Keeping Females With Male?

[I Keep Fish]

Got a stunning male blue betta in my community tank right now, and im just wandering if i can add females? im guessing i'll need to add multiple females, but i wouldn't want to add them if it would cause conflicts.

Cheers, John

 

[Bettawhisperer]

You can have a sorority of females but never put a male in with them. You're asking for trouble mainly dead fish.

 

[I Keep Fish]

Yeah i'm thinking of moving my male to a 4.5 gallon cube and having around 4 females in my community. would they "shoal" so to speak?

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

I think that is a good idea. Don't think they would shoal; my girls don't seem to; except when it's feeding time and they want attention.

 

[Bettawhisperer]

No they don't shoal.

 

[RustedKnight]

I'm currently keeping a male in with 3 girls.

I haven't seen a problem yet, but am constantly monitering, I'll let you know what happens over the next couple of days, as it may help you decide.

 

[Bettawhisperer]

Rusted, did you just put them all together. If so you will eventually start having problems when the male wants to breed. He can kill the females or a the least tare them up. This really is not a good idea.

 

[RustedKnight]

Rusted, did you just put them all together. If so you will eventually start having problems when the male wants to breed. He can kill the females or a the least tare them up. This really is not a good idea.

They have been showing signs of wanting to breed, all 4.

All were added at roughly the same time.
None of the fish seem torn up at all, yet.

Oddly enough, we were encouraged to buy females with the male by a Betta keeper, said it was good for them.

 

[I Keep Fish]

I can sort of see why it would be good for the male, but not the female due to aggresion, but im sure if there is enough females in the tank he'll be "spoit for choice" so to speak so wont be so aggitated?
I'm a complete novice with Betta, cichlids and catfish are my areas so i really don't know

 

[Bettawhisperer]

Well I'm telling you as a Betta breeder that it is not a good idea. I can't believe anyone in there right mind would tell you that. Mark my words. You WILL eventually have big problems.

 

[RustedKnight]

Well I'm telling you as a Betta breeder that it is not a good idea. I can't believe anyone in there right mind would tell you that. Mark my words. You WILL eventually have big problems.

Words marked, not got my hopes up, but would like to prove you wrong (so my partner can keep her fish together)

 

[Bettawhisperer]

Ok well let us know when you have some dead fish.

 

[RustedKnight]

Ok well let us know when you have some dead fish.

Thank you for the supporting words...

There are many who speak and have videos of male and females getting along, I now really hope ours get along fine as your attitude is appalling i'm afraid.

 

[Bettawhisperer]

No I don't have an attitude. I'm just trying to help you save these fish from future problems. 1 male and 1 female can be together only for breeding purposes and then they can do damage to each other. I'm sorry you won't take professional advice gracefully.

 

[RustedKnight]

No I don't have an attitude. I'm just trying to help you save these fish from future problems. 1 male and 1 female can be together only for breeding purposes and then they can do damage to each other. I'm sorry you won't take professional advice gracefully.

And if you read, you'll notice i've already heeded your advice, and am keeping a very keen eye on my fish.

Then you replied with your smart #16##### comment of "let us know when you have dead fish"

If thats professionalism, call me proud to be an amateur.