I Know Nothing About Betta Splendens But...

[ShinySideUp]

...I see them kept individually in small tanks in the LFS and I gather they fight if put with others.
 
Is this how they supposed to be kept and if so, how would they live in the wild?
 
Can you keep them with fish that are not Betta's without them fighting?
 
Are they just generally anti-social and aggressive?
 
I ask because if they are as described above then I can't really see the point of keeping them although I expect I have missed something somewhere regarding their attractiveness.

 

[attibones]

They should not be kept with others of the same species. You can keep females together in a tank but this is not for the betta beginner. Males should be kept singly. You can keep bettas with other fish presuming the other fish can handle the warmer temperatures. Tank mates do need to be chosen with care as betta fins are often targeted by nippy fish such as many tetras. But they do well with some species of corydoras and other catfish. 
 
Bettas are an attractive species and they seem to develop bonds with their keepers. They are curious fish and have bright personalities. They can be taught tricks and games and actively seek attention from their keepers which is part of their appeal. 

 

[ShinySideUp]

Just curious but see my signature for my present fish, could a Betta go in there, temperature is around 25-26 degrees C, pH 7. I am thinking 25 degrees would be too cold but it's the best compromise I can get for both my cory's and my Clown loaches.

 

[Flash_Fire]

Bettas should be kept alone in a minimum 2.5g tank, with heater and filter, though larger is preferred or in a community of peaceful fish. Some more aggressive bettas aren't suited for communities though, it depends on the individual's personality. My crowntail, for instance, does fine with other fish, but my veil tail is mean and attacks other fish. If your community tank has too much current, it's not really good for bettas too. They prefer relatively still water. Between 25.5° and 26.5 C is about right for bettas.

 

[Meeresstille]

There are 4 Bettas in our family, although two of them are in a different house. They all live in natural planted tanks. One is in a 15 gallon with 6 Harlequin Rasboras and a Nerite snail, one is in a 7.5 gallon all by himself because he is NOT a team player lol. One is in a 10 gallon with 4 Red Cherry Shrimp (they were 5....Betta wanted to try one, he now leaves the others alone) and one is in a 4 gallon with one Red Cherry Shrimp, the last of 4. 
 
I found a real problem with keeping Bettas in a community tank is that it is very difficult to keep the Betta from over-eating. 

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Just curious but see my signature for my present fish, could a Betta go in there, temperature is around 25-26 degrees C, pH 7. I am thinking 25 degrees would be too cold but it's the best compromise I can get for both my cory's and my Clown loaches.

 
 
The answer is no.  A male betta wouldn't do well in that tank due to the current.  They really need slow moving water.  Also, the tetras can be extremely fin nippy as well.
 
A female would fare a little better, but I still wouldn't do it.
 
 
 
If bettas are something you are seriously interested in, I'd suggest you get a 5 gallon tank and set it up for a single male.  This can be fairly cheaply done.... a sponge filter a few live plants.  Anubias, a bit of floaters, and some decor (no sharp edges) and you are set.
 
 
They are very personable, and have a wide range of personalities... but I wouldn't suggest them in a tank as big, as filtered nor as busy with fast moving fish as the one in your sig.

 

[ShinySideUp]

Thanks for that Eagles and everyone, I'll give it a miss then; better (geddit?) that way.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

That's what we are here for, right?

 

[LongS]

I personally woudlnt have a problem with adding a betta into that set up if it were me, providing it's heavily planted and the current isn't extreme. That's just me though.

 

[Tongue_Flicker]

In my experience of keeping them solitary and in a community tank, i noticed that a single male kept with a group of boisterous, fast-swimmers causes him to be somewhat more aloof. It may be stressful for the first few months but that male survived 2 years with tetras to tell the tale. I still think that bettas are a stand-alone fish and better off as a star of the tank