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animal magic
68
FAHTHAI
BEHIND THE PHOTO
Thai photographer Visarute
Angkatvanich describes
the Siamese fighting fish
as a true passion of his.
Shot under pristine lighting
conditions in clear water, his
images brilliantly capture the
amazing iridescent colours
and large flowing fins of this
freshwater species, which is
native to the floodplains and
rice paddies of Thailand, Laos
and Cambodia.
FISH FACTS:
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Siamese fighters grow
to about 7cm in length.
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The species has been bred
in Thailand for over 125
years.
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Historically they are linked
to gambling (males will
fight one another for
territory).
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Famously, males will react
aggressively to their own
reflection in a mirror.
