Meet Mascot, the fabulous, fin-flaring male betta fish who has officially appointed himself the most important member of the Hollie Fleming Speech Therapy team.  With his flowing fins, larger-than-life personality, and questionable understanding of personal space, Mascot takes his role very seriously. His credentials? Zero degrees, zero clinical experience, and absolutely no intention of getting a job that requires leaving his tank.  But don't let his lack of verbal communication fool you. Mascot has plenty to say!

 

A Fish of Few Words, but BIG Communication Skills

Mascot may never master the /r/ sound, but he's practically an expert in nonverbal communication.  Betta fish use body movements, fin displays, and gill flaring to communicate with other fish. In fact, research has documented turn-taking during betta fish visual displays.(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11837226/)

That's right. Even fish understand the importance of taking turns, although Mascot strongly believes every turn should be his.

 

He's a Betta Learner Than You Think

Despite popular misconceptions about fish intelligence, bettas are capable of learning and remembering information. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376635715300863) Betta fish have demonstrated their ability to learn visual associations and remember locations.  Mascot considers this proof of his intellectual superiority. We're fairly certain he just remembers who brings the food.  At Hollie Fleming Speech Therapy, we know that learning looks different for everyone. Whether we're building language, strengthening memory, or developing new communication skills, repetition, meaningful experiences, and a little motivation go a long way.  Mascot's motivation is food. Always food.

 

Has a Lot of Feelings (and Fins)

Male bettas are known for their impressive territorial displays. When feeling threatened or challenged, they may spread their fins and flare their gill covers to appear larger.  This is a natural form of visual signaling, but Mascot prefers to call it expressing himself dramatically.  His behavior is a great reminder that all behavior can provide clues about communication, even when words aren't involved. Understanding body language, recognizing emotions, and expressing wants and needs are all important parts of speech-language therapy.  And sometimes, everyone needs a little personal space. Especially a betta fish.

 

He Literally Blows Bubbles for a Living

Male betta fish can create bubble nests at the water's surface as part of their reproductive behavior. They also possess a specialized labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air.  You can learn more about these fascinating adaptations from the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FA212). Mascot would like everyone to know that his bubble-blowing abilities are entirely self-taught and that he expects recognition for this achievement.

 

Mascot's Message to the World

At Hollie Fleming Speech Therapy, we believe everyone deserves a voice, and communication comes in many forms: spoken language, gestures, facial expressions, body movements, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).  Mascot reminds our patients and families that communication isn't about being the loudest person in the room. It's about connecting, expressing yourself, and being understood.  And if all else fails, flare your fins and demand a snack.

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*Disclaimer: Mascot is not a licensed speech-language pathologist. He is also not accepting new patients, responding to emails, or participating in staff meetings. His schedule is completely booked with swimming, staring, and waiting for his next meal.