finding suitable tankmates for betta

[Sire]

I've been reading up on testing a Betta's temperament to see if they're community fish material, and I have to say, I was taken aback by the results. Had two low-ranking male neptunes in my tank, cleaning up the last of the detritus worms, and on a whim, I decided to introduce my new Betta to see if he's one of those rare laid-back ones. He flared for less than 5 seconds, then completely ignored them. The neptunes, on the other hand, started nipping at his fins and chasing him, so I pulled them out pronto. I'd always assumed it was the Betta that was the aggressive one in these situations.

[sSjey]

It's interesting that you found your betta to be quite calm in the presence of the neptunes. Some bettas are indeed very laid-back and tend to get picked on rather than being the aggressors. However, it's worth noting that since your betta is new to the tank, he hasn't had a chance to establish his territory yet. If you had introduced the neptunes after he'd been in the tank for a while, the outcome might have been quite different.

[boomer]

To be honest, it's unkind to put a male Betta in with any other fish, regardless of who's there first. As you and others have noted, the Betta can be either the aggressor or the victim. essjay made a valid point, a Betta that may initially seem to tolerate other fish can turn overnight into a real terror. It's best to accept the norm for the species and give him a nice home to himself.

[Sire]

To be honest, it's unkind to put a male Betta in with any other fish, regardless of who's there first. As you and others have noted, the Betta can be either the aggressor or the victim. essjay made a valid point, a Betta that may initially seem to tolerate other fish can turn overnight into a real terror. It's best to accept the norm for the species and give him a nice home to himself.

I've already taken that step, he's now housed with just a few ramshorn snails as tankmates. Initially, I had planned on introducing some fish companions, but that's no longer the case.

[oldraider]

I'm glad you're giving your betta a peaceful home, it's really the best decision for their well-being. Just imagine if they could coexist harmoniously, a group of 10 to 15 swimming together would be quite a sight, but I think it's best to prioritize their individual needs.

[aquagone]

3 weeks back I added my betta to a tank with swordtails and mollies. Outcome? My betta's got no tail, no fins left.

[Sire]

I added my betta to a tank with swordtails and mollies 3 weeks ago, expecting him to be the one dishing out the aggression. But the outcome was the exact opposite - he's now missing his tail and fins. It's a sobering reminder that even the toughest-looking fish can become victims.

[juicebox]

I've been reading up on testing a Betta's temperament to see if they're community fish material, and I have to say, I was taken aback by the results. Had two low-ranking male neptunes in my tank, cleaning up the last of the detritus worms, and on a whim, I decided to introduce my new Betta to see if he's one of those rare laid-back ones. He flared for less than 5 seconds, then completely ignored them. The neptunes, on the other hand, started nipping at his fins and chasing him, so I pulled them out pronto. I'd always assumed it was the Betta that was the aggressive one in these situations.

Swordtails are quite large compared to bettas, so it's no surprise the betta would be intimidated. My successful experiences with keeping bettas with other fish have been with calm bettas and small, non-colorful, short-tailed fish. When I've tried keeping bettas with fish similar in size or larger, the betta initially gets defensive, then gets picked on.

[angelica]

To be honest, it's unkind to put a male Betta in with any other fish, regardless of who's there first. As you and others have noted, the Betta can be either the aggressor or the victim. essjay made a valid point, a Betta that may initially seem to tolerate other fish can turn overnight into a real terror. It's best to accept the norm for the species and give him a nice home to himself.

I completely agree with Boomer - bettas are not community fish, it's that simple. The water conditions alone are a major issue - mollies and swordtails need hard water, while bettas thrive in soft water. If you try to keep them together, it's only a matter of time before they start to struggle.