Multi Species Question

[c-dub]

Hey guys,

I currently have a 40L tank with HEEEAPS of endler's livebearers in it. It is a breeding tank for them.
It currently has probably 30 odd adults and even more fry.
It also contains 4 spotted cory's to clean up the place. The tank is very stable and all the fish are happy.

The question I have is...

I have a male betta in a bowl on his own, which I was going to introduce to the tank. The reason for this is that it's going to be a VERY cold winter, and he is in a non filtered or heated bowl.
I am aware that he may eat the fry.

Would you recommend doing this? I don't want him to die, but I don't really want him mowing down all the fry either.

Thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[KittyKat]

At least in the tank he will survive, but it is still not an ideal environment for him. If possible, do get him his own filtered and heated tank.

 

[c-dub]

Hmmmm I thought he would be ok in there, none of the other fish are threats or would be threatened by him.

I don't really want to fork out for a 4th tank just for 1 betta lol.

Maybe I'll just throw a spare little heater and filter in his bowl I have.

 

[KittyKat]

The Endlers may nip.. apart from that, mixing Betta and Endlers is not a problem in itself. I would be more worried about overstocking the small tank.

 

[c-dub]

I might as well just put him in and see how he goes... The thing I was most worried about was him eating all the endler fry.

 

[symon_say]

Put him in and see what happen, just keep your net close to you in case of any attack.

 

[OldMan47]

I have housed a nice veil tailed male betta in my wild type endler tank in the past. He did fine until he finally died of old age at about 6 years old. The endlers can be a bit nippy but were not enough of a problem for him to be a true issue. The betta did nothing to harm the endlers and the endlers did keep him company. He never showed that lonely look of a typical isolated male betta that we see so often. Instead he was a participant in their community.

 

[starscream]

It shouldn't be a big problem but do it very slowly and make sure u keep a very close eye on them. It really depends on ur fish and his attitude I have had a super nice beta and I have had a very nippy beta so just keep a close eye on him.

 

[c-dub]

Just an update.

I put him in (my crown tailed Purple betta).

He has been very active and hasn't been a problem. I think he is actually enjoying having the company. When he first went in he swam at a few of the fry for a closer look, but has caused no trouble!

Glad I made the switch, I think it has made for a happy and healthier fish!

 

[waterdrop]

Thanks for the update c-dub - nice reinforcement of the combination OM47 has described. WD