Ah Ha Caught In The Act!

[vanvran]

I was very skeptical when you wonderful people posted that my new Orange HM was probably a tail biter. Well I finally caught him - wasn't even thinking about it because I have NEVER seen him even attempt to bite his tail. I was saying the usual babble to him and he was wriggling like a little happy boy when suddenly he twisted like a little pretzel, grabbed hold of his new healed finnage and chowed down! I was horrified, yet strangely happy to know it wasn't my fault. At least I know I can try and divert his attention, keep him busy, etc. It's a funny thing to see.

 

[Suicidal_AZN]

sound funny
get another male betta
to keep him busy by flaring at the other male.
that way he can stop biting his own tail lol
he'll be to busy trying to protect his jar for the other male

 

[lilfishie]

shame to hear he's a tail bitter but at least now you know, theres a few people with them on here, so i am sure they could offer you some advice if you need it

 

[dmarie04]

I'm not speaking to my tail biter right now. I figured out that keeping a female by his tank kept him from biting. His tail was almost back to normal (he's a HM) and then I moved the female away for two days. During those two days what did he do? Yep, chomped on his tail again! He's SUCH a spoiled brat! Now he's got a couple girls next to him and I don't see any more bites. *sigh*
Good luck with your guy. With tail biters I suggest really clean water, frequent water changes, salt in the water to ward off infections, changing their tank decorations, and some sort of stimulation...either another fish to flare at, a mirror or something to keep him interested in life so he doesn't decide to bite himself from boredom!

 

[vanvran]

I'm not speaking to my tail biter right now. I figured out that keeping a female by his tank kept him from biting. His tail was almost back to normal (he's a HM) and then I moved the female away for two days. During those two days what did he do? Yep, chomped on his tail again! He's SUCH a spoiled brat! Now he's got a couple girls next to him and I don't see any more bites. *sigh*
Good luck with your guy. With tail biters I suggest really clean water, frequent water changes, salt in the water to ward off infections, changing their tank decorations, and some sort of stimulation...either another fish to flare at, a mirror or something to keep him interested in life so he doesn't decide to bite himself from boredom!

Oh, that's funny--Well, if I put a mirror up, he goes crazy flaring, etc. I thought it was too stressful to leave a mirror there? I put up a dark tropical backing on his tank which toned down the brightness (he seems to dislike light) and he flared at that for a few days. He's very hyper. What do you mean by "change tank decorations" - for variety? Thanks for the help!

 

[bubblesburst80]

change tank decorations just means to rearrange what you have in the tank - plants, ornaments - that kind of thing to add a bit of variety to his tank
i hope he settles down

xXx

 

[vanvran]

change tank decorations just means to rearrange what you have in the tank - plants, ornaments - that kind of thing to add a bit of variety to his tank
i hope he settles down

xXx

Thanks for clarifying - how about if I put some mid sized ghost shrimp in there for diversion? I also have a platy that I can't stand in my 20 gallon (although he's better now - he used to pick on the smaller fish.)

 

[xweeqtx]

My betta loved the platy's, simply to chase them on occasion. He never did actually attack them, but the platy's used to chase him as well. If Tyson hadn't gotten unwell, he would still be with his wee platy pals lol. So yeah ,I should think that platy's would be an ideal tank mate but just keep a close eye on them in case you're betta is too agressive.

 

[vanvran]

My betta loved the platy's, simply to chase them on occasion. He never did actually attack them, but the platy's used to chase him as well. If Tyson hadn't gotten unwell, he would still be with his wee platy pals lol. So yeah ,I should think that platy's would be an ideal tank mate but just keep a close eye on them in case you're betta is too agressive.

sounds great - my platy is a dwarf platy although he isn't that small. I'll give it a try.

 

[llamalord305]

Try little caves or little bubble chests.
Anything that gives him mental stimulation.

 

[afishdude]

or something SHINY!

 

[vanvran]

Thanks everyone! I have a clay pot cave for him and two huge shiny glass "marbles." As well as three silk plants. He must need some serious distractions, huh?