Is A Mirror Cruel?

[MrMarblesTI]

I was wondering...If I put a mirror up to my betta's tank for him to flare at, would that be cruel, or would it be something for him to do? I want him to be occupied and happy, but at the same time, I'd hate to think that I'd be stressing him out if I put a mirror up to the tank. What does everybody think?

 

[bUcky]

maybe it would be if u left it there. what about doing maybe a few times a day for a few minutes. my betta male flares when i point at him lol he doesnt need a mirror.

 

[Kekmet]

Being able to flare at a mirror for a few minutes every day is a good source of exercise and entertainment. (It's got to be boring swimming around by yourself in a tank day in and day out!) Just don't leave it there too long, or he might get stressed out. A mirror got left behind one of my betta's tanks for a full day, and when we finally realized why he was so upset, he had torn one of fins from flaring too much. He's recovering nicely, though, and we're limiting him to a few minutes of mirror every day.