Roja and Ogi

When Roja and Ogi first arrived in my aquarium, I have to admit that I was a little nervous. Bettas are incredibly beautiful fish, but they also have a reputation for having strong personalities. I was not completely sure how they would fit into an aquarium that already had several other inhabitants, or even how well they would accept each other.

Fortunately, my worries turned out to be unnecessary. Roja and Ogi have settled into the aquarium remarkably well. They get along with each other without any real problems, and the other fish also seem completely comfortable sharing their home with the two bettas.

Both Roja and Ogi are surprisingly active. They spend a lot of time exploring the aquarium, swimming between the plants and investigating whatever happens to be going on around them. They certainly do not spend their days hiding somewhere in a quiet corner. In fact, they are often among the first fish I notice when I look at the aquarium.

And when it is feeding time, both are always present.

Their appetites have increased considerably since they arrived. They seem to recognise the daily routine very well and quickly appear when food is offered. Ogi had a little difficulty eating in the beginning. He sometimes seemed slightly slower than the other fish and did not always manage to get his share as easily as I would have liked.

That has changed completely. Ogi has become a much more confident eater and has certainly learned how feeding time works. He has also gained some weight and filled out nicely. Compared with when he first arrived, he now looks considerably more robust – perhaps even a little bit plump.

It has also been fascinating to watch their colours develop.

Roja has kept her wonderful strong red colour. Her name seems particularly appropriate, as roja means red in Spanish. The colour remains beautifully intense and stands out wonderfully against the green plants and darker areas of the aquarium. Depending on the lighting, she can sometimes appear almost glowing red.

Ogi has developed in a different direction. His metallic blue colouring has become increasingly noticeable over time. When he first arrived, the blue was visible, but now it seems much stronger. Under the aquarium lights, especially when he turns at just the right angle, flashes of metallic blue appear across his body and fins. Together with his lighter colouring and long crowntail fins, it gives him a rather spectacular appearance.

One of the things I am happiest about is how well both fish fit into the rest of the aquarium community. The smaller fish swim around them normally, and Roja and Ogi do not seem particularly bothered by their neighbours either. There may occasionally be a little curiosity or a brief chase, but nothing that has caused any problems.

They have also developed their own personalities. Roja often seems confident, curious and very interested in what is happening around her. Ogi has become increasingly confident as well, especially since discovering that feeding time is something worth taking seriously. Both also seem interested in what happens outside the aquarium. When I approach the glass, it often feels as though they are coming over to see what I am doing.

That is probably one of the things I enjoy most about bettas. They are not simply colourful fish swimming around in the background. They have a certain presence and individuality that makes them very easy to become attached to.

Looking back, I am very pleased that I decided to add Roja and Ogi to the aquarium. What initially made me slightly nervous has turned out to work far better than I expected. The aquarium feels peaceful and balanced, the other fish seem comfortable, and both bettas appear healthy and active.

Roja continues to provide her wonderful splash of brilliant red, while Ogi seems to become more colourful and confident as time passes.

And judging by their enthusiasm every time food appears, I think both of them are quite satisfied with their new home too.