Betta girl giving me the tongue!!

[wildflowers]

I know this sounds weird, but I am just making sure she doesn't have a problem and is doing something normal. My Betta when she sees me (only when she sees my face) will literally stick her little tongue out like a little lizard and lick at the glass quickly in one loud "slurp". It is so cute and funny, but I wonder if this is a normal thing or if my Betta is just a little quirky in her own way??

Do Bettas do this normally?

Oh and also, do female Bettas blow little bubbles out of happiness like males too? I have one that sticks her tongue out and blows little bubbles every now and again.

[MissCarlyRenee]

I'm not sure if it's normal or not, but I'm happy to say you are not alone. My betta started sticking his tongue out at me when I came home about a month ago. He also has learned to throw rocks around to get my attention. I think Bettas are just sassy.

[1fish2fish]

Um... bettas don't have tongues.

[youlovegnats]

Also, bettas don't blow bubbles out of happiness. It's usually to suggest that they are ready to mate. Females will make small ones occasionally.
But yes, bettas don't have tongues. lol

[dramaqueen]

Maybe they're "kissing" the glass. lol

[bahamut285]

Originally Posted by 1fish2fish

Um... bettas don't have tongues.

This thread made me lol.

[youlovegnats]

Originally Posted by dramaqueen

Maybe they're "kissing" the glass. lol

Time to make out with my reflection! *mmmmmmuuuaaaahhhh*~~~~ <3

[MissCarlyRenee]

After much googling, I have now learned that while fish do not have true "tongues," but many have a tongue-like feature in their mouth known as basihyals.

[youlovegnats]

Originally Posted by MissCarlyRenee

After much googling, I have now learned that while fish do not have true "tongues," but many have a tongue-like feature in their mouth known as basihyals.

Yes. It looks nothing like our tongues, nor does it have the same kind of functions. It can't stick it out at you, lol.

[MissCarlyRenee]

Mine occasionally opens his mouth and exposes a pink tongue-like object at me.