Problem with siamese fighter.

[s410k]

Hi folks, I have not been keeping fish for very long, and I seem to be doing a good job so far.

I had a Siamese fighter in my tank and he was fine, the other fish didn't seem to bother him. Unfortunately he died (old age I think). So, yesterday I bought a new, younger one.

After I put him in the tank, I noticed he was being aggressive, using an aggressive posture. My red platies and my male guppies seemed to gang up on him. This morning, most of his fin on his belly, and a good proportion of his tail have been nibbled off.

I've put him into a small breeding tank for now(one which floats in the normal tank) but I can't keep him in there forever.

Do you think if I leave him in there for a few days he may get used to the other fish in the tank (as he can see them) or is it a case of buying another tank and keeping him on his own?

All advice is appreciated. Thanks.

[Willyleigh]

You could try re-introducing him after he has been in the breeders cage for a few days, Platy's and guppys aren't known to attack other fish, but if you have to rehome him, he can live in a small 10-20 liter tank nicely.

[bettaboy691]

i doubt he will "get use to the other fish" buying a new tank would probally be best for the fish long run. are you sure its the fish thats nibbling the fins, not fin rot or whatever, as platies and guppies have never bothered my bettas fins in the past?

[Faith_at_Large]

Fish have their own personalities, Bettas especially. Some Bettas do not like other fish or snails in their tanks. I have a divider in my 10g to separate my new Betta from his tankmates. Of course, I also have Zebra Danios which can be more aggressive than what you have. The divider also reduces the currents generated by the power filter, Bettas prefer less current than other fish. Good luck with your new buddy, with a little care and attention his fins should grow back.

[s410k]

The platies and the guppies never bothered my old fighter, but they certainly don't like this new one.

I even caught my neon tetras sneaking up behind him, and having a nibble. He is blue and red, but he had a white speck on the end of his belly fin. I'm wondering if the other fish may have thought it was food floating about?

I will leave him in the breeding tank for a few days and then re-introduce him in to the tank. If that does not work, I will either buy a smaller tank, or use a divider as has been suggested.

Watching him now, every time a fish (doesn't matter what kind) swims up to the breeder tank, the fighter uses his aggressive posture. Damn shame, bettas are my favourite fish.

Many thanks.

[Incredulous_Ed]

I would try a different betta. As faith at large says, some fish have different personalities. Is your new betta much smaller than old one?

[s410k]

Yes, this one is smaller than the previous fighter I had. Maybe it's just best to get another, smaller tank.

[s410k]

I am wondering if the fighters have any nerves in their fins? My fighters underbelly fin was nice and long yesterday, now its a mess.

It won't be in any pain, will it?

[cocoa_pleco]

my betta got attacked by my platy too. weird

[Severus]

It won't be in any pain, will it?

I think that might depend how far up the fin is destroyed. If it is only the tips then no. But if it is real close to his body that might be another story

[s410k]

No, it is more than just the tip. The under-belly fin was 3/4 red and a 1/4 blue, with a white speck at the tip. All that remains now is about 1/2 inch of red.

He doesn't appear to be in any pain, and he's feeding, so maybe it's not too bad, and the fin will grow again.

He's still being aggressive though, when other fish approach the breeding tank. I really don't think I should risk re-introducing him back in to the tank.

[bubble_bee]

You might be correct in thinking that the other fish think his fins are food. If you look at it from a fish's perspective they probably look quite similar.

In reference to the betta's aggression, I've heard that they can sometimes mistake similar sized fish, and brightly colored fish, as other bettas. Or at least can be territorial with them. I guess it depends on the fish. I've kept a betta in my community tank with mollies and neons with no problems.

Good luck! You may want to put him into a large bowl or similar container (glass) until you can find him a better permanent home. Betta's can survive in these conditions due to their labyrinth organ, and although not the best option, it is definitely better than being eaten alive!

[s410k]

Thanks for the tips, but my betta is not being "eaten alive"

He is still in the breeding tank, within the main tank. He is still showing aggression to the other fish he can see.

I am currently trying to locate a divider, but I'm having problems with the width. The dividers I have seen have measured 12" in width, but after measuring my tank, it's looking like I need 11.5".

I may buy the divider, and cut it down 0.5". Or I may try and locate a piece of perspex or glass, that I can cut myself.

Whatever the outcome, I will not be releasing the betta back into the tank with the other fish.