Siamese Fighter Attacking Other Fish & Charging At Tank

[kimbo182]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, just looking for some advice

I Recently set up a new tank, and on the recommendation of the shop keeper, purchased 3 guppies, one Siamese fighter & a sucking loach (who were all tank mates at the store) they have been fine together for the last 2 weeks but over the weekend I have noticed that the fighter has been attacking the other fish.

I have read online that the fighter will attack if it feels threatened or stressed, he even puffs out and swims at the glass when you put your hand to the glass or when its feeding time, obviously this isn't normal? And how can I reduce its stress? I have committed to keeping this fish but am worried about its welfare if it is not happy in the tank.

Any advice would be gratefully received. I think I may have to keep it in a solitary tank if this continues

 

[Brilly91]

pretty sure guppies are a big no with fighters

 

[kimbo182]

I have read online that they can sometimes attack guppies because of the tails, but this doesn't explain it attacking everything in the tank including charging at anything that moves.

 

[attibones]

Is it feasible to get him his own tank? I find that they generally do much better on their own. I have one fish who is happy in a community setting (even with guppies, which is odd), but when we have him his own 5 gallon, he looked far happier. I house all of my betta individually. They much prefer it. How large is the tank you have now?

 

[kimbo182]

We have a 24l beginners tank, hence only a few fish as I want to make sure I do everything right and am confident before getting anything bigger. I think getting another tank is my best option. I don't want any of the fish to be unhappy in their environment.

 

[This Old Spouse]

Do you have any plants in the tank? It's possible the betta is just feeling very open and vulnerable. Plus they like to have plants to rest on the leaves.

 

[Shelster]

I certainly think another tank would be the best way forward here too.

Check to see if you can find any cheap second hand ones? Just be aware you will need to cycle it first - http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/

Before adding your betta -good luck - keep us updated.

 

[kimbo182]

I do have 1 plant in there, I'll go and get a few more tomorrow & see if that helps. Thank you

 

[This Old Spouse]

Look for sturdy plants, like Amazon sword, anubia and java fern (which would need to be attached to wood or a rock) as they're fairly easy.

 

[kimbo182]

Look for sturdy plants, like Amazon sword, anubia and java fern (which would need to be attached to wood or a rock) as they're fairly easy.

Thank You very much, I will let you all know how it goes.

 

[This Old Spouse]

Please do! Good luck!

 

[kimbo182]

I certainly think another tank would be the best way forward here too.
Check to see if you can find any cheap second hand ones? Just be aware you will need to cycle it first - http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/
Before adding your betta -good luck - keep us updated.

Thank you, I will be sure to cycle the new tank the same way as I did this one first if I need to get another.I will keep you updated

Not sure why there is a party hat face up there! Oops!

 

[This Old Spouse]

Not a bad idea to have a second tank on hand anyway, just in case you ever need a quarantine tank. 
 
I have a second HOB (hang on back) filter on one of my tanks that I can use immediately if I need a quarantine tank. The media is cycled so I don't have to worry about trying to set up a new tank with an uncycled filter. 

 

[the_lock_man]

It's also quite a small tank for him to be sharing with 4 other fish.

Possibly an alternative course of action could be to take the guppies back and just have him sharing with the loach.

 

[kimbo182]

I don't want to take any of the fish back, when I bought them I committed to taking care of them, as with any other of my pets. I have just put in more plants & decorative cave. He seems much happier already as he has swum straight to the plants and is now just chilling there. I will be keeping a close eye over the next few days, and look into getting another tank set up. Thank you everyone for all your advice. Its appreciated