[Ethology and phylogeny of the family Belontiidae (Anabantoidei, pisces)].

Abstract

1. The behavioural patterns of the following species of the family Belontiidae were qualitatively examined and compared with each other: Colisa lalia, C. fasciata, C. chuna, Trichogaster trichopterus, T. leeri, T. microlepis, Macropodu, opercularis, Pseudosphromenus (Macropodus) cupanus cupanus, Betta splendens, Trichopsis pumilus, T. vittatus vittatus, T. vittatus schalleri, Belontia signata and the hybrids Colisa fasciata X lalia. 2. Among other points the paper puts some emphasis on the description of the reproductive behaviour of the various species (nest building, mating, parental behaviour). In addition aspects of feeding and fighting behaviour are described. 3. The subfamilies established by Liem (1963) on the basis of osteological characteristics can also be substantiated ethologically. 4. Liem's conception of the phylogeny of Belontiidae is criticized. His system conceiving phylogeny as a process of branching off successively is contrasted with a phylogenetic fan. The subfamilies Belontiinae, Trichogasterinae and Macropodinae differentiated almost at the same time. 5. The genus of Macropodus has a very isolated position within the sub-family of Macropodinae. The remaining genera are on a higher level of development regarding their reproductive behaviour. As a result of the paper Pseudosphromenus (Macropodus) cupanus has to be eliminated from the genus of Macropodus.