I've never kept a beta in all my 45 yrs of fish keeping, but I was asked a question. A relative of mine has a 50 gal long tank (4 ft) with 6 green corys, 2 bolivian Rams, and 6 denison barbs. He and his wife asked about putting 2 to 4 female beta in their tank. Or just one male. They're finding a lot of mixed views online, as I have also while looking for info. I told them I'd be more worried about having a male in with the Rams I'd suspect issues possibly there. Any expert advice I can give them, please?
Beta Question
- Thread starter gspille
- Start date
I think, honestly, that it all depends on the temperament of the Betta in question.
I would, honestly and assuming the tank is well covered, go for a group of one of the more peaceful Betta species, say Betta Smaragdina/Emerald betta, most other types of betta will live peacefully in groups, in community tanks without a problem... But then again I'm not a huge fan of Splendens.
Whatever way you go, a plan B involving another housing option for the fish would be a good thing, just in case
I would, honestly and assuming the tank is well covered, go for a group of one of the more peaceful Betta species, say Betta Smaragdina/Emerald betta, most other types of betta will live peacefully in groups, in community tanks without a problem... But then again I'm not a huge fan of Splendens.
Whatever way you go, a plan B involving another housing option for the fish would be a good thing, just in case
There are issues with having a group of female splendens too.. you generally have to put them together at one time and at a young age to ensure that they will get along together... Sometimes it will work putting them together at different times, sometimes it won't if you do everything by the book.
And plan B is always a good thing
And plan B is always a good thing
Yes, I agree. If you try to put them in one at a time, the earliest added ones will already have their claims on parts of the tank. I think all Bettas are different in personality. BTW, if you do end up putting in the bettas in one at a time, I recommend switching up the ornaments each time so they won't think they have territories, it will be new for everyone that way.
One thing you should know about male bettas, if the females are not ready to breed he will chase them and kill them. Ive read where the females have attacked the males. So their behavior is unpredictable when put together. This is just my opinion, but, I feel the fish food manufactures should make some kind of fish prozac in powder form for aggressive fish. Again, just my opinion.
