions, and avoided unnecessary injuries in the process (Dana
Krempels, 2017).

Besides that, attractiveness to a partner and female preference were important factors.
The male competitors' strength, vitality, and genetic fitness were displayed throughout the
agonistic display, which provides females with a visual feast. Female observers were likely
have been drawn in by the more intense and colourful displays during these competitions,
which would provided them important information for choosing a partner. Males used the
competition as a stage to promote their desirability as partners, while females could chose to
associate with those that exhibit stronger, more physically attractive behaviours. Furthermore,
the competition could contribute to the establishment of hierarchy and authority when women
were present. The display's outcome may had an impact on the guys' social structure by

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defining who was viewed as more dominating and, as a result, was granted preferred access
to women. By demonstrating that males could successfully managed intraspecific rivalry, the
display may serve as a social signal to helped females chose mates. The competition was
important for optimising reproductive success as well. Through these demonstrations,
females may been more likely to chose mates who had proven they could effectively compete
for resources and territory. Male reproductive chances may vary depending on the observed
social dynamics, with dominant people possibly having easier access to partners. The
observation of females in the setting of male-male competitions highlights the interaction
between reproductive strategies, mate selection, and competition in Betta splendens
populations from an ecological pointed of view. When considered within the larger
framework of the fish's natural ecology, the adaptations in agonistic behaviour demonstrate
the complex ways in which social interactions support the overall reproductive success of the
species (Ricardo J. Matos, Peter K. Mcgregor, 2002).

Apart from that, the behaviour of wild animal populations that depend on agonistic
displays during mating rituals, such as Betta splendens was seriously threatened by the
widespread introduction of pesticides and synthetic substances that mimicked sex hormones
into natural habitats. These chemical disruptors may had far-reaching and complex
consequences on these populations. These compounds had the ability to complexly disrupt
the endocrine systems of vertebrates, causing imbalances in hormones and, as a result,
changing important behaviours related to mating rituals. Agonistic displays that were
essential for communication and mate choice may been disrupted, which might impair
signalling or lessen the power of forming dominance hierarchies. Reproductive success may
been impacted by skewed territorial behaviours, which were essential for securing mating
territories and attracting mates. Changes in courting behaviours that were essential for a
successful mating attempted may also took placed, impacting partner choice and courtship
customs. In the end, these chemical disturbances pose a threatened to upset the complex
behavioural patterns in wild populations that depend on agonistic displays. This could had an
adverse effect on reproductive outcomes and mating success, which could then affect the
population dynamics and genetic diversity of impacted species in their respective ecosystems.
To fully comprehend the scope of these disturbances and the implications for the long-term
viability and health of animal populations in their natural habitats, thorough researched was
required (Andrew Grauer, 2006).

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Other than that, a multitude of environmental elements interact with one another to
determine betta splendens' agonistic display and behavioural responses. One such important
component was the quantity and calibre of light. These fish live in shallow waters in the
natural, where the light changes throughout the day. Artificial illumination was frequently
used in captivity, and the frequency and vigour of agonistic displays could been affected by
the amount and length of light exposure. Knowing how aggressiveness and light interact in
Betta splendens helps to improved captive circumstances and sheds information on the
species' innate behaviours. In addition, agonistic behaviour was greatly influenced by the
physical layout of the environment. Plants, substrates, and other structural components could
serve as hiding spots and boundary markers. The number and severity of agonistic
confrontations could been influenced by an improved environment that provides hiding areas
and allows individuals to created and defended territories without continual direct
confrontation. The way that fish adjust their display behaviours to the intricate structural
makeup of their surroundings was in line with their innate tendency to seek out hiding spots
in order to survive in the wild. Environmental elements liked watered velocity and current
could influence antagonism in Betta splendens. These fish faced varying watered flowed
conditions in their natural habitats. According to studies, the frequency of violence may been
affected by the flow of water, which might had an effect on how effectively resources were
defended and new territories were established. The species' adaptation to various aquatic
habitats was shown by its capacity to modify agonistic behaviours in response to differences
in water flowed. Furthermore, the display of agonistic behaviours could been influenced by
the availability of resources, such as food and breeding grounds. The motivation underlying
territoriality and hostility in Betta splendens was competition for scarce resources. A more
sophisticated knowledge of resource-driven behaviours may been gained in captivity by the
intentional positioning of food supplies and breeding locations, which could affect the
geographical distribution of hostile encounters. From an evolutionary perspective, betta
splendens's adaptability was shown by the flexibility of agonistic behaviours in response to
various environmental conditions. Customising behaviours to adapt to changes in
illumination, habitat layout, watered flowed, and resource availability was an evolutionary
tactic used to optimise fitness across a range of ecological settings. The ability of Betta
splendens to modify their agonistic displays became essential to their survival and ability to
reproduce as they navigate complex habitats (Craig Watson, Matthew DiMaggio, Jeffrey Hill,
Quenton Tuckett, and Roy Yanong (2023).

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6.0 CONCLUSION

It has been determined from the carried out experiment that all three fish respond
satisfactorily albeit differently. Based on its quiet and motionless movement, the male Wild
Betta splendens yellow colour is considered to be docile. The aggressive nature of the light
blue and black-yellow Wild Betta splendens colours is seen in their energetic left- and right-
handed swimming. Numerous elements, including surroundings, attractiveness, pressure, and
suitable temperature, affect this behaviour. Next, important insights into the intricate
behavioural dynamics of these fish during social interactions were provided by the lab
studied on agonistic behaviour in Betta splendens. Several important conclusions on the
display of aggressive behaviours, territoriality, and dominance hierarchies within controlled
settings was reached via careful observation and studied. The studied clarified the importance
of aggressive behaviours, including body postures, fin flaring, and confrontational behaviours,
as essential elements of betta splendens' behavioural repertoire during social interactions and
territorial conflicts. These behaviours demonstrated how adaptable these fish were to shifting
social dynamics, as they was significantly impacted by environmental cues, the presence of
intruders, and the availability of resources.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, we are thankful and grateful to Almighty God with His permission, we as
a group were able to complete this lab report successfully. Grateful to him for giving us
facilities and opportunities in various healthy aspects, the idea to complete this task even
though it looks like a lab report only but it needs more time and ideas to find information
about the to test the tendency of worms on an element. Secondly, thank you dear lecturer in
this subject (ENE3273), Dr. Kamarul Ariffin bin Kambali @ Hambali for giving and teaching
us about this topic and showing us how to prepare this lab report. From his explanation in the
teaching session in the class, it gave us a lot of development in this topic whether all the
subtopics in this subject. Without your support and guidance, we could not have completed
this task. Also, thank you to our family who gave us the support and strength to keep going
and step forward in this course. From them, we got the value of responsibility in ourselves to
continue fighting to complete this task. Finally, thank you for giving us help in various

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aspects such as ideas, and strength to make us more dedicated to complete this task
successfully.

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APPENDICES

Figure 1 : External anatomy of Betta splendens

Figure 2 : Wild Betta splendens

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Figure 3 : Female of blue Betta splendens

Figure 4 : Female of yellow Betta splendens

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