Help! He Really Won't Stop Flaring!

[Klover]

Right! Well, he never flared for me before. Ever. Could care less about his reflection. Suddenly, he's started to flare at EVERYTHING and he won't stop! I tried turning the light off, covering the tank with a black scarf, but he just won't stop! I'm really worried he's going to stress himself out like crazy.
He keeps seeing himself in the corner, I think but no matter what I try, it won't work. He has just built a bubble nest, so is he just extra protective? Any other suggestions as to how to stop it?

 

[Klover]

Is he just feeling really manly all of a sudden?

 

[Fishy friend2]

Do you have any other fish in the tank

 

[Klover]

nope. It's a 5.5 gallon so I don't really have options. I ended up putting my temp. thermometer in front of the part he was reacting (it's really tall) and it seems to have stopped him from flaring. I didn't really want to have that thermometer in my tank anymore so I'll have to try and find something else that will work there.

 

[Dieses Madchen]

I had a betta like that. He was pretty vain and he would flare for no reason and strut around the tank for me.

 

[Klover]

While he was flaring, he gained red streaks on his fins. I am not home right now so I don't know if they're still there, but they stayed there for at least an hour after he started to calm. Here's a pic:

I'm not sure if this something to be concerned about, or if this is just new colouring.

 

[lilfishie]

there colour does get more intense when they flare, its to try put 'the other male' (in this case his reflection ) off a fight, in most cases they do just flare and 1 backs down.

You could try a nice leafy plant in the corner

 

[Klover]

I'm relieved to know that he was just gaining more colour on him!
I've adjusted his tank set up and so far he has been rather content!
I feel silly sometimes asking these questions because usually I know the answer already. I suddenly feel like a big newbie to bettas! I guess I am a newbie when it comes to starting off with proper care right off the bat. I just want to make sure I'm doing things right! Glad this forum is here to help me out

 

[lilfishie]

don't feel silly the only silly question is the 1 you don't ask