Female Stripes

[SusieJG]

I know this is a relatively simple question, but can someone please remind me whether vertical stripes on a female mean she wants to breed or she is frightened?

I recently put a new male into the other half of my divided betta tank. With the other male she never did any displays at all, and they actually got along for the most part...even liked to swim together from time to time...but with this one they are both flaring a lot and I am noticing stripes on her. I have no plans to breed, but if she is showing that she is afraid then I will switch the bettas back so she can be less stressed. As pretty as it is when they flare, I want my little girl to be happy.

Thanks.

 

[cutecotton]

heya,

on a female, vertical stripes mean a desire to breed

horizontal stripes indicate stress

HTH