Betta Fighting... With Himself?

[stargirly1208]

so i recently got a new bettta (i already added a pic and all earlier), he's a pretty boy, but i guess he's not used to the nice 2 gallon tank he's in as opposed to that cup in the petstore because he is fighting his reflection. will he eventually stop this? i'm afraid he's not eating enough because he gets too distracted by himself to eat right

 

[england]

no if he sees his reflection he will fight with himself sorry wouldnt woory too much cos it is only his reflection after all does the tank have mirrored glass?

 

[heatmisr]

They usually do this when they first go in the new tank. If he does it continually, only keep the lights on for a short period of time to give him time to adjust. If he is still flaring at himself after about a week, you may have to find a way to cover the back and/or sides of the tank with something opaque to cut the reflection.

 

[smallpond]

My boy Oscar did the same thing! He started flaring at his reflection. The good news is that he quit after a little bit. Give him some time and he should stop but you may need to cover the sides of the tank.

 

[zoekin8yg]

I'm sure he will calm down once he adjusts to the tank. Just keep an eye on him

 

[stargirly1208]

no if he sees his reflection he will fight with himself sorry wouldnt woory too much cos it is only his reflection after all does the tank have mirrored glass?

i don't think it's glass at all, i'm pretty sure it's acrilic, and it's such a faint reflection i'm suprised he even sees it! well it's day 2 and he's still doing it. i think he's a little high strong since he's still young and all haha. he doesn't chase his little feeder guppy friends tho!

 

[kpintheshed]

i heard that if they do it 4 a long time sometimes the fish gets stressed and dies

 

[heatmisr]

they will stress themselves if they constantly flare, but they usually stop doing it after 3-5 days or they don't do it that often. He is still adjusting to his new surroundings. And the acrylic tanks will show their reflection also.

 

[Bert]

Pretty much the only time mine flares is when he sees his reflection So I'd say it's sounds to be a pretty normal thing.

 

[catherine896]

Aww I hope he calms down soon. You can see the reflection in the sides of my tank that my betta is in, it doesnt bother him in the slightest!