#Undescribably colored eyes or big brown eyes

[meifaism]

Choose your fighter

[turtle-ly]

The Prince and the Storyteller

My second translated fic!!! I had intended to post it yesterday but there’s not much you could do when it’s 1am lol. A big thank you to @soulreaper22345 for helping me proofread, i don’t think i’ll ever be able to write something without needing a beta :’) 

Geography was boring, so Alfred sneaked out.

After all, making a 10-year-old kid learn about a country he had just visited a few times was quite tiresome, even if it was necessary for the prince title. Finding the secret passage leading to the royal garden was much more interesting.

In the middle of spring, the Reinhardswald royal garden was brightly colored, but he always found them too flashy. Only the patches of bluebells lying on either side of the stone path leading to his tree were deemed befitting.

Alfred was only 10 years old, he did not understand, and he hated geography  because they all spoke about places he had never set foot, hated fencing because the knights’ sons always laughed at him when he stumbled, hated politics, those days he followed his father into the throne hall to take after the ‘elders’ who only knew how to seize the most fertile lands in the kingdom for themselves.

Alfred was only 10 years old, he did not understand, but he accepted that his father had long since stopped looking at him with a gentle expression.

The path to his tree was not long, however obscure enough to make it difficult for his father’s guests to find. The gardeners rarely took care of this place, flowers and grass stretched all over the ground, which he did not mind.

He blinked.

That day, under his tree, there was a stranger.

“Who are you?” He asked, because it seemed like what he should do.

The stranger wore a long cobalt cloak down to their ankles, hood covering half their face, but Alfred could catch the golden light shining off their stray curls from where he was standing. The slim figure was gazing at the tree’s branches, and did not seem to notice his presence until he spoke.

As if broken out of a trance, they turned around, and he thought he had never seen this stranger’s clothing before. Brown belt and a white shirt, each buttons carved with strange symbols along the sides. The pattern on the cape button reminded him of an ancient sigil.

“I am Arthur, my prince,” the man replied after an undescribable look, bowing slightly. Alfred still couldn’t make out his face behind the fabric, except for the slightly curved corner of his mouth, although the distance between the two was within his reach. If asked, Alfred would assume this man was enjoying something in him.

He shook his head. A name was not an answer to many questions, like how ‘Arthur’ was in this place, or how he could recognize the prince who had only appeared to the public a few times behind his father on the balcony when he gave his annual speech.

Now he was sure that ‘Arthur’ was chuckling. “Worry not, little prince. I am just a humble messenger. Although you can call me a storyteller.” He pulled down the hood, and those eyes shined a shade of green more brilliant than the peridots embedded on the royal crown.

“A messenger? For whom?” He couldn’t help but be curious. The aura emanating from the stranger somehow intrigued him.

“For the fairies, my prince. That gives me the title of a storyteller.” Arthur smiled, leaning against the tree. Alfred quietly followed.

“Fairy tales or legends, just like their name, are known and spreaded through fairies. But fairies and humans rarely cross paths, so my job is to tell those stories back to the human world,” he explained, pride clear in his voice. Each of his tangled hairs seemed to gleam under the sunlight peeking through the leaves, Alfred felt a strange emotion stirring in his chest.

Fairy tales to Alfred were a luxury. Back then, when his mother was still there, she would sit by his bed every night when his father was locking himself in meetings, telling him the legend of his great grandfather, the prince who slayed the fire dragon at the foot of the Sababurg palace, and became the first king to rule over Spades until he fell asleep. In his memory until now, it was not a very fascinating story. It’s just that, on nights when it’s hard to sleep, her voice and gentle gaze were the only things which could soothe him.

That was the closest thing Alfred had to a fairy tale. But it had been five years since the day she died, and Alfred had learned to sleep alone.

Seemed to read his thoughts, Arthur soften.

“I would be honored to tell you one of the stories that I myself collected, little prince.” He looked at him again with those hard-to-describe eyes, but he could feel fondness in the offer.

Alfred had never agreed on anything in life faster than that moment.

 The prince was delighted to spend his afternoon under the tree with the extraordinary self-proclamed storyteller. The mermaid’s call for her love followed the old tale of an lonely beast finding love in an castle deep in the forest’s wood. They gave him the sweet taste of the childhood he hadn’t the chance to savor. Tales followed by legends and myths, until he realized the sun was about to set.

“Arthur, will I see you again?” Alfred asked hastily before he had to return to the palace.

“As long as you wish for my presence, my prince.”

Their meetings became routine. Every time Alfred reached the tree, Arthur was waiting for him. Alfred will enchantedly listen to him mourning the broken heart of the frog prince’s loyal coachman, or the miracle of Rapunzel’s tear which brought light to her beloved. Alfred loved those stories as much as his rare childhood memories. He never asked why Arthur could always be there when he got to the old tree, or even why his clothing did not seem to be affected by the weather. After all, a messenger for the fairies was anything but ordinary.

When Alfred was seventeen, his father remarried.

The new queen was a kind woman, though he rarely had the chance to meet her. She would be a great queen, he told himself, trying to ignore the dull throbbing in his chest. The image of the royal lovers marching in front of the people at the palace gate became a familiar sight, almost in contrast with the gloomy atmosphere of the stern king and the shadow of ‘prince Alfred’ looming on the balcony just a few years ago.

When Alfred was eighteen years old, the kingdom was joyous to celebrate his new-born twin brothers.

Alfred had never seen his father so happy.

“Arthur, why is the dragon always the bad monster in your stories?” He muttered on an autumn afternoon, the weather was not cold but enough for pedestrians to quicken their steps.

“I’ve never said that dragons are bad creatures, Alfred,” he breathed out after a while, his eyes looking up at the gray clouds creeping past the far off sky. It was going to rain.

“So why are they always imprisoned or slayed by knights? Did the knights just go off to kill them without a reason?” He frowned, throwing a stone into a nearby puddle.

Arthur was silent.

One day in July, Alfred was nineteen years old, when he felt like he was dying.

Chest beating rapidly, heat spread throughout the body even though the winter air had turned freezing. His head ached like a hammer pounding inside his skull, and his joints just went out. Alfred tried to reach the old tree and then fell down. Before he passed out, he barely managed to make out the shade of green filling his vision.

Somehow, he knew that he was not sick.

Alfred woke up with a groan. The uncomfortable heat stopped rushing all over his blood vessels, but his whole body was tired and dizzy. He suddenly felt like this was not his body anymore.

Picking up himself, Alfred was aware of a few things. First, Arthur was with him. Second, maybe he was right.

Easily reaching a taller height than the top of the man before him even though all of his four limbs were touching the ground, Alfred blinked at the red scales spreading across his skin, gleaming under the bright moonlight not unlike a golden armor, ending with sharp claws digging at the earth in an attempt to stay upright. Back strained from adjusting to the large, leathery wings folded neatly along with the big tail swaying lazily as his prolonged spine, he could hear the slightest sound of a dry leaf falling. Heat puffed out every breath and the smell of smoke tickled his nostrils.

Alfred was a dragon.

Arthur’s voice pulled him out of the upcoming panic.

“Don’t be afraid, Alfred. You will return to your human form soon. If I guessed right...”

What’s happening? Why was he like this? He had too many questions hanging at the tip of his tongue, but what came out was just a confused squeak.

Alfred jerked back when Arthur stepped closer, fearing that his new form would hurt the blond man. Despite every clumsy steps trying to avoid Arthur, the storyteller continued to advance and before he could do something stupid such as running away in his newly-gained form, Arthur was rubbing small circles on his snout. Alfred unconsciously closed his eyes, nuzzling his head against the welcomed hand.

The feeling was so familiar it scared him.

“Alfred,” he said, his voice only higher than a whisper, but Alfred could hear every word clearly as a long-learned phrase being recalled.

“You have never belonged to this place.”

The moment Arthur’s words dropped into the air, his head was like hundreds of rusty gears finally clicking together.

Their meeting, the desire to leave the old land had sparked in him, their promise, days of traveling side by side. Even the painful loneliness when he ��died’ that night. The images rapidly filling the cracks in his memory were almost unbearable.

“Arthur?” He croaked a sound closest to the human tongue he could manage, his eyes dazed.

How could Alfred forget him?

“Arthur ... how long have you been waiting?” He said, trembling, voice nearly drowned out in the sound of wind picking up its rustle.

“One hundred years, give or take,” he shook his head. “But it doesn’t matter. I found you,” Arthur answered, and Alfred realized he hadn’t seen him smiling so freely for so long.

“Yes, I’m here now.”

“Hamelin City. The second great tree to the east and straight on till morning.” Arthur led the way. Alfred saw in his eyes the mesmerizing spark of stars and a smile rivaled the beauty of the moonlight just began to peek through the horizon.

 “What is our next destination?”

Three days after his 342th birthday, they set off again. Afred had a feeling that the man he used to call his father would not be too upset when he left. He’d be fine with that. He was a wise king but not a man of family. Just like that man, Alfred shook his head. Hope that will soon change. Leaving behind the past, he left Sababurg with a light heart, human form hiden under long robes.

“No stopping overnight?” He joked.

“That is the only way to go to Hamelin Castle. Unless you just want to visit the next village,” the lighter blond rolled his eyes. “Besides, is there any danger dares to confront a dragon?”

Alfred joined along with the smile finding its way on Arthur’s face. The loved beast let the familiar words roll off his tongue

“What will await us when dawn comes?”

-and was satisfied to see the corners of his mouth slightly curved into a magnificent expression of pride.

“The world.”

Note: This fic’s kinda a sequel to a long fic i’d never write, in which Afred was the prince of the dragon kingdom, about more than 100 years ago, he left home with Arthur to travel the world in his human form. When stopping in Spades (still not a kingdom at the time), Afred unintentionally revealed his true form. And so he got hunted by the frightened people, leading to Alfred’s death under the tree above. 100 years later under an old tree in the royal garden appeared a baby which the queen took in as her child. I’m planning on a short fic in this AU later, which will have more usuk-ness :D 

idk why i’d chose a 2k+ fic to translate while the first one’s only 500 words but well, i really love this fic in all the ones i’ve written.

[kattimariias]

Firestar’s Reworked Family Tree (+hc appearances) - Part 1

I’ve seen people make genetically accurate family trees since the canon ones are...kinda messy

so here’s my attempt. note that I don’t know everything about cat genetics, so there’s likely going to be a lot of mistakes. feel free to point any errors out.

i’ll start off with grandmother to grandchildren

Firestar’s side:

Crystal, Firestar’s grandmother - going with wiki descriptions (the photos sometimes aren’t accurate), she’s a ginger bicolor with blue eyes. i think there needs to be a certain amount of white for her to have blue eyes (and usually fairly big), so i’ll just go with green eyes since i’m going with a low amount of white here.

for tabby pattern, i hc her as a mackerel tabby.

Mocha, Firestar’s grandfather - in his description, he’s brown with green eyes. i’ll keep the green eyes and make him a solid chocolate (aka...brown) that’s middle in terms of tone.

Whiskers, Firestar’s uncle - described as brown and white with blue eyes. i’ve heard males only get colors from their mom, so i’m not sure whether if he stays ginger or gets chocolate from his mom because she carries the trait. either way his eyes are green.

Ferris, Firestar’s uncle - “light ginger tom with brown stripes” ....okay uhm, brown stripes can only occur with chocolate tabbies, i don’t even think it’s possible for gingers. anyways he remains the same, just with darker colored stripes

Jake, Firestar’s dad - he’s pretty much a firestar clone...hah. since i hate the “character looks like a clone of parent” cliche, i just went with a heavy resemblance, similar coat color (jake is a bit darker), eye color, and build (jake is chubbier), but jake is a mackerel tabby unlike nutmeg. he has a bit of white inherited from his mom.

he also carries black (again, from his mom).

Nutmeg, Firestar’s mom - she’s brown and white in the books, but i went with her being a black torbico (torbie with white) so Firestar can be ginger. she’s also a ticked tabby and keeps her hazel eyes (why does she have green eyes on the wiki photo, i don’t understand...)

Princess, Firestar’s sister - light brown and white in the books, here i went with her being a black tabby bicolor so she can keep the brown coat color (to clear confusion, black tabbies are cats that are genetically black, but have a brown coat color and black stripes)

Firestar - pretty much the same as the book description, though he’s more of a bright ginger than outright flame colored. he’s a ticked tabby for cool stylizing purposes

Quince, Firestar’s...honestly idk, family terms confuse me - has a similar appearance to her description, grey with amber eyes, but she also has a bit of white

Socks, Firestar’s half brother - probably has a smaller degree of white compared to his description, but remains the same. his eye color is never said, but i hc him with amber eyes.

Ruby, Firestar’s half sister - description says she’s grey, but due to having a black based mom and a ginger dad, she’s a calico. keeps her amber eyes.

Scourge, Firestar’s half brother - instead of blue eyes, i hc him with green eyes similar to firestar’s. as, y’know, a hint to them being half siblings. also he has more white than just on his left paw. i also hc him with having a blue collar since that works well with his color palette.

instead of having dog teeth on his collar, he wears a simple spiked collar.

Sandstorm’s side:

Brindleface, Sandstorm’s mom - she’s pale gray in the books, but she would need to be either a dilute tortoiseshell or outright cream. i haven’t decided yet tho. (i’ll likely go with diluted tortoiseshell for reasons i’ll explain later)

for tabby, i see her as classic

Redtail, Sandstorm’s dad - a tortoiseshell in the books, but male tortoiseshells are extremely rare and would likely be born ill, so either redtail is a chimera or he’s trans.

another option is him simply being ginger and white, but like brindleface i’m not sure what to go with here.

i hc him as a classic tabby as well

Sandstorm - pale ginger tabby in the books, and since cream cats are basically washed out gingers, i’ll go with cream.

course, she’s a classic tabby

Kits:

Squirrelflight - mostly keeps her book description, except without white (unless i go with redtail and sandstorm being ginger and white). she’s also a ticked tabby

Leafpool - similar to book description, except she’s a black ticked tabby. she gets it from both of her parents, who carry black from their parents (or rather it was hidden under the ginger fur...genetics are weird). also has no white

Grandchildren:

Lionblaze - similar to book description...except not golden brown, just bright ginger and ticked tabby

Hollyleaf - black ticked torbie instead of solid black (i kinda like this appearance better tbh, perhaps the ginger on her coat is subtle? idk if that’s possible)

Jayfeather - either ginger ticked tabby or grey ticked tabby, he could be grey since leafpool and crowfeather carry grey (either one of crowfeather’s parents are grey i think, and leafpool carries the grey trait thanks to her mom, who carries it from brindleface’s...this is why i’m conflicted)

Alderheart - remains the same, just brighter

Sparkpelt - like Alderheart, not much to change here

Dandelionkit - went undescribed, but i see hc as a black ticked tabby

Juniperkit - also has no description, but i hc him as a ginger ticked tabby

Hollytuft - book description says she’s a black molly, but with her dad being a ginger and her mom being black, she’d likely be a ticked torbie or solid black still. (i lean towards torbie since that still keeps the hollyleaf reference)

Fernsong - pretty similar to book description, since yellow is a term used for bright gingers

Sorrelstripe - she’s dark brown in the books...well i haven’t got the extended family down yet to know if this is possible, so i’ll go with her being a black tabby

Extra:

Bramblestar - black classic tabby, gets the black from his mom (whose a tortoiseshell, will be explained further in part 2) and his dad

Crowfeather - solid black like the books, not much to say here

Cinderheart - black silver/smoke, doesn’t have any tabby markings unlike the books (unless she’s a charcoal bengal, but i’m not gonna go into that yet)

[nunoxaviermoreira]

Outra série com a Maria-faceira (Syrigma sibilatrix) - Another series with the Whistling Heron - 07-05-2009 - IMG_7999 by Flávio Cruvinel Brandão Maria-faceira (Syrigma sibilatrix), fotografada no Setor Policial Sul - SPO, em Brasília, Brasil. Classe: Aves Ordem: Ciconiformes Família: Ardeidae Nome científico: Syrigma sibilatrix Nome vulgar: Maria-faceira Categoria: Vulnerável Mede 53 cm. Tem face azul-clara, bico róseo. Habita campos secos, arrozais, lugares pouco alagados. Anda a passos largos e bem calculados, como se observasse um perigo ou uma oportunidade. Espécie insentívora. Faz ninhos sobre as árvores, ou arbustos, em ilhas, e põe ovos levemente manchados. Muito diferente das outras espécies de família. Sua voz é um sibilo melodioso repetido sem pressa, que é emitido com o bico largamente aberto e o pescoço esticado. completamente insetívora, vivendo longe da água, nos cerrados abertos e campos limpos formados após a baixa das águas (foto). Os casais permanecem juntos a maior parte do tempo, mantendo contato em vôo com um chamado especial, um sibilo melodioso e longo. O som produzido é semelhante ao de maria-fumaças de brinquedo. No final da tarde, desloca-se para dormir pousada em árvores altas, geralmente em terreno seco. No início da manhã seguinte retorna ao local de alimentação, onde permanece no solo a maior parte do tempo, caçando os insetos em caminhadas lentas. Sua batida de asas é muito característica, por ser de baixa amplitude e alta velocidade, dando a impressão que voa somente com o deslocamento da ponta extrema da asa. O nome comum está ligado às cores espetaculares da cabeça. As cores do juvenil são mais esmaecidas, mas, fora isso, é idêntico aos adultos. Reproduz-se também em casais isolados, sem formar colônias. Mede 53 cm. Face azul - clara, bico róseo. Habita campoa secos, arrozais, lugares pouco alagados. Ocorre do Rio de Janeiro e Minas Gerais à Argentina, Paraguai e Bolívia, também na Venezuela e Colômbia. Andam a passos largos e bem calculados, como se observassem um perigo ou uma oportunidade. Insentívora, caça também insetos no seco. Fazem ninhos sobre as árvores, ou arbustos, em ilhas, ovos levemente manchados. Muito diferente das outras espécies de família. A sua voz é um sibilo melodioso repetido sem pressa "i,i,i"; que é emitido com o bico largamente aberto e o pescoço esticado. A text, in english, from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: http://ift.tt/2lFnLSd The Whistling Heron, Syrigma sibilatrix, is a medium-sized, often terrestrial heron of South America. There are two subspecies, the southern S. s. sibilatrix and the northern S. s. fostersmithi. Description: The Whistling Heron measures 53 to 64 cm in length and weighs 521 to 546 g. The southern subspecies is bigger but has a shorter bill in proportion to the body.[1] The overall impression of standing birds is gray, with flying birds showing conspicuous white rear parts (lower back, belly, and tail). In both subspecies, adults' upperparts except the lower back are blue-gray.[1][2] The feathers of the sides of head, sides of the neck, breast, and scapular area are basically white but are stained gold to buff, perhaps by the powder down typical of herons or by secretions of the preen gland; the color varies from bird to bird. In the nominate subspecies, the crown and crest (separate plumes up to 4 cm long on the nape) are black and the upper wing coverts are cinnamon-colored; the crown and crest are slate-gray and the upper wing coverts are honey-colored (or "chamois"[2]) in fostersmithi.[1] The bill is pink with blue to violet at the base and the distal third black, the legs are greenish and rather short, and there is a fairly big area of bare bluish skin around the eye.[1][2] Juveniles have the same overall pattern but are duller than adults, with the crown lighter, the breast light gray, and the throat and sides unstained white.[1][2] Chicks are undescribed.[1] The bird is named for its most common call, a "loud, flute-like whistled kleeer-er"[2] or "a high, reedy, complaining whistle, often doubled or uttered in a ser[ies], wueeee, wueeee,.…, easily imitated" [3] or "a distinctive, characteristic, far-carrying, melodious whistle" that "can be rendered 'kee, kee, kee.'"[1] It may also give "a slow, drawn-out whistle" when taking off.[1] The alarm call is a harsh quah-h-h.[2] Unlike other herons, in flight it has fast, duck-like wingbeats and usually does not retract its neck fully.[1] Range and habitat The subspecies fostersmithi inhabits the Llanos and the Orinoco basin of Colombia and Venezuela. There are no breeding records "yet" from Colombia.[1][2] The subspecies sibilatrix inhabits eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, western and southern Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, and northeastern Argentina. Recent records suggest that it may be expanding its range northward and eastward in Brazil. It makes seasonal movements at least in northeastern Venezuela, where it does not occur from November to January, but remains all year in other areas, such as Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.[1] It occurs at altitudes up to 500 m (with a sight record from 2300 m[3]) in seasonally flooded savanna, often in drier grassy situations than other herons, but also in a wide variety of open waterlogged or shallowly submerged terrain. Because it roosts in trees, it particularly likes regions where open areas are mixed with woodlots. It has no objection to human-altered habitats such as pastures and roadsides, and it often perches on fenceposts.[1] Although patchily distributed, it is common in many areas, with no population considered vulnerable. It benefits from deforestation and some agriculture.[1] As a successful heron of dry tropical country, it has been compared to two species originating in the Old World: the Cattle Egret and the Black-headed Heron.[4] Behavior Feeding This species eats any small dryland and marsh animals it can catch, or even pirate[1] (as from an Aplomado Falcon in one reported incident[4]). It often holds still[1][2][3] but also walks very slowly[4] and may use more active techniques, even running after prey or catching flying insects (notably dragonflies[3]) from a standing position.[1] It may allow humans to approach fairly closely rather than leave a good feeding spot.[1] It typically feeds alone or in pairs, but is sometimes seen in groups up to 100,[2] especially before roosting for the night.[1] Reproduction In a courtship display, the birds fly back and forth and glide in circles. A captive pair displayed by raising their plumes.[1] This species nests alone, unlike most herons, which nest in colonies. It may nest in mature trees such as araucarias or exotic trees.[1]. One nest in Argentina was loosely built of sticks about 4m up in a eucalyptus.[3] The eggs are pale blue and speckled, about 4.7 × 3.6 cm, and the normal clutch is three or four. Incubation lasts about 28 days, and young fledge 42 days after hatching. Egg survival has been measured at 28% and nestling survival at 40%; storms that destroy nests are an important cause of losses. Based on observations of family groups, only two young normally fledge. Unlike most heron species, Whistling Herons care for young after leaving the nest; juveniles beg for food by hissing with their wings drooped.[1] Taxonomy Skeletal resemblances to the night herons have led to a debate about whether the Whistling Heron is related to them, but since the 1980s it has been at least provisionally considered a relative of the genus Egretta, with little doubt that it belongs in a genus of its own.[1][5] Cultural significance Indigenous peoples formerly used its neck plumes as trade items, though not so heavily as to reduce populations.[1] References * BirdLife International (2004). Syrigma sibilatrix. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 02 April 2007. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern 1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Kushlan, James A.; Hancock, James. A (2005). Herons. Oxford University Press, pp. 208–214. ISBN 0-19-854981-4. Retrieved on 2007-04-01. 2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Hilty, Steven L.; Brown, William L. (1986). A Guide to the Birds of Colombia. Princeton University Press, p. 66. ISBN 0-691-08371-1. Retrieved on 2007-04-01. 3. ^ a b c d e Hilty, Steven L. (2003). Birds of Venezuela. Princeton University Press, p. 213–214. ISBN 0-691-09250-8. Retrieved on 2007-04-03. 4. ^ a b c Kushlan, James A.; Hancock, James A.; Pinowski, J.; Pinowska, B. (1982). "Behavior of Whistling and Capped Herons in the Seasonal Savannas of Venezuela and Argentina" (pdf). Condor 84: pp. 255–260. Retrieved on 2007-04-03. 5. ^ Remsen, J. V., Jr.; C. D. Cadena; A. Jaramillo; M. Nores; J. F. Pacheco; M. B. Robbins; T. S. Schulenberg; F. G. Stiles; D. F. Stotz; K. J. Zimmer. A classification of the bird species of South America [Version 2007-04-05]. American Ornithologists' Union. Retrieved on 2007-04-09. Another text, in english, from http://ift.tt/2ylOuJw heron.html Whistling Heron (Syrigma sibilatrix), photographed at the City's Park (Parque da Cidade), in Brasília, Brazil. Whistling Heron (Syrigma sibilatrix) There are two subspecies of Whistling Heron, S. s. sibilatrix found in Bolivia, SE Brazil and NE Argentina and S. s. fostersmithi found in E Colombia and Venezuela which is smaller and paler. It is quite distinctive with its red bill with black tip, its blue bare skin around the eyes, its golden neck and its blue-grey back. Whistling Heron, Brazil, Sept 2000 - click for larger image It gets its name from the rather melodious whistle that it makes in contrast to the coarse calls of most herons. It feeds during the day on grasshoppers, frogs, eels, etc. and is probably less dependant on water for its food than any other heron. The Brazilians call it "Maria-faceira" or "Mary the coquette". http://ift.tt/2lFnMpf

[fishcareinfo-blog]

Betta - Siamese Fighting Fish

Betta, Siamese Fighting Fish, Split-Tailed Betta, Libby Betta Family: Osphronemidae The Betta or Siamese Fighting Fish is one of the most popular aquarium fish, and has been part of the hobby for a very long time! The Betta or Siamese Fighting Fish Betta splendens is a very beautiful and vies with the highly favored Guppy Poecilia reticulata and the familiar Goldfish Carassius auratus for the title of best known fish. They are These fish are well known and greatly appreciated for their gorgeous appearance, interesting behaviors, and simple space requirements. Dubbed "the Jewel of the Orient", they have been selectively bred across generations. Through selective breeding quite a number of different varieties have been developed sporting gorgeous colors, color patterns, and incredible fins. Other common names they are known by are Split-Tailed Betta and Libby Betta. In their wild form, the Siamese Fighting Fish is dull green and brown in color and it has a stout elongated body with short rounded fins. The name "fighting fish" comes from the fact that males will most often fight each other until either one or both of them are dead. Short-finned males have long been bred in Thailand for fighting purposes, though in this sport the combatants are usually separated before a fatal outcome. They are ferocious fighters, yet interesting behaviors occur during combat. If one of them goes to the surface for air they will pause the conflict, and the other will not take advantage of its rival during this temporary helplessness. Also if there is a third male, it will wait its turn to fight the victor rather than joining in the fray between the other two.

Spade Tail Betta The popular Betta, as it is known in the United States, is an equally combative Siamese Fighting Fish. Wild male Betta's have short rounded fins and the beautiful specimens available in pet stores today have been developed from this wild variety. Their fins can be short to very long and flowing. The most commonly available are the Veil Tail Bettas but there are many others. Fancy Bettas range from those with a double tail fin to those with a crescent or half moon tail fin, and others with a crown design to all their fins. Only the male has the long fins though. The female's fins will be shorter and females are generally more drab in color. When agitated both sexes will flare out their gills and fins making an impressive display, These captive bred aquarium specimens don't lend themselves to a combative type of sport however. Their long flowing fins are very delicate and will actually fray if even the movement of the water is too fast. Bettas are a great fish for a beginning aquarium enthusiast or for someone who wants minimal space and upkeep, but still wishes to enjoy a beautiful fish. Their needs are minimal in comparison to other species. They are quite disease resistant, very resilient, readily available, and inexpensive. They are hardy and will adapt to most aquarium conditions and their special 'labyrinth organ' enables them to survive in oxygen-depleted waters. Because of this they can survive in smaller spaces. A minimum sized aquarium for a single specimen would be 3 gallons if kept in a warm room, and with regular maintenance. They will do best however in a larger aquarium, a 10 gallon aquarium is recommended, and also allows room for other tankmates. These are good community fish as long as the selection of tankmates is made with care. During and after nest building, the male is extremely aggressive and will regard anything that even remotely resembles a fish as a rival. This is especially true if it is similar looking fish (even a female), or a colorful fish. For this reason you can only keep one male per tank and you must select its companions carefully. They do fine in a community tank with fish that are very peaceful, similar in size, and more drab in color. Females can be kept in groups but males should be kept singly. Males can be kept in pairs or with several females if the tank is large enough and there's lots of hiding places for the females. For Information on keeping freshwater fish, see: Freshwater Aquarium Guide: Aquarium Setup and Care

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Perciformes Family: Osphronemidae Genus: Betta Species: splendens

Betta fish - Quick Aquarium Care

Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner Size of fish - inches: 2.8 inches (7.01 cm) Minimum Tank Size: 3 gal (11 L) Temperament: Peaceful Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy Temperature: 75.0 to 86.0° F (23.9 to 30.0° C)

Habitat: Distribution / Background

The Siamese Fighting Fish Betta splendens was described by Regan in 1910. This species is found in southeast Asia from the Lower Mekong Basin: Malayan peninsula, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It occurs from the Mae Khlong to Chao Phraya basins, waters of the eastern slope of the Cardamom mountains, and from the Isthmus of Kra. Its natural range is Thailand, but in view of its popularity over the last 100 years it is difficult to ascertain its exact original range as it is now found living in the wild in many countries. The genus name "Betta" was taken from the Javanese name "Wuder Bettah". This species is also called by the common name Betta, especially in the United States. Other common names include Split-Tailed Betta and Libby Betta. They are called "pla-kad" by the natives, which literally means "biting fish". Interestingly in Thailand they are called "pla kat Khmer" meaning "Fighting Fish from the land of Khmer" (Kampuchea). This then translates in English to "Fighting Fish from the country of Cambodia". Khmer is the language of the Khmer people and the official language of Cambodia and Kampuchea is the official name of Cambodia. This species is listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable (VU). Although the exact extent of its occurrence is not fully known, much of the area surrounding its known habitats have been converted for heavy farming, leading to pollution and degradation. This is especially true in central Thailand. It is suspected that there is about a 30% decline in population across its range. Secondary threats could be a possible reduction of natural habitats as well as a genetic erosion due to escaped farmed species introduced back into the wild. B. splendens is one of 70 currently recognized species in the Betta genus, and there's another 6 or more undescribed species. This genus is comprised of two basic groups, bubble nest builders and mouth brooders. Further study may divide this group in the future, as mouth brooding is indicative of species that have evolved a good deal further. However currently they are all grouped together and in appearance the two groups are very similar. Some of the other Betta species that are occasionally seen in the aquarium trade include: Giant Betta Betta anabatoides (Bleeker, 1851) Other common names include: Pearly Betta, Large Unspotted Mouthbrooder, Giant Bettafish Slim Betta Betta bellica (Sauvage, 1884) Other common names include: Slender Betta, Striped Fighting Fish, Slim Fighting Fish, Bellicose Fighting Fish, Green Jungle Fighting Fish, Slim Bettafish Browns Red Dwarf Fighter Betta brownorum (Witte & Schmidt, 1992) Wine-Red Betta Betta coccina (Vierke, 1979) Chameleon Betta Betta foerschi (Vierke, 1979) Other common names include: Foersch's Betta Crescent Betta Betta imbellis (Ladiges, 1975) Other common names include: Peaceful Betta Spotfin Betta Betta macrostoma (Regan, 1910) Other common names include: Peacock Mouthbrooder, Brunei Beauty, Orangecheek Betta, Spotfin Bettafish Spotted Betta Betta picta (Valenciennes, 1846) Other common names include: Painted Betta, Javan Mouth-Brooding Fighting Fish, Mouth-Brooding Betta, Spotted Bettafish Penang Betta Betta pugnax (Cantor, 1849) Other common names include: Penang Mouth-Brooding Fighting Fish, Pengang Bettafish, Mouthbrooding Betta, Malayan Betta, Giant Betta, Big Eye Mouthbrooder, Javanese Mouthbrooding Finghting Fish Blue Betta Betta smaragdina (Ladiges, 1972) Other common names include: Emerald Betta, Blue Bettafish Borneo Betta Betta taeniata (Regan, 1910) Other common names include: Banded Fighting Fish, Striped Betta, Borneo Bettafish Howong Betta Betta unimaculata (Popta, 1905) Other common names include: One-Spot Betta, One Spot Mouthbrooder, Blue One Spot Mouthbrooder Some Betta species that are a rare export in the aquarium trade include: Akar Betta Betta akarensis (Regan, 1910) Other common names include: Sarawak Betta, Ladder-Fined Betta, Ladder Mouthbrooder Whiteseam Fighter Betta albimarginata (Kottelat & Ng, 1994) Balunga Mouthbrooder Betta balunga (Herre, 1940) Red Brown Dwarf Fighter Betta burdigala (Kottelat & Ng, 1994) Snakehead Fighter Betta channoides (Kottelat & Ng, 1994) Chini Mouthbrooder Betta chini (Ng, 1993) Green Throat Mouthbrooder Betta chloropharynx (Kottelat & Ng, 1994) Dwarf Mouthbrooder Betta dimidiata (Roberts, 1989) Edith's Betta Betta edithae (Vierke, 1984) Other common names include: Edith's Mouthbrooder Blue Band Mouthbrooder Betta enisae (Kottelat, 1995) Dusky Betta Betta fusca (Regan, 1910) Other common names include: Dark Betta, Brown Mouthbrooder Jealous Betta Betta lehi (Tan & Ng, 2005) Other common names include: Selangor Red Fighter Small Fin Fighter Betta miniopinna (Tan & Tan, 1994) Black Betta Betta patoti (Weber & de Beaufort, 1922) Dwarf Betta Betta persephone (Schaller, 1986) Other common names include: Black Small Fighter Threelined Mouthbrooder Betta prima (Kottelat, 1994) Beauty Mouthbrooder Betta pulchra (Tan & Tan, 1996) Toba Betta Betta rubra (Perugia, 1893) Other common names include: Red Sumatran Fighter Redish Dwarf Fighter Betta rutilans (Witte & Kottelat, 1991) Simor Fighter Betta simorum (Tan & Ng, 1996) Simple Mouthbrooder Betta simplex (Kottelat, 1994) Other common names include: Redfin Betta Within the Betta genus, hybrids have been formed from cross-breeding the Siamese Fighting Fish B. splendens with the Crescent Betta B. imbellis, the Blue Betta Betta smaragdina, and the undescribed Betta sp. Mahachaia. Hybrids have also been reported between B. splendens and its close relative, the Paradise Fish Macropodus opercularis. This species occurs in standing and slow-moving waters with thick vegetation. They are found in floodplains, canals, and rice paddies as well as medium to large rivers. They are Labyrinth fish, members of the suborder Anabantoidei often called Anabantoids, that can breathe atmospheric oxygen. These type of fish have an additional respiratory organ called the "labyrinth organ", which allows them to survive in stagnant water bodies that have very low oxygen content or are even polluted. They are able to get oxygen by passing water through their gills, but also have the ability to gulp air at the surface. They are primarily carnivorous, but they will feed on a variety of plants and animals. Their diet includes zooplankton, insect larvae, and crustaceans. as well as aquatic insects near the water surface and green algae. Scientific Name: Betta splendens Social Grouping: Solitary - In nature this species is primarily solitary, forming pairs when spawning. IUCN Red List: VU - Vulnerable

Description

The natural Siamese Fighting Fish has a stout elongated body and short rounded fins, with the female having shorter fins than the male. Like all other labyrinth fish they can breath air, generally gulping it at the water's surface. They have a special 'labyrinth organ' which acts like a lung that enables them to survive in oxygen-depleted or polluted waters. They will grow to between 2 1/2 to 3 inches (6 - 7 cm) in length and their average life span is 2 - 3 years with good care. In their natural wild form the body coloration is a dull green and brown, though possibly becoming stronger they are agitated. There can be a color pattern change with mood swings, primarily on females. Horizontal bars will display when they are stressed or frightened (only rarely seen on males) and vertical stripes may appear on females when flirting to indicate they are willing and ready to breed. COLORS:

Elephant Ear Betta Today Betta's are available in many brilliant colors and color patterns, and with incredible fins. Both male's and the female's have been developed through selective breeding. This species has two primary mutation forms: a xanthorous form (an excess of yellow pigmentation) and a black form. and from these multiple varieties have been developed. Blue and red colors were the first and easiest to develop. They have now been followed by magenta, orange, white, yellow, black, turquoise, dark blue, bright blue with pink highlights, cream, dark green colorations. Marble and butterfly patterns have emerged in combinations of these, such as a purple and blue. There are also metallic tones such as copper, gold, platinum, and an "Opaque" white. These were obtained by crossing B. splendens with other Betta species.     FINNAGE:

Bettas have been selectively bred for finnage that is longer and of various shapes. Some of these forms include: Plakat Betta, Short-Finned Betta This is the short finned fighting style Betta as found in the natural, wild form. Round Tail Betta, Single Tail Betta These are single-tail Bettas that have fins with rounded edges. They are often confused with the Delta Tail Betta and even the Super Delta Tail Betta. Veil Tail Betta The most common Betta is the 'veil tail'. This fish has an extended finnage length, a non-symmetrical tail, and the caudal fin rays usually only split once. Veil tail finnage is also seen the well-known livebearers like the Molly, Platy, and Guppy as well as in Veiltail Goldfish. Crown Tail Betta, Fringetail Betta On these the fin rays extended well beyond the membrane, giving the tail a crown appearance of a crown. Comb Tail Betta This is a less extended version of the Crown Tail. It is developed by crossing a Crown Tail with another finnage type. Half-Sun Betta This is a Combtail variety with caudal fin being 180 degrees, like on the Half-Moon Betta. Half-Moon Betta This is where the caudal fin forms a "D" shape at a 180 degree angle, with edges that are crisp and straight. Delta Tail Betta This variety has a caudal fin that is less than the 180 degree angle found on the Half-Moon, but it also has crisp and straight edges. Super Delta Tail Betta This is basically an enhanced version of the standard Delta Tail, and some are just shy of being full Half-Moon Betta. Half-Moon Plakat Betta, Short-Finned Half-Moon Betta This is a cross between the Plakat Betta and a Half-Moon Betta Over-Half-Moon Betta This is a more extensive tail fin than found on the Half-Moon. Here the "D" shaped caudal fin is in excess of 180 degrees. It is developed crossing breeding Half-Moons, but sometimes the fins are too big for the fish, so causes the fish to swim improperly. RoseTail Betta This is a beautiful Half-Moon Betta variation where there is so much finnage, that they overlap and look like the pedals of a rose. Double-Tail Betta On this variety the dorsal fin is very elongated and the same length as the anal fin. The caudal fin is divided into two duplicate lobes. Elephant Ear Betta Like the name describes, this Betta has very long, ear-like fins. Spade Tail Betta This tail form is not seen as often since about the 90's, but it is a caudal fin with a wide base that narrows to a delicate point, like a spade. Fancy colorful males are most commonly seen, but females that were once quite a drab fish are now available in much more intense colors and finnage as well. Even so, females do not attain the same showy fins nor the color intensity that males of the same type do. Size of fish - inches: 2.8 inches (7.01 cm) - This fish will reach between 2 1/2 to 3 inches (6 - 7 cm) in length. Lifespan: 3 years - Their general life span is 2 - 3 years.

Fish Keeping Difficulty

Delta Tail Betta This is a hardy fish and makes a good choice for the beginner. They are undemanding and because of their size can be kept in a smaller aquarium. They are hardy eaters and will readily accept a wide variety of foods. They are normally marketed as community fish, but take caution as the males will fight each other. Males should be kept singly or in pairs, but will be fine in a mixed community with other fish that are very peaceful, similar in size and with a less colorful appearance. A handy cheat sheet that will benefit beginner betta keepers, and will likely hold some surprises for more experienced keepers as well, can be seen in the Betta Fish Care Infographic. Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Foods and Feeding

Although the Siamese Fighting Fish are omnivores that will eat some green algae in nature, their diet is primarily carnivore. In the wild they feed mostly on zooplankton, insect larvae, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. In the aquarium they will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and dry protein foods. To keep a good balance give them a high quality protein pellet or flake food everyday. They will gladly eat foods designed for Bettas but also feed them brine shrimp (either live or frozen) or blood worms. Generally feed once or twice a day. Confusion about the food requirements of these fish has come about in recent years. A trend where a glass vase topped with a plant to create a decorative environment, has lead people to think these fish eat the roots of plants. However they do not eat the roots of the plants and must be provided a protein diet. Diet Type: Omnivore - Although they will eat some green algae in nature, their diet is primarily carnivorous. Flake Food: Yes Tablet / Pellet: Yes Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet Meaty Food: All of Diet Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day - Generally feed once or twice a day.

Aquarium Care

These are extremely hardy fish and although the labyrinth organ allows the fish to survive in oxygen depleted water, it is a common misconception that this makes water changes unnecessary. This is hardly the case as these fish will suffer the same tissue damage from built up toxins as any other fish. Regular water changes are a must with 25% weekly being recommended. Water Changes: Weekly - Weekly water changes of 25% are recommended.

Aquarium Setup

The Betta or Siamese Fighting Fish will swim in all parts of the tank. This fish is quite hardy and will adapt to most aquarium conditions. Like all other anabantoids their special 'labyrinth organ' enables them to survive in oxygen-depleted waters. Because of this they can survive in smaller spaces. A minimum sized aquarium for a single specimen would be 3 gallons if kept in a warm room, and with regular maintenance. They will do best however in a larger aquarium, with adequate filtration and a heater, along with regular maintenance. A 10 gallon aquarium is recommended. Provide gentle water circulation and some sturdy aquarium plants. The aquarium should be covered to prevent jumps. The tank should be decorated in a way which allows both the dominant and quieter personality type fish to live happily. This means the construction of a few hiding places and some surface cover. They will show their colors best on a dark substrate and need some sturdy aquarium plants to provide the female with places of hide. This species appreciates some cover with floating plants, but be sure to leave some open areas for them to gulp water at the surface. This species is often subjected to tanks as small as 1/4 gallon, but this set up is very rough on the fish. While the fish is equipped with a labyrinth organ that allows the fish to survive in oxygen depleted waters for short periods of time, this fish will suffer the same tissue damage from ammonia and nitrate spikes as any other species. This is nearly impossible to prevent in an very small tank. Minimum Tank Size: 3 gal (11 L) - One male can be kept in a 3 gallon tank, but a pair or in a community it will do best in a 5 - 10 gallon aquarium. Suitable for Nano Tank: Yes Substrate Type: Any Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting Temperature: 75.0 to 86.0° F (23.9 to 30.0° C) - Keep the surrounding room temperature consistent with the water temperature to avoid causing trauma to the labyrinth organ. Breeding Temperature: 80.0° F - Optimal breeding temperatures range between 79 -82° F (26-28° C). Range ph: 6.0-8.0 Hardness Range: 5 - 35 dGH Brackish: No Water Movement: Weak - Will be uncomfortable with strong water currents. Water Region: All - These fish will inhabit all levels of the aquarium.

Social Behaviors

Generally it is considered a good community fish, however the Betta can get picked on. This fish cannot be housed with fin nipping fish. Other tanks mates will sometimes keep nudging it as if though to get it moving, and sometimes the fins become an easy target for an occasional nip. It has been noted that occasionally a Betta will attack other tank mates. This generally seems to be a case of misidentification, usually it's a brightly colored platy or molly. Male specimens are all but completely intolerant of each other and anything they mistake for another male Betta. The females are less aggressive towards each other but are still very hierarchal. Only one male can be kept in a tank as two males together will fight to the death. Females can be kept with each other, groups of 3 to 7 work well. A male can be kept with females if the tank is quite large and there are plenty of hiding places, however this is not generally recommended except when breeding, as they will often attack each other. A mix of neutral personalities of fish, that are not similar in looks, is an ideal goal for the range of tank mates. Be careful in selections as tank mates need to be very peaceful. Good tankmates include some of the characins species like the Neon Tetra, Cardinal tetra, and White Cloud Mountain Minnow; some of the smaller loaches like the Kuhlii species; Coryadoras catfish; Platies; and even African dwarf frogs. Avoid other species that are colorful or have long, flowing fins. Venomous: No Temperament: Peaceful Compatible with: Same species - conspecifics: Sometimes - Males should not be kept together as they will fight, but females can normally be kept in groups or 3 - 7. Pairs can be kept together when breeding, but otherwise they may attack each other. Peaceful fish (): Safe - The Betta are peaceful with other peaceful fish of similar size, but avoid similar looking, colorful fish. Semi-Aggressive (): Threat Aggressive (): Threat Large Semi-Aggressive (): Threat Large Aggressive, Predatory (): Threat Slow Swimmers & Eaters (): Threat Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Threat - is aggressive Plants: Safe

Sex: Sexual differences

Female-Male Betta Determining the gender of a Betta is generally quite easy, but sometimes they look similar enough to make a decision challenging. The male is brightly colored and has long colorful fins. Female's have shorter fins and are rather drab in color. Females will develop a pale color to the belly when filled with eggs, and they may display horizontal striping when ready to spawn. Keep in mind that juvenile fish may not display sexual differences. Ideally, compare mature specimens of the same species and color, and compare multiple factors rather than using a single trait to determine sex.

Breeding / Reproduction

Female Betta Like most fish in the labyrinth fish family, the Siamese Fighting Fish are bubble nest builders. Breeding this species is not difficult though the male will defend his nest to the death. Getting Bettas to spawn is very easy, but the actual raising of the young is incredibly challenging due to the accommodations which must be made. Care in housing for each specimen is necessary due to the aggressive tendencies of the males and there is frequently infection due to the delicateness of their fins. Breeding these fish should only be attempted by the most committed and informed enthusiasts. Males will build bubble nests frequently, usually beneath a leaf. Prior to spawning they should be well conditioned with small offerings of live and frozen foods several times a day. When well fed, females should begin filling out with eggs, appearing very plump with a lighter colored belly and bars will often appear on the flanks. An individual breeding tank with a tight fitting cover should be set up with the water level low, no more than 6 " (15 cm) deep. Normal water parameters are fine, with optimal breeding temperatures ranging between 79 -82° F (26-28° C). During nest building a male will consider females to be rivals and bully them. Include some clumps of plants, like Java Moss, Hornwort or Milfoil, so the female will to have places for retreat. Floating plants like Ricca, stem plants grown to the surface, or any other floating debris will help keep the bubble nest in place. Males will build the nest and then flare his gills and spread out his fins to entice the female to spawn. The female will darken in color and curve her body back and forth in response if she is receptive. The male will wrap his body around the female and the two will spawn with eggs and sperm being released simultaneously. With each spawn the female will release about 40 eggs. This behavior may be repeated several times, and if the female was well filled out, the spawn can be around 200 eggs. The eggs will mostly sink and the male will pick them up in his mouth and place them in his nest. The female may also help retrieve the eggs, but more often she simply eats any she finds. After spawning the male will chase off the female and will guard the nest and eggs until they hatch. The female must be removed after the eggs are produced or she will eat them. The eggs will hatch in about 24 to 36 hours. After hatching the fry will remain in the nest for the next 2 to 3 days until they have absorb their yolk sacs and will then emerge and become free swimming. The male is usually removed from the breeding tank at this time or he might eat the fry which emerge from the nest, though this is not an absolute. Free swimming fry can be fed infusoria or a liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp. The juveniles exclusively use their gills for oxygen absorption until about 3 to 6 weeks, at which time their labyrinth organ becomes developed, and then they can begin to gulp air at the surface. Ease of Breeding: Difficult - Although getting Bettas to spawn is very easy, the actual raising of the young is incredibly challenging. This should only be attempted by the most committed and informed of enthusiasts.

Fish Diseases

Siamese Fighting Fish are very hardy so disease is not usually a problem in a well maintained aquarium. Some diseases they are prone to are bacterial infections, constipation and Hole in the Head if good water quality, nutrition, and maintenance is not provided. With any additions to a tank such as new fish, plants, substrates, and decorations there is a risk of introducing disease. It's advisable to properly clean or quarantine anything that you want add to an established tank prior to introduction, so as not to upset the balance. These fish are very resilient but knowing the signs of illness, and catching and treating them early makes a huge difference. An outbreak of disease can often be limited to just one or a few fishes if you deal with it at an early stage. The best way to proactively prevent disease is to give your fish the proper environment and a well balanced diet. The closer to their natural habitat the less stress the fish will have, making them healthier and happy. A stressed fish will is more likely to acquire disease. For information about freshwater fish diseases and illnesses, see Aquarium Fish Diseases and Treatments.

Availability

The Betta or Siamese Fighting Fish is readily available and inexpensive, though the more exotic varieties will be higher priced. Females usually cost less than males. Click to Post