More Than One Betta In The Same Tank

[AlphinaNovaStar]

Why is it not recommended to keep more than one betta in the same tank?   I went to the local pet shop and they had half a dozen or so bettas in the same tank as some other fish.   

 

[mookat]

Bettas are also known as Siamese fighting fish; they've earned their name. Two males will fight each other in the same tank until a victor (AKA survivor) arises. Females can *sometimes* be kept in the same tank, but that should only be done by someone with a great deal of experience with bettas and fish keeping in general. This aggression is also why you have to be very careful about putting a betta in a tank with other fish. 
 
As for tank mates other than other bettas, many bettas are fine with tank mates, provided that they are compatible. This would mean fish that are accustomed to the same water conditions as a betta, fit within the minimum water requirements for the number and type of fish your tank can hold, and that are:
 

• Not fast swimmers,
• Not too brightly colored, 
• Short finned (no long flowy fins like fancy guppies),
• Not nippy or aggressive,
• Not too small as to attract the wrath of your betta.

Common tank mate suggestions are snails (nerites are great for smaller tanks and really help keep them clean) and ghost shrimp. Your betta's personality will also help you decide if they can handle tank mates or not. I saw one this weekend in a tank with a few small Rasbora species, some short finned guppies, and some snails and he seemed quite happy. We're about to try adding a nerite snail to my 6 gallon tank with my male betta. 

 

[AlphinaNovaStar]

Do I need more girls than just Emma and Regina?


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[Byron]

Mookat is correct.  I'll just pick up on something else from your initial post, concerning what we see in fish stores.
 
Each of us must keep in mind that tanks of fish in fish stores are not the same thing as a fish tank at home--these are usually two very different worlds.  Stores have to have more fish in a tank than could ever be healthy at home, and they may have to combine fish/fish species.  They sell fish, and hope the fish won't be long in the store tanks.  As soon as you bring a fish home, and place it in a better environment, things change.  The fish should, if healthy, respond to this improvement.  But that also means it natural inherent behaviours will be more obvious.
 
Another thing is that not all fish stores have knowledgeable staff, and it is always wise to do your own research.  From your other thread or two, you have not been getting very good advice from this store (presumably the same one) so keep that in mind.
 
Byron.

 

[AlphinaNovaStar]

Should I separate the bettas.  I have a half gallon tank that I can put Regina in.   Is that too small?

 

[Munroco]

It is definitely too small.
 
BTW bettas hate being called Regina. Especially the males.

 

[AlphinaNovaStar]

It is definitely too small.
 
BTW bettas hate being called Regina. Especially the males.

well, I thought she looked like a Regina.   or is it the fact that I named the other fish Emma?

 

[Munroco]

Hmmmmmm I need to think about that

 

[Byron]

Should I separate the bettas.  I have a half gallon tank that I can put Regina in.   Is that too small?

 
Do you have males or females or both?  Two males is unlikely as they would fight to the death of one of them as someone already noted.

 

[AlphinaNovaStar]

I think they are both female.
 
I have some "homework" from work to do but I am too worried about Regina and Emma to focus on anything.  or am I over worried?

 

[Byron]

I think they are both female.
 
I have some "homework" from work to do but I am too worried about Regina and Emma to focus on anything.  or am I over worried?

 
If they are female, you may be fine.  I only entered this thread to hopefully provide some useful comments on the issues with stores, so I will leave it for the Betta experienced members to carry on if something is an issue.

 

[NickAu]

 
Your betta's personality will also help you decide if they can handle tank mates or not.

I agree, Some Bettas are killers others are not, I have a Crowntail who is a killer even attacks my fingers when I put them in the tank and I have another one who thinks hes a Kuhli Loach because he spends half his time hanging out with them.
 
Its also a myth that Bettas cant live with Guppies, If your Betta attacks a Guppy it will attack other fish as well.
 
My Crowntail has managed to kill 2 mystery snails.

 

[AlphinaNovaStar]

I actually have a third betta but he is in a three gallon tank by himself.   I have two empty half gallon tanks but have not used them for a while since I am afraid they are too small.
 
Edward is the name of my male Betta.

 

[Far_King]

The general rule is one male per tank and tank mates are often best avoided.  Mine was fine with the panda cories I had in with him before one day he just turned and decided he would no longer tolerate them.
 
The females may be ok together in what is known as a sorority tank, as they are more tolerant than the males.  Keep a close eye on them.  
 
Currently my Betta only resides with a couple of Assassin snails, Betta are perfectly happy without company, generally happier than if they had company.

 

[AlphinaNovaStar]

Okay when I am home I will keep an eye on them when I can


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