Bettas With Cichlids?

[Ethos]

I was woundering what would happen if I added a male betta to my 55G cichlid tank?
None of em' are fin nippers, and they're all pretty small (Only 2 are smaller than my betta. Maybe they're the same size..)
Would he be ok?

 

[wuvmybetta]

I've said it before (and oh my that was an adventure!) and I'll say it again: No, it's just not a good idea.

Cichlids, even small cichlids (especially small cichlids), are quite territorial and downright vicious when they want to breed. It just doesn't make sense to me why anybody would want to mix them. I'm sure some would say it's fine though, it's best to use your better judgement.

 

[RandomWiktor]

I would guess that the tank size and current would be far too stressful on him. Bettas do not appreciate the presence of other fish, and when you put them in massive community tanks, they tend to stress out, then wall themselves up in one corner, which they will attempt to defend. The current could cause him to blow his fins, and frankly I think the stress of being in with that many other fish would really wreak havok on him. Bettas are a solitary, territorial species; they simply to not thrive in most community tanks.

 

[Ben]

You have mixed africans
And you want to put a Betta in
They might not seem agresive to eachother but they are to other fish. That betta will bwe gone in less then a day, they can't resist the colour and the fins.
Africans arn't so much territorial, but they ARE very aggresive towards other species of fish.
And a 55g is alot for a betta to swim in, too much.

Dont do it.

DD

 

[fishmom]

I am with those that say do not mix them. Both types of fish are territorial.
Good Luck!