Betta giving other fish a hard time

[briant666]

Hello all

I've had my tank for a few weeks now, added first lot of fish a couple of weeks ago (4 black neons, 1 gold spot plec and a beautiful betta)
I waited a couple of weeks before adding more fish as all seemed to be going well. (4 more black neons and a pair of swordtails)

The problem is that my betta HATES the swordtails. He chases after them and flares and I've seen him really go for them at times. He seems to get so riled by the swordtails he starts flaring at the black neons as well, although he shows no sign of going for them.

I understand that Bettas can be territorial, but everything i've read says they are ok with other fish. Perhaps someone can enlighten me...

So my question is: will this improve? I've had to segregate him in a plastic container floating in the tank. He can still see the other fish and still flares when he sees them or when they swim close. I'm worried that this might make him more aggressive (I know it would drive me nuts!)

How best to make my Betta less grumpy? would adding some female company help?

many thanks for all your help.

Brian T

 

[BettaMomma]

Hi!
Sorry to hear about your fish troubles.
Unfortunately, things will not get better in your tank - in fact they will probably get worse as time goes by. From the way things sound, you'll probably want to get your betta out of that tank and into a tank of his own as soon as you can. Also, he will act the same way with a female betta - that won't solve your problem unfortunately.

The thing with the swordtails is that he's probably seeing the "sword" as something fun and bright to chase around. They are curious creatures and will continue to chase it around until he gets ahold of it and damages it or rips it off completely.

You've done a very good think in separating him. You're not making him any more aggressive by letting him see other fish and allowing him to flare, but if he's doing it constantly, you might want to just pull the container and him out completely. Too much flaring can really stress him out.

What size is the tank you have them all in?
It might be possible for you to get a tank divider and put him on one side and everyone else on the other....?

 

[Raechal]

Don't add any females with him. He'll probably end up killing them. In my opinion he shouldn't be kept with platies. especially if they are brightly colored, he'll think they are a rival betta and kill them. Either remove the platies or the betta. I think it would be easier to just buy a 2.5 gallon tank for your betta and keep him alone.

 

[eudielynn]

Many bettas cannot live with other fish, the ones that can are the exception to the rule.

I would guess that he is going after the swordtails because they are colorful. Colorful fish are a no-no with bettas. They see them as competition and will attack them.

They definately cannot live with a female betta, they are only put together to breed. If left together the male will kill the female. Your best bet is to get a smaller tank for your betta and leave him by himself.

 

[OohFeeshy]

Most livebearers are a big no-no. What makes me mad is that most of the bettas at the shop I went to were in with platties... Absolutely gorgeous, but they were just laying on the bottom. No disease, just over exertion due to the constant flaring. I might mention it when I get one (yes, I'm getting one/two. They were CTs/CmTs (not sure which) and had rarish colours. They should perk up a bit with some peace and quiet.)

 

[briant666]

firstly, wow! thanks for the speedy answers you guys!

I think i'll get something to separate him off from the rest while I figure out what I'm going to do long term. Will probably get him a smaller tank of his own (My current tank is about 15/16 US gallons if i've done my calculations right - I'm in the uk, scotland in fact)

I feel bad I've upset him after things going so well for the first couple of weeks, but hey. I'll just have to try my best to make everyone happy.

cheers again folks

I'm sure I will learn plenty round here....

BT

 

[BettaMomma]

Very good idea.
2 - 2.5 gallon tanks are really ideal sizes for bettas. Especially since you can then have a heater in the tank also.

Good luck