Betta Fish Bit Other Fish

[Krysta]

We added a new fish (guppy) in our tank and our betta bit his tail. We have separated them and now I worry about the little guy. He's in a bowl and I wonder what I can do to make his life easier. Is he gonna survive? Sorry we're amateurs.

 

[This Old Spouse]

If you can take the guppy back to the fish store (LFS) you should. Bettas will see any other fish with long flowing tails as a threat and attack them.

 

[Lunar Jetman]

How big is your tank? If you want other fish the size of it will determine what you can have.

 

[Joshwainwright]

To make his life easier I'd take him out of the bowl and find another home for him. Your best bet would be to see if the fish store will take him back

 

[PlumbersMerchant]

in my opinion the best bet would be to get rid of the beta. They REALLY restrict the other fish you can get. Quite often beta's are kept in tanks on their own.

 

[the_lock_man]

in my opinion the best bet would be to get rid of the beta. They REALLY restrict the other fish you can get. Quite often beta's are kept in tanks on their own.

 
My opinion differs substantially.
 
Bettas' temperaments vary more than any other fish that I've kept. My first was in a 65l community tank, and had no problems with him. I've had others that could only be kept on their own. I've read numerous people on this forum who report that they have kept them with guppies without issue.
 
Clearly, in this instance, we are talking about a feisty individual, and it may be the case that this individual will not tolerate any tankmates whatsoever. But even with a fish that will attack a guppy, there are still plenty of options that can co-exist.
 
You could try male endlers, as an example.

 

[PlumbersMerchant]

True, i didnt really give the beta a fair say i suppose. like others here i go off what ive seen. the thing that makes me hate them is it went after everything, not just fish with flowing tails. it killed loads of tetras, went for my danios and harlequins. wouldnt mind one if it was in its own tank.
 
Just realised that sounds like back peddling, but perhaps a revised opinion when more tought is offered ? ha ha

 

[the_lock_man]

True, i didnt really give the beta a fair say i suppose. like others here i go off what ive seen. the thing that makes me hate them is it went after everything, not just fish with flowing tails. it killed loads of tetras, went for my danios and harlequins. wouldnt mind one if it was in its own tank.
 
Just realised that sounds like back peddling, but perhaps a revised opinion when more tought is offered ? ha ha

 
No problem, don't worry. Everyone's opinions are coloured by their own experiences, and they are just opinions. Ultimately, the way that the forum works is that everyone posts their opinions and experiences, and the OP draws their own conclusions. It would be a boring world if everyone thought the same way. You don't need to apologise for thinking differently to me.

 

[Krysta]

Thank you all for your thoughts. The bowl was a temporary solution cause the incident happened in the middle of the night. We took the guppy back to the store. I hope he's better now. Our tank is 40 ltr so not much space. Our betta hasn't hurt any other fish so far. But after some reading I realised that before we got him he was probably bitting his own tail! His temperament scares me a bit but I don't want to get rid of him...he's so damn beautiful!

 

[Shelster]

Can you post a pic? Love to see him