Endler fry in betta tank: Is my betta safe?

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coppertown
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Endler fry in betta tank: Is my betta safe?

Post by coppertown »

So I've got a 10 gallon tank with a male betta and a bunch of Endler fry that hitched a ride on some plants. The betta's been chill so far, but I'm worried he might snap. Anyone dealt with this before? Tank's got a sponge filter, temp at 78, and plenty of java moss for hiding spots.
burrow
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Re: Endler fry in betta tank: Is my betta safe?

Post by burrow »

It depends on the betta's temperament. Some are aggressive, others ignore small fish. Your setup sounds good with the hiding spots. Monitor the betta's behavior closely for the next few days. If he starts flaring or chasing, you might need to separate them. What's your water change routine like?
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Aquaboss
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Re: Endler fry in betta tank: Is my betta safe?

Post by Aquaboss »

Yep, bettas can be sketchy with fry. Mine wiped out a whole batch of guppy fry once. If your guy's chill now, he might stay that way, but keep an eye out. How big are the fry? Tiny ones are more at risk. Also, what's your feeding schedule? A full betta's less likely to mess with them.
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pineL
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Re: Endler fry in betta tank: Is my betta safe?

Post by pineL »

I've had this happen too. My betta ignored the fry until they got bigger, then boom, snack time. If you've got a spare tank or breeder box, might wanna move the fry. What kinda plants you got besides the java moss? More cover could help.
coppertown
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Re: Endler fry in betta tank: Is my betta safe?

Post by coppertown »

burrow wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 7:46 am It depends on the betta's temperament. Some are aggressive, others ignore small fish. Your setup sounds good with the hiding spots. Monitor the betta's behavior closely for the next few days. If he starts flaring or chasing, you might need to separate them. What's your water change routine like?
I do 20% changes weekly, using Seachem Prime. Parameters are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. The betta's been pretty laid-back, just curious about the fry so far.
burrow
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Re: Endler fry in betta tank: Is my betta safe?

Post by burrow »

Your water maintenance sounds solid. Stable params reduce stress, which can curb aggression. Since your betta's not showing signs of hostility yet, you might be okay. Just watch for any sudden changes in behavior. How old is the betta? Younger ones tend to be more active and potentially more predatory.
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Aquaboss
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Re: Endler fry in betta tank: Is my betta safe?

Post by Aquaboss »

pineL wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 11:27 am I've had this happen too. My betta ignored the fry until they got bigger, then boom, snack time. If you've got a spare tank or breeder box, might wanna move the fry. What kinda plants you got besides the java moss? More cover could help.
Yeah, more plants like hornwort or guppy grass could give the fry better odds. Also, try feeding the betta more often. A hungry betta's a dangerous betta.
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pineL
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Re: Endler fry in betta tank: Is my betta safe?

Post by pineL »

For real, hornwort's a lifesaver. Grows like crazy and gives fry tons of hiding spots. If you don't have a spare tank, maybe float a breeder net in there. What's the betta's name? Sometimes the feisty ones have feisty names, lol.
burrow
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Re: Endler fry in betta tank: Is my betta safe?

Post by burrow »

coppertown wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 7:04 am So I've got a 10 gallon tank with a male betta and a bunch of Endler fry that hitched a ride on some plants. The betta's been chill so far, but I'm worried he might snap. Anyone dealt with this before? Tank's got a sponge filter, temp at 78, and plenty of java moss for hiding spots.
Given the tank size and setup, you're doing better than most. A 10 gallon gives the fry room to escape if needed. Just avoid overfeeding, as excess food can spike ammonia and stress the betta.
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Aquaboss
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Re: Endler fry in betta tank: Is my betta safe?

Post by Aquaboss »

True that on the overfeeding. Also, if you're using live food like brine shrimp, the betta might get too interested in the fry. Stick to pellets or flakes for now. How many fry we talking? A handful or a whole swarm?
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