Just wondering...

OK so this might be a bit odd... or a bit daft... but I've been wondering what the deal is with the little pouches of 'bristles' (well they sorta look like this) on the sides of BN's mouths? Is it something to do with their gills? Is it an aggressive thing? I've just noticed that as my BN collection have gotten older they often puff out these side pouches (not even sure I'm describing this right) sometimes - mostly when they go to feed. Mummy BN is getting esepcially mean these days and chases most of the others away from any food, often pushing out these pouches when she does.

Also thought I'd update on the 'male' that I was hoping I had in my tank from my first forums post! :P He's more than definitely a male now as the bristles have started to branch and some are making their way up his face! WOO! And there are a couple of others starting to show bristles as well. Now I just have to worry about how to stop him from making any BN babies with his mum... I have another tank but I'm pretty scared to put any BN in it as I've had bad experiences with that before, its the tank my original daddy fish died in for no apparent reason. Will just have to 'woman' up and do it eventually I suppose!

They are called interopercular spines (or odontodes) and can be used to deter predators or as your female has shown, as a threat. Males usually have longer spines and will use them when fighting or defending eggs and fry. The spines will often be raised when the fish are caught and if netted will often result in the fish getting entangled, with the risk of fish or fishkeeper getting injured.

I'm glad to hear you have the young male that was fathered by the one that died , but it sounds like your going to have to bite the bullet and move him as he appears to be maturing quickly.

jim.and wrote:

They are called interopercular spines (or odontodes) and can be used to deter predators or as your female has shown, as a threat. Males usually have longer spines and will use them when fighting or defending eggs and fry. The spines will often be raised when the fish are caught and if netted will often result in the fish getting entangled, with the risk of fish or fishkeeper getting injured.

I'm glad to hear you have the young male that was fathered by the one that died , but it sounds like your going to have to bite the bullet and move him as he appears to be maturing quickly.

it was these odontodes that lead to my recent peppermint passing away recently since he got the stuck in a plant stem.

so you do have to keep a eye on your cat fish occasionally as sometimes the flaring can cause danger to themselves even when they do not mean
to. They can be very sharp and as such must be handled with care,..... hence Jim explaining they can be flared and cause the fish to get caught in
the net when handling or moving them.

So Please be careful for your self as well as the fish ofcourse...

Thanks for the info guys!