I have a minibow 5 gal with two female bettas and a male guppy. They were quite happy together. Something happened and Alsace-Lorraine passed away two days ago. I've been watching Orlena (the remaining female) like a hawk for any signs of illness or injury like Alsace-Lorraine's. What worries me is she was usually very active. Actually all three fish were super active and now, she just lays on the bottom. She eats...although not with her former vigor. It worries me as she was always my favorite lil girl. She still comes up to the top and follows my finger but not with the same umph. Could it be she is mourning? I mean missing her deceased playmate? What can I do?
Depressed Female
- Thread starter Elise
- Start date
Kiarra
Former Betta Breeder
Actually, it's fairly common for them to go into depression when deprived of their close friends. I have two girls currently suffering the same thing, as they just recently lost their fellow female tankmate.
You may have to just wait this out. It could take a while for her to get over this, and, during this time, her immune system will probably be a little depressed, so she may be susceptible to illness.
Another option is to get another female Betta, but it may be hard to find another one with a calm temperament that will live quietly with Orlena and the male Guppy.
If you have a male around, and can move his tank next to Orlena's, doing so might give her some company, and something to distract her from her loneliness.
You may have to just wait this out. It could take a while for her to get over this, and, during this time, her immune system will probably be a little depressed, so she may be susceptible to illness.
Another option is to get another female Betta, but it may be hard to find another one with a calm temperament that will live quietly with Orlena and the male Guppy.
If you have a male around, and can move his tank next to Orlena's, doing so might give her some company, and something to distract her from her loneliness.
GuppyDude
Stephen
i lost one of my oldest girls this morning, and its clear that the rest of the group is very depressed. its amazeing how a fish so agressive by nature can get so worked up by the loss of a tank mate 
FishyLoveBug
Fish Crazy
My males are like that as well. They share a divided tank and even though they can only see each other through small slots they flare and act so mean all day. I recently removed one to treat some fin rot and they turned into sad little puppies. They lay on the bottom of their tanks now and stare at where the other used to be lol. 
red_fish_blue_fish
Fish Fanatic
LOL, mine are the same way.
Hehe, silly boys. Well I'm just glad to know that she isn't sick! Does anyone know how long she might be in this funk? I won't be able to go out and get her a friend until this friday...I don't want poor Orlena to be sulking for so long.
Kiarra
Former Betta Breeder
It could be all week, seriously.
Maybe place a small hand mirror next to her tank? It might not work, but if it's the best you can do, then it's at least a start.
You could also try rearranging her tank somewhat. That might help her forget a little. Just a theory. Let me know if you try it, and it actually works.
Maybe place a small hand mirror next to her tank? It might not work, but if it's the best you can do, then it's at least a start.
You could also try rearranging her tank somewhat. That might help her forget a little. Just a theory. Let me know if you try it, and it actually works.
GSD
Fish Gatherer
get her a new friend!!! sorry for your loss though
sorry for your loss though
So true
Sorry about your fish,Elise.I rearranged her tank...moved plants and added a pvc pipe to chill in (i fell so bad when she lies on the gravel). She perked up a bit initially. 
...let me go see....well the pvc pipe is "scary" right now so she isn't in it. She does look a bit better though. When I came home from class I thought she had died on me! 
She wasn't moving at all! Thankgod she perked up at the prospect of bloodworms. Well, I'll keep posted.....if I go to walmart on friday (which somehow I always end up doing) and there is some poor female in need of saving....Orlena just may have a new tank mate (cross your fingers she'll be nice!) If I dont get another female betta, any suggestions on tank mates as Orlena is very sweet and doesn't seem aggressive at all.
...let me go see....well the pvc pipe is "scary" right now so she isn't in it. She does look a bit better though. When I came home from class I thought she had died on me! She wasn't moving at all! Thankgod she perked up at the prospect of bloodworms. Well, I'll keep posted.....if I go to walmart on friday (which somehow I always end up doing) and there is some poor female in need of saving....Orlena just may have a new tank mate (cross your fingers she'll be nice!) If I dont get another female betta, any suggestions on tank mates as Orlena is very sweet and doesn't seem aggressive at all.Kiarra
Former Betta Breeder
You could get her an African Dwarf Frog. Mine aren't bothered by the frog at all. Sometimes the frog comes to rest on their backs at the surface, and they just go leisurely swimming off...with the frog going for a ride. Quite the sight!
Don't really know what else to recommend. Most of the other species that are good with Bettas tend to want larger tanks because they want several of their own kind. But, if you think you can swing it, I've had good results with Albino Cory Catfish. These should be kept in groups of three or more, ideally.
Don't really know what else to recommend. Most of the other species that are good with Bettas tend to want larger tanks because they want several of their own kind. But, if you think you can swing it, I've had good results with Albino Cory Catfish. These should be kept in groups of three or more, ideally.
Discus man
Fish Fanatic
or A clown loach sorry about the loss 
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