I agree with Nick and demeter. I'd like to comment on your "advice based on personal experience" statement.
Each species of freshwater fish has evolved over thousands of years to function in a very specific environment, and environment here means all aspects of its habitat including other species. Betta are quiet sedate fish, not intended to be placed in company with active fish. To make matters worse, male Betta have been bred for decades to increase their aggressiveness; their common name is Siamese Fighting Fish, and for good reason.
There is also the inherent nature of other species. Small shoaling fish often become feisty in the presence of sedate fish. Species differ, but all this must bee kept in ind.
The inherent behaviours, traits and expectations of each fish species are programmed into the species DNA. No one can change this, so we learn about a species and assume individual fish within that species are most likely to manifest these inherent factors. Individual fish in a species may sometimes differ, as occurs in all animals including humans. But to count on that happening, just to satisfy one's whim to go against the grain, is not responsible. And while it may work, for whatever reason, it usually does not work. And if we care about our fish, we will want to provide the best maintenance for the species, and not risk differently.
So, personal experience must be measured carefully; it it confirms what we know about the species, fine. But if not, we need to recognize that it is not the norm, and that is something we should never recommend for others. Abnormal behaviour cannot be relied upon, and no fish should be forced into such a situation. It is inhumane to do so, because we are not going to change nature.
Each species of freshwater fish has evolved over thousands of years to function in a very specific environment, and environment here means all aspects of its habitat including other species. Betta are quiet sedate fish, not intended to be placed in company with active fish. To make matters worse, male Betta have been bred for decades to increase their aggressiveness; their common name is Siamese Fighting Fish, and for good reason.
There is also the inherent nature of other species. Small shoaling fish often become feisty in the presence of sedate fish. Species differ, but all this must bee kept in ind.
The inherent behaviours, traits and expectations of each fish species are programmed into the species DNA. No one can change this, so we learn about a species and assume individual fish within that species are most likely to manifest these inherent factors. Individual fish in a species may sometimes differ, as occurs in all animals including humans. But to count on that happening, just to satisfy one's whim to go against the grain, is not responsible. And while it may work, for whatever reason, it usually does not work. And if we care about our fish, we will want to provide the best maintenance for the species, and not risk differently.
So, personal experience must be measured carefully; it it confirms what we know about the species, fine. But if not, we need to recognize that it is not the norm, and that is something we should never recommend for others. Abnormal behaviour cannot be relied upon, and no fish should be forced into such a situation. It is inhumane to do so, because we are not going to change nature.
