10May/113
Why is my betta flaring his gills at the tank?
Why is my betta flaring its gills like CRAZY at the tank. Today is the first time my betta has ever done that in like 1 year! Is he sick!? Im so scared! It just happened today when i looked at him! Please help 
I also noticed his fins are longer
May 10th, 2011 - 05:49
did you put something outside the tank that could possibly create a reflection from the inside?
May 10th, 2011 - 06:06
No, he is fine. By puffing out their gills and spreading their fins, they are showing their aggressiveness. If you put a mirror up to a betta tank, the male will do this when he sees his reflection. I always take a mirror with me when choosing bettas because I want a betta that is going to have the proper behaviour of the species. I don’t want a fish who sees another betta and is possibly too sick or lethargic to do anything.
The above poster is right, you probably placed something near the tank that he is seeing his reflection in
What you are observing is normal male betta behaviour. Enjoy it!
May 10th, 2011 - 06:15
its normal behaviour hence the name fighter fish they flare there gills to frighten off other fish and show they are hard lol
hes healthy and its a good sign hes do it