//River Fish//
Marine life has been an interesting branch of research to dip into over the last few weeks but away from the salty oceans, there are aquatic life forms in freshwater streams that reveal even greater revelations. Siamese fighting fish, also known as Betta fish are commonly found around South Asia in shallow waters. They thrive around densely planted areas and feature a beautiful array of colours on their bodies. They do not grow particularly large in size, growing up to an average of just over a couple of inches but their fins give them a presence like no other in the waters. Fish behaviour is not often put at the front of research priority but it is precisely because it’s a relatively unexplored area that makes new discoveries so exciting.
//Siamese Fighters//
As their name may suggest, fighter fish are known for their aggression to one another. They are solitary in nature and require their own space, while this behaviour is well understood, researchers have uncovered that there is more to just having a grudge for other fish in the water. Genetic changes occur when these fish interact with one another in conflict. Studies show that an embedded synchronisation at the genetic level sees a connection between two specimens that dependent on one another. Its highlighted that conflict is often resolved when is a winner is determined through assessment of aptitude to dominate and it’s this criteria that relates to genetic synchronisation between the animals.
//Natures Connection//
Researchers are particularly interested in the exact reason as to why this happens, it’s unclear whether this functions as a survival mechanism or other connection that is essential to animals. Observation of conflict gave insight as to how highly advance and synced this genetic function really was. Rather than a short skirmish, repetitive engagements that oddly became in sync between every bout inclusive of breaks between parties. With synchronised actions, certain genes were seen to be activated in both fish in a non-coincidental sequence. This is yet another amazing connection that is yet to be understood by humans and may give clues to our development in the future. Birds that fly without collision and fish that school together. Animals display great ability in using their gifted biological traits in their daily lives. Animal observation is fascinating but I do hope that observation of imposed conflict between fish and others can be avoided in the future.
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/06/fighting-fish-synchronize-their-moves-and-their-genes