Male And Female Question

[MCatLvr2A&X]

Is it possible to keep a male and female together in a single tank? I just have a 1 gallon job with the blue stone bubble thing. I always wanted to get a female beta to watch the male and her interact but I dont want to do so if they cant share this tank. TIA for any advice.

 

[OohFeeshy]

Not often, unless the interaction you're after is fighting. Both males and females are highly aggressive, and while there are exceptions (as in all fish), it's best not to take the risk as even a 'peaceful' betta can turn into a murderer while you sleep.

 

[Ravenwing]

I agree with OohFeeshy. Males together with females is not a good idea. The only time you should put a male betta with a female betta is for purposes of breeding. Which, if that is what you're after, I would suggest doing a loooottt of reading before hand.

If you want to get a male and a female, get a 1 gallon tank for each (minimum)

On a side note, 1 gallon is recommended as *minimum* for 1 fish. Not 2 fish, 1 fish. Your male or female will be rather active by himself/herself and will most likely get to know you rather quickly.

If you want to get him a "friend", you'll want a separate tank. Orr....if you only want to get 1 betta, having a mirror handy can be fun b/c they think it's another fish (10 min a day is good exorcise if your fish shows interest)

(And I know the above note might generate some heat to this topic, but, _most_ sites say 1 gallon - minimum. Personally I like the idea of a bit more room, but it all depends on the fish you have)

 

[ileopard]

In a tank that is 10 gallons or more (you might be able to find other dividers for smaller tanks, but I only recommend 5 gallons for each side), you can get tank dividers for about $8. I got mine from PetSmart and I use it to keep 2 males in one 10 gallon tank with 5 gallon portions.

There are some exceptions, but I don't recommend it until you've got your answers down for sure. I have a smaller (~3 months old when I bought him, 2 months with me, so 5 months old) who is simply not aggressive at all, and will not flare. He is in a divided tank and I have not caught him flaring once. (In fact, when I put the tank divider on wrong and the bigger, more aggressive fish got through it, he still wasn't flaring back when I came to fix it.) Even then, I wouldn't put him with another fish, betta or not (unless I was breeding).

 

[MCatLvr2A&X]

I really dont have the time or resources to breed them. Thank you all for your advice I will stick to just the one male.

I put a mirror in his tank to see if he cared and he isnt even paying it any attention I guess I got a really tame one

 

[ileopard]

It doesn't mean he's not aggressive - some can catch the mirror somehow. My most aggressive one does not go to attack the mirror but will kill any other fish that's there for too long.