An exceptionally large nest
Bubblenests, also spelled bubble nests or
bubble-nests, created by some
fish species, are floating masses of
bubbles blown with an oral secretion, saliva bubbles, and
occasionally aquatic plants, or an area for egg deposit attached at the bottom.
Species which build Bubblenests
Gouramis (including Betta species) and some sunfish, catfish
and cichlids create bubblenests. Anabantidae are the most
commonly recognized family of bubblenest makers. The nests
are constructed as a place for fertilized eggs to be
deposited while incubating and guarded by the male until the fry hatch.
They can often be seen above a content male betta.
Construction of Bubblenests
The nests are always built by the male and their size,
position and shape depends on the
species. The nest is most often made at the water
surface, sometimes among floating plants, whether natural or
artificial. Occasionally, every object floating will have
bubbles on it.
Bubble nests created by male betta/Siamese Fighting Fish
(Betta splendens) are made from air bubbles coated with
saliva to increase durability. This makes a louder noise
than regular breathing and is often frantic behavior.
Bubblenests and Breeding
After
spawning, the eggs float up into the bubble nest, or are
carried there held in the mouth by the male, as if he is
eating them. The male lodges them in the nest to protect
them, and then protects the brood by chasing away the female
and any other intruders, concentrating on the eggs in the
nest, retrieving any eggs or fry that fall from the nest and
keeping the nest in repair. The father will guard the eggs
constantly until the
fry
hatch in 24-48 hours and be suspended from the nest. For the
next few weeks, they will stay nearby being tended by the
father.
Triggers of Bubblenest
Construction
Bubble nests are built even when not in presence of
female or fry (though often a female swimming past will
trigger the frantic construction of the nest). Males will
build bubble nests of various sizes and thicknesses,
depending on the male's territory and personality. Some
males build constantly, some occasionally, some when
introduced to a female and some do not even begin until
after spawning. Some nests will be large, some small, some
thick.
Various things have been shown to stimulate bubble nest
construction, such as quick temperature changes,
barometric changes, materials in the tank and presences
of other males or females.
See also
External links
-
[1] - A video of two
Siamese Fighting Fish spawning. The male can be seen
carrying eggs up to the bubblenest.