bettas with ....
- Thread starter MIKE D
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I don't really know the answer to this, but honestly if it was me I wouldn't risk putting a beta with my discus. I would think the fact that discus are brightly colored would be a no no. Also aren't discus supposed to be kept at a pretty high temperature? Maybe someone more knowledgeable will chime in.
Betta aren't always extremely aggressive - it depends on the shape as well as color. In that respect, it seems likely that you could keep a Betta with a Discus (Although some individuals are more aggressive than others). However...
According to Wikipedia wild-caught discus prefer 5.5-6.5 pH water, while Betta are generally good around neutral. Bred discus can (Supposedly) go as high as 6.8. Furthermore, some discus can get quite large while a Betta never will. This might influence your discus to take a shot at him. More than anything though, it depends on the individuals - There are some very aggressive Betta, and some very passive ones.
Edit: I wrote all of the above in relation to a male Betta - Misread your post. In regards to females - They're much less likely than the males to attack the discus. I don't know about all your set-ups, so I'll just put this out there: It's not wise to keep 2 female Bettas. Unlike males, they like to form a hierarchy with other females, but in small groups one female will generally bully the other.
Actually, there are several people on this site who keep and breed discus in beautiful condition at high PHs- one that comes to mind kept his at 7.8. The Bettas would enjoy the high temperature.
I do agree with the fact that there needs to at least 3 females per tank, or one will most likely die, if not housed together. Though, actually, seeing as you have two males in there, nobody must be able to find each other in there. This won't be the case in the discus tank, however.
It really does depend on the Betta and the discus, I think. I don't know that much about discuses, but from hearing that they are sometimes kept with a community, if you have peaceful Bettas it may work out. Keep in mind the females are just as aggressive as the males.
I do agree with the fact that there needs to at least 3 females per tank, or one will most likely die, if not housed together. Though, actually, seeing as you have two males in there, nobody must be able to find each other in there. This won't be the case in the discus tank, however.
It really does depend on the Betta and the discus, I think. I don't know that much about discuses, but from hearing that they are sometimes kept with a community, if you have peaceful Bettas it may work out. Keep in mind the females are just as aggressive as the males.
Lupin
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- Sep 21, 2006
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You are forgetting there is more than just our usual Betta splendens. There are over a hundred species that exist actually but no more than a dozen are sold from time to time. These ones are tolerant of pH as low as 4. and should be fine in the same conditions as the discus although pH is of no concern for domestically-bred discus since they have long been adapted to various range of water conditions. Bettas, on the other hand, we must always remember that the wild species are less likely to enjoy their environment unless we replicate their native habitat.
P.S. The term "betta" has always been general. No matter though, people will still forget the wild species as they are never popular at all.
my two females are not aggressive at all infact they swim around with each other. Both Discus and bettas come from my LFS so there not pure breeds (I dont know if this helps). I would like to give my males the full 20 long (split in half because males fight to the death.) because I think they might like the extra room.
I would not put a male betta in with the discus but that is just me. The betta is cheap by comparison to the discus and I just simply would not risk it since they may be attracted to the bright color of the discus which could pose a problem for the male betta. However, a female betta or two might work. Just keep a close eye on the situation if you do try it and be ready to move or rescue fish ASAP if necessary.
Marinemom
Marinemom
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You're right, I did assume bred Splendens. =( But in my defense, he never said otherwise and because that species is most easily gotten from pet stores, it's a safe assumption.
If you think your discus can take pH's in the Betta's range - I say go for it. Just have the net on hand and stay by the tank for a while.
If you think your discus can take pH's in the Betta's range - I say go for it. Just have the net on hand and stay by the tank for a while.
Also- I would get more than 3 female bettas if you were going to try this. Get at least 4, if not 5 or 6 (assuming you have room). This will spread out their aggression. Before getting more though, read up on betta sororities and setting them up- its usually a delicate process.
Then, so long as you have lots of plants for them to play in, and some caves (they like to 'claim' their own personal home) the school of betta girls should be okay with the discus- assuming the discus are ok with the bettas (I don't know much about the discus' disposition).
Just keep in mind, that nearly any betta keeper will tell you that bettas are a gamble. They are naturally more agressive than most community fish. And when they get grouchy, they get grouchy. So, you may find that down the road things have to be rearranged, or that the bettas were fighting for no apparent reason while you were sleeping one night, etc. But, this is the case with a lot of fish i suppose.
And you'll love seeing the males in the bigger tanks. They love to explore and play, and they really will use all of the space you provide them with. I had mine in a 55 community for a while, and he was just SO ecstatic (especially seeing as he moved their directly form a lil jar).
Then, so long as you have lots of plants for them to play in, and some caves (they like to 'claim' their own personal home) the school of betta girls should be okay with the discus- assuming the discus are ok with the bettas (I don't know much about the discus' disposition).
Just keep in mind, that nearly any betta keeper will tell you that bettas are a gamble. They are naturally more agressive than most community fish. And when they get grouchy, they get grouchy. So, you may find that down the road things have to be rearranged, or that the bettas were fighting for no apparent reason while you were sleeping one night, etc. But, this is the case with a lot of fish i suppose.
And you'll love seeing the males in the bigger tanks. They love to explore and play, and they really will use all of the space you provide them with. I had mine in a 55 community for a while, and he was just SO ecstatic (especially seeing as he moved their directly form a lil jar).
Mike, I have pictures here of my brightly colored discus in with my male betta. It is a community tank, all enjoy a temp of 80*. I have angels in another community tank that houses 6-8 female betta. I have no problems with Cichlids and Betta species mixed. I will say that the male that was(past tense) in with the angels attacked every fish in the tank, including plain white/drab fish. He is now contained. IME the key is a watchful owner. Be ready to intercede if one of them should try harming another.
