Asexuality in labrinth breathing fish such as bettas.

[Samantha McAllister]

I have been breeding betta fish for years as a hobby. I have read every book and known article of publication about labyrinth breathing fish (betta splendins). In all my time keeping these fish, I have never seen anything quite as unusual as what I have seen this evening. On quite a few occasions I have seen females alongside male's tending to nests and eggs. Nonetheless, this occurrence in itself I thought was unusually extraordinary, as I had never read that even this was possible in any Siamese fighting fish publication. However, what I have come across today far surpasses what I already know about Siamese fighting fish (betta splendins). Upon removing my bettas bowl from his normal spot in the window, I noticed my young red shortfin male betta had built a rather large bubble nest, and was frantically scoopingto up eggs to  re-insert in the bubble nest. My young male betta has never been exposed to any other bettas, so spawning was not possible. I am aware that some monitor lizards are able to reproduce asexuallly,  but never thought that Siamese fighting fish could . Surprisingly, I now believe that it's possible the betta fish can reproduce on their own, because I've seen it now with my own eyes. Has anyone else had a similar occurrence with betta fish, or labyrinth breathing fish in the Gourami family reproducing asexually?

[NickyTannock]

I've moved this thread from 'Questions about Asexuality' to 'Philosophy, Politics, and Science'.
 
Michael Tannock,
Open Mic moderator and Questions about Asexuality Co-moderator.

[NickyTannock]

Welcome to AVEN!

 

Unfortunately, I don't know anything about fish or Asexual reproduction.

The forum is primarily about Asexuality as a sexual orientation in humans.

 

Incidentally, it is a tradition here to welcome new members by offering cake, and here's a 'Betta Splendens Fish' cake (all edible),

http://cakesdecor.com/cakes/304774-betta-splendens-fish-cake

[crazy ace]

@MichaelTannock

Wow.

[AceMissBehaving]

I’m not sure you’ll find the answers you’re looking for here, but I’m fascinated and would love to hear more about what you find out.

[Karst]

^ Same.

[daveb]

That is a different type of asexuality than the kind AVEN is about. (reproduction vs orientation, as others noted)  

[Skycaptain]

This is PPS, So a science debate will make a pleasant change 

[AceMissBehaving]

31 minutes ago, SkyenAutowegCaptain said:

This is PPS, So a science debate will make a pleasant change 

It is now, and I’m very much here for it!