Neons And My Betta.

[Oddlilninjaboy]

After sifting through the FAQ's on Bettas, it turns out I was lied to by a fish sales woman. I took my girlfriend to Petco to look at fishes, and she really wanted me to get some neons for my 20 gallon, which only had my single betta. I asked the lady if neons would be okay to put with my betta since tetras are fin nippers. I was curious because neons are much smaller. I have 5 neons, 1 algae eater, and a betta in a 20g so far. They've been doing great. Should I take out the betta in fear of his fins being nipped off by the neons? They've been doing fine for the last 3 weeks.

 

[Rediahs]

After sifting through the FAQ's on Bettas, it turns out I was lied to by a fish sales woman. I took my girlfriend to Petco to look at fishes, and she really wanted me to get some neons for my 20 gallon, which only had my single betta. I asked the lady if neons would be okay to put with my betta since tetras are fin nippers. I was curious because neons are much smaller. I have 5 neons, 1 algae eater, and a betta in a 20g so far. They've been doing great. Should I take out the betta in fear of his fins being nipped off by the neons? They've been doing fine for the last 3 weeks.

I'd say just watch them carefully... you would probably do better taking the betta out and putting him in his own bowl, every fish would likely be happier, and you may eventually have to remove the betta anyway, his fins might get nipped or he might attack a neon... but yeah if you don't want to take him out, just watch them carefully, and please remove at the first sign of nipping or fighting.

Different bettas have different natures, so some bettas might be ok with neons even though it's generally not a good idea...

 

[Loko17]

From what I've read most Females are ok with neons because usually the females are less agressive(not always) and the neons leave them alone most of the time, but with males usually they will attack because of the neons vibrant colors. I've never known neons to be very nippy but that may be just the personalities of the ones i got. Just watch carefully and if your male attacks them or if they nip his fins it would be best to take him and put him in his own tank.