Fighting fish are known for their aggression against other fish. They have long, beautiful tails and their bright colours. They can grow up to 7 cm and live for 3 - 5 years. The oldest fighting fish lived to 15 years and the owner used to chase him around with a stick for exercise.

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They are aggressive because in Siam, which is now Thailand, people used to collect them and put them in puddles and people would bet on which fish would win the fight.  If fighting fish feel that their territory is threatened they will flare their gills to make themselves look bigger. They will also flare when they are protecting their fry (baby fish).