Bettas?

I Like Fish

AC Members
Apr 3, 2008
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Is it save to put a betta fish in our tropical community tank? We have Mollies, Platies, Danios and Cherry Barbs.
 
Could work or maybe not. Cherry barbs are fin nippers and could go after the betta especially if he is the new kid on the block. What kind of mollies do you have and platies? Anything that resembles a long flowing fin such as lyretail mollies will not work.

Marinemom
 
If you do want to try I would have a separate home ready just in case. Some bettas can be terrors, some push overs. My current fellow lived with the platies at the pet store and did fine. I would be a bit worried about barbs, especially if they are in a smaller group, less than 7 or so and it coudl be trickey.
 
I never understood why people called betas fighting fish but are usually afraid of them getting picked on in tanks. Is it just the males that know how to fight? or do they only fight other betas and are timid otherwise.
 
I never understood why people called betas fighting fish but are usually afraid of them getting picked on in tanks. Is it just the males that know how to fight? or do they only fight other betas and are timid otherwise.

they are called fighting fish because the males are 100% intolerant of each other, and will fight to the death in every case.

this is limited to fish of their own species, and other fish that might resemble another male betta. they are generally peaceful with other fish. :)
 
they are called fighting fish because the males are 100% intolerant of each other, and will fight to the death in every case.

this is limited to fish of their own species, and other fish that might resemble another male betta. they are generally peaceful with other fish. :)
Thanks for clarifying :)

Kind of want one but I think white skirt tetras are nippy.
 
Bettas all have little Quirks... they should be fine with other peaceful fish. I have a couple females in my community tank and they are fine, but then again, they don't have the long flowing fins of male Betta Splendens, so they might be picked on if the fins are too temping to the other fish.
 
Also keep in mind that if you have a lot of current, the Betta might get over stressed by that as well- they much prefer water without, or with very very little water. If you have an HOB, you may need to put a baffle on it.

Also, as was mentioned, every betta has its quirks, and one may love being in there, and another may hate it. It depends on the betta.

Furthermore, if he does like it, he may one day decide he doesn't any more, and you may wake up to carnage in your tank.

Good Luck!

LeeAnna
 
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