FIGHTING FISH IN LONDON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23882, 9 August 1939, Page 15

FIGHTING FISH IN LONDON

A collection of Siamese fighting fish, presented to the British Zoological Society's aquarium by Mr R. K. Keysham, adds another vivid touch of colour to the always brilliant display in the Tropical Hall. These little fishes are fast growing in popularity with aquarists, since by careful selection an almost endless series of changes can be rung upon the colours of the spectrum, no two pairs being exactly alike. The new arrivals are particularly welcome, since they bring new blood into the zoo's present collection. A stud of these fish, like a stud of most other animals, tends to deteriorate by inbreeding. The male fishes are displayed each in a separate compartment, so that the sight of rival males, seen through the glass partitions, whilst exciting the fishes to "glow' with passionate tints precludes the possibility of a fight. So pugnacious are these fishes that they have been employed from early antiquity as " professional pugilists" in the country of their origin. In Siam at one time extravagant wagers were laid on a fish fight, the backers even bartering their liberty and serving a term of servitude to the winner when they had staked all their possessions. At a " meeting " the chosen fishes are placed in a glass bowl suspended at a convenient distance from the floor, and once engaged they tear each others' fins to ribbons. Both winner and loser never fight again, but are relegated to the breeding tank.