Can two male betta fish coexist in the same tank?

[florala]

I've never done this before, but I decided to give it a try. My green crown tail betta lives in a 30L tank.

I visited the fish shop yesterday and saw some veil tail bettas, but they seemed really big compared to regular bettas. I ended up buying a blue one, but I didn't have a spare tank, so I put him in the same tank as my green betta.

The blue betta is roughly twice the size of the green one, and his tail is incredibly long - possibly the longest I've ever seen. Although he's very active, he's not very fast in the water.

Initially, I separated them with a breeder, but I eventually removed it. They seem to be fine with each other.

Sometimes, they'll pose to each other, but the big guy isn't as agile as the small guy, so he can't catch him. There are plenty of plants and hiding places in the tank.

Can I keep them together like this?

[dawnriver]

I've heard it from everyone I've spoken to - males just can't be kept together. It's probably from experience, but to me, it's like waiting for a disaster to happen when you put them in the same tank. I wouldn't risk it myself...

[floura]

No way, you can't keep them together like that. It's a disaster waiting to happen. I don't know what possessed you to try this, but trust me, it's a terrible idea. You need to separate them ASAP or you'll end up with two badly damaged or dead bettas.

[copperkit]

You've basically got your warning. It's only a matter of time before disaster strikes - one wrong move, and you'll be left with a dead fish. Tick, tick, tick, and then it's all over.

[floragen]

You're playing with fire by keeping those two males together. They're called Siamese FIGHTING fish for a reason - it's in their nature to fight. I'd advise putting the divider back in, or better yet, separating them completely. You don't want to wake up to a gruesome sight of one or both of your fish badly injured or worse, dead.

[Ravyno]

You're playing with fire by keeping those two males together. They're called Siamese FIGHTING fish for a reason - it's in their nature to fight. I'd advise putting the divider back in, or better yet, separating them completely. You don't want to wake up to a gruesome sight of one or both of your fish badly injured or worse, dead.

I'm inclined to agree, it's just not worth the risk, you know, males can't coexist peacefully, it's a disaster waiting to happen.

[dawnriver]

Illegal, huh, that's a new one.

[copperkit]

I'd like to correct Ravyno - I'm not aware of any specific UK laws that prohibit keeping two male betta fish in the same aquarium. However, it's worth noting that intentionally housing two fish that are likely to fight could potentially be considered animal cruelty.

[dawnriver]

keeping two males together is not just stupid, it's also animal cruelty - no offence, floflakea

[floura]

If you check out the RSPCA site, it clearly says you've got a responsibility to look after any animal in your care, and that includes fish.