How Often Does A Healthy Betta Flare?

[crazychris]

Mine flares all the time at my red-wag platies. Doesn't like them at all but doesn't harm them and vice-versa.

 

[Just_Another_One]

Just_Another_One - what kind of set up does Sparkles have? Has he always had the same or can you explain his progression (if you've moved him around at all)? Thanks.

Well when I first got him he was put in a 2.5G tank and lived there for about 2 years. He hardly ever flared and only did a little bit when I showed him the mirror. Then I felt since hes been with me for so long he deserves a bigger tank so I bought him a 6 gallon where he lived for a little over a year.

So by now hes around 4 years old and I thought of putting some cories in from my community with him. He proceeded to stalk and attack them so I had to remove them after 5 mins. I bought a new 5G tank for a new betta and placed it next to his tank. He HATED having Zues next to him and flared endlessly. I put a peice of paper between them so it wouldnt stress him too much.

Now I have each of the tanks divided which seems to be going okay. They cant see eachother since the dividers are black.

Its just recently where He flares at anything and everything. I think he may be on his last legs with me. He looks fine other than he gets extra slimey stuff on parts of his body.

heres a pic when I first got him and one I took last week(of course he is flareing at me for NO reason)

 

[squiremaster]

Bettas will usually flare if you turn a light on in their aquarium because all they see is a whole lot of reflections of themselves in the glass

 

[JustKia]

Wow - sparkles is one pretty fish

 

[Just_Another_One]

Wow - sparkles is one pretty fish

Thank you I've never seen any other Betta's his colors....and to think I only paid $1.99 for him at my LFS 4 years. Love that lil guy so much, my first betta

heres another before and after pic: