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Beta's and other fish.?
- Thread starter Vulcan
- Start date
I have a new beta I set up in a 4 gallon tank.
Since humans are social creatures, I think we tend to assume animals are too. That's not always true though. I know betas do not get along well with other males, and typically don't even like their own females except for mating. So, is it safe to say a beta male is not sitting in his tank wishing he had a friend?
I'm sure there are other tropical fish that would exist fairly well with him, but I personally prefer having just the beta in the tank alone. But, I want to be fair to the beta, so I thought I'd check to see if I'm right to think he's just fine by himself. If so, I'd prefer to keep it that way.
Since humans are social creatures, I think we tend to assume animals are too. That's not always true though. I know betas do not get along well with other males, and typically don't even like their own females except for mating. So, is it safe to say a beta male is not sitting in his tank wishing he had a friend?
I'm sure there are other tropical fish that would exist fairly well with him, but I personally prefer having just the beta in the tank alone. But, I want to be fair to the beta, so I thought I'd check to see if I'm right to think he's just fine by himself. If so, I'd prefer to keep it that way.
It is completely not safe for another beta to be in the tank with 1 another trust me tryed having a male and a female in the same tank they just end up killing each other.
i don't know they don't like each other i guss they just want to kill each other it very very strange.
all tho you prob could try it.
hop i helped
xxx
haylie
i don't know they don't like each other i guss they just want to kill each other it very very strange.
all tho you prob could try it.
hop i helped
xxx
haylie
You are right, male bettas are solitary fish and although they tolerate other life in the tank, those fish are not 'companions'. They are just fine by themselves and I'm glad to hear you have a real tank for him anyway.
However, I have found in my experience that in a tank with other life in it, bettas are prone to being more active. More reason to roam their territory and keep an eye on things and the activity of schooling fish in a tank can actually make them feel more secure because their comfort and openness gives an idea of safety. Believe me, there is nothing unfair about keeping properly chosen fish with the betta and it can really bring life out of them, if the tank is big enough.
4 gallons is not enough to start mixing anyway, you really need a 10 gallon tank or bigger. Although bettas get on with other fish, they are territorial and we need to give them the right space, and trying this in too small a tank can easily result in aggression problems.
FYI my last betta lived 5 years after I got him in a 15 gallon community and was very active. My new one lives in a 10 gallon with some corydoras and he is even more active.
However, I have found in my experience that in a tank with other life in it, bettas are prone to being more active. More reason to roam their territory and keep an eye on things and the activity of schooling fish in a tank can actually make them feel more secure because their comfort and openness gives an idea of safety. Believe me, there is nothing unfair about keeping properly chosen fish with the betta and it can really bring life out of them, if the tank is big enough.
4 gallons is not enough to start mixing anyway, you really need a 10 gallon tank or bigger. Although bettas get on with other fish, they are territorial and we need to give them the right space, and trying this in too small a tank can easily result in aggression problems.
FYI my last betta lived 5 years after I got him in a 15 gallon community and was very active. My new one lives in a 10 gallon with some corydoras and he is even more active.
troublewolf
New member
In the wild, they do not live in schools. You're right about people always assuming animals react or feel as we do. for the most part they don't. They are generally ruled by instincts. And instincts tell a male to be alone and defend his territory. Now, that said, it doesn't mean he should be off in some hidden spot in your room. They are smart fish and seem to enjoy "seeing" things go by their tanks. Just keep him clean and warm, feed him a varied diet and he'll be "happy".
the main thing is he will be healthy, and that counts for more.
the main thing is he will be healthy, and that counts for more.