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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Examination of Host Phenotypes in Gambusia affinis Following Antibiotic Treatment

Examination of Host Phenotypes in Gambusia affinis Following Antibiotic Treatment

Published on: February 22, 2017

Fighting fish (Betta splendens) bubble nests do not inhibit microbial growth.

Alexandria C Brown¹, Ethan D Clotfelter

¹Department of Biology, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA. acbro0@cns.umass.edu

Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part A, Ecological Genetics and Physiology

|July 4, 2012

Summary

Fighting fish bubble nests do not have antimicrobial properties. Instead, the foam created by male Betta splendens may promote the growth of harmful microbes like Saprolegnia parasitica.

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Area of Science:

Behavioral Ecology
Aquatic Biology

Background:

Organisms often use nesting materials to create a protective environment for offspring.
Foamy nests, produced by male fighting fish (Betta splendens), are thought to offer such protection.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the antimicrobial properties of Betta splendens foamy nest material.
To determine if nest material influences larval survival against microbial pathogens.

Main Methods:

Testing bubble nest extract against pathogenic bacteria (Edwardsiella tarda), nonpathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli), and pathogenic oomycete (Saprolegnia parasitica).
Conducting in vitro fertilizations and incubating eggs in nest extract versus control (tank water) to assess larval survival.

Main Results:

No antimicrobial activity was detected in the bubble nest material.
Bubble nests were found to support the growth of Saprolegnia parasitica.
Larval survival data indicated no benefit from exposure to nest material.

Conclusions:

Betta splendens bubble nests lack antimicrobial properties.
The presence of pathogenic microbes, rather than a lack of antimicrobial protection, likely explains reduced larval survival when males are absent.