Ap Biology Betta Fish Lab

Betta Behavior Experimental Design: Adjusting the Temperature

Introduction

Betta Splendens, also known as Bettas or Siamese fighting fish, are often found in fresh water areas. Male Bettas have frequently been used for a sport in which two are placed in a tank to fight. Male Bettas are aggressive and extremely territorial which can be seen when their colors deepen and they spread their fins and gill covers. Other aggressive behavior of male Betta include lunging toward the threatening stimulus and attempted biting and positioning of the body perpendicular to the threatening stimulus (Explore Biology). The purpose of this lab is to see how steadily raising the temperature of the water affects the behavior of the male Betta as it sees itself in a mirror. If the temperature of the water is increased then the male Betta will show increased amounts of aggressive behavior.

Materials & Procedures

Materials needed for the experiment include:

* A male Betta in a glass container full of water

* Hot plate

* Thermometer

* Rubber pads

* Small mirror

Procedure:

1. Find the initial temperature of the water and record it in a data box. Also take observation of the Betta as it sees itself in a mirror at that temperature and record it as well. This will serve as the control for the experiment.

2. Place the glass container containing the male Betta on top of a hot plate. Turn on the hot plate to slightly increase the temperature of the water. Make sure the water does not boil over.

3. Place the thermometer in the water and keep the glass container with the Betta on the hot plate until the temperature reads 27°C. Once it reaches that temperature remove the glass container from the hot plate using the rubber pads, remove the thermometer from the water and place the container near a mirror where the Betta can see its reflection.

4. Record the behavior of the male Betta in an observation box.

5. Repeat procedures 2-4, but instead of...