fishyfriends?

[sumer_kay]

I want to know how exactly to have bettas live peacefully with each other, I know as a general rule they don't. I had a book at one time (I can't for the life of me find it) It had something to do with them growing up together..The author had several tanks with several bettas each, he was a breeder...maybe that had something to do with it. If anyone has successfully done this, then by all means let me know wishing I had more fishies

 

[CackD]

I've seen a male succesfully kept with a female without much trouble....I've also seen males rip females apart in a short while ( ending in female death ).

I've seen females succesfully kept with other females ( most LFS that are around me keep females together with other fish - usually 3-4+ females, possibly to lower aggression )....I've also seen females attack and kill each other when in the same tank.

I've NEVER heard of males being kept together without one or the other or both ending up dead. I guess it is possible...but definately not probable. Instinct has a way of prevailing - and their instinct is to fight to the death. Hence, Siamese FIGHTING fish.

I can only assume that the breeder you were reading about kept dividers in his tank, or somehow kept the males seperated.

My advice would be not to try it, unless you like replacing your male bettas often.

 

[White Whale]

When they are young, less than 3 months old, it's possible. But as they grow older, the males instinctively become more territorial and their sex drive will cause them to kill off any competition. It's in their nature. No one can change that. It has been genetically programmed into them through evolution.

Of course, you can always try to perform micro-lobotomy on them.

 

[sumer_kay]

When they are young, less than 3 months old, it's possible. But as they grow older, the males instinctively become more territorial and their sex drive will cause them to kill off any competition. It's in their nature. No one can change that. It has been genetically programmed into them through evolution.

Of course, you can always try to perform micro-lobotomy on them.

Okay, I found the book, I'm going to quote the section about coexisting, and ya'll tell me what you think =) "A COMPLETE INTRODUCTION TO BETTAS" MAURUS

"One breeder has always had mature males and females co-existing in large tanks about 50 gallons in size. Spawnings of bettas are raised together in these large tanks. Males are removed only as fish are sold, or jar space becomes available. These fish are forced to co-exist. Encounters are constant, but their shot duration, and lack of serious consequence are significant. The only obvious disadvantage to be seen is ragged fin edges on some males. Other males show little or no damage; females seem to be fine, as they seem to be subject to attack less, will avoid a challenge more or assume a submissive (or less territorail) attitude in a situation like this. The fish are "harvested" from these tanks as needed, as was said, adn nipped fin edges heal fairly well in a short time after they are jarred. Bettas in his tanks in some cases have been at least six months old. He gives his bettas the best of conditions-- clean water and plenty of good food. He uses heavy filtration of the tanks, and changes the water completely at least once a month. He also provides floating plants in the tanks, and he occasionally has bubblenests dotting the surface in the tanks. He has seen fry in his tanks, evidencing that spawnings have taken place in a community situation. My conclusion to this is that bettas might be raised together if they are raised together from a very small size. This condition must continue unchanged for best results. After the first three weels or so, no strange fish should be introduced into the group.