Over Aggressive Betta

[wcolwell88]

A friend of mine bought me a beta about 2 weeks ago. I did some researching and heard that they do well with other fish other than other bettas and fin-nipping fish. The betta seems to attack all other fish including bigger fish such as my angelfish and killed all 3 of my ghost shrimp within the first 30 min. of being in the tank. Is this normal?

 

[Ruben Tolon]

no surprise in the betta killing the shrimp, but as for other fish, they will occasionally attack fish that resemble other bettas in some way (including related fishes like gouramis and paradise fish), or fish that might be slow moving.

 

[wataugachicken]

anything with big flashy fins, including angelfish and guppies, are targets. bettas see them as being similar, and therefore competition, just like if they came across another male betta. i have found then to be good with catfish and shorter finned fast fish like tetras and rasboras. shrimp and snails are food to bettas, not friends.

 

[Jahosacat]

My experience is that Bettas ARE fin nippers and many are brave enough to go after any fish, no matter what size, that seems like a rival - anything with long fins.

Good luck making peace in that tank!