Male/female Bettas? Quicky

[jollysue]

Gourami and Betta are both Anabantoids. They compete for the same space. Most gouramis are a bit aggressive. The ones that aren't (Honeys and maybe sparkling gourami) are small enough to be tastey. Eventually there will most likely be trouble.

When fish first go in an aquarium, they are taken up with investigating the territory and inhabitants. Young ornamental fish when first going into a new environment are very likely not to have experience with the other fish--especially so Betta! After awhile they get comfortable and start interacting with their mates. So when a Cory repeatedly invades their territory and takes their food--they may get annoyed. And when they find that the Cory runs, they are like a terrior after a rabbit. If the other fish fights back, they are likely to respond like a Dobie at the garden gate.

Don't anthropomophize your Betta. Their big instincts are food, territorial dominance and sex. They are not rationalizing and identifying with the Cory. IMO

 

[gordi]

what is the easiest way to distinguish wether its a male or female. i really cant tell!! ive had to remove it cos the other females are attacking it all the time but are ok with one another!!

wish i knew if it was male or not!! it has longer finns than the others but still dont seem long enuf to make it a male

 

[mommyof2bettas]

Can you post a pic?
Check for an ovipositor, it's a tiny white dot behind its belly.
Also, check if it is not a plakat male, these are males with shorter fins.

 

[gordi]

Can you post a pic?
Check for an ovipositor, it's a tiny white dot behind its belly.
Also, check if it is not a plakat male, these are males with shorter fins.

cant now but i will try later!! well my red one had a very distinctive white dot where it should be!! this one i can see one on it at all!! the red one seems to chase all my new ones about!! i hope their not all plakat males!! ones ok with the red but this one in perticular gets loads of stick of her so i removed it cos its finns have been gnawed

 

[Dibari]

Wait, the male's (the one you removed) fins' are gnawed, or one of the females?
The problem is, I worry about your tank because you only have two females in your community, when you should have atleast 4. Two females establish a dominant/submissive relationship and the dominant one will tear and tear up the other one.
I'm glad you ended up removing the betta you're still not sure on. I can't tell if you were trying to say he had an ovipositor or not.. I'm still going to maintain that it's a male, because I'm almost 99% sure it is.. So definitely seperate him. Let us know when you can if you can get a good look.