Pentazona (Five Banded) Barbs Following New Betta Around

[serbusfish]

Today I purchased a red Betta and 5 Pencilfish. None of my fish (Neons, White Clouds, Pencils) are bothering it and it isnt bothering them, however my Pentazona Barbs seem fascinated by it and keep following it around. They arent nipping or anything like that, just following it, and its obviously getting irritated as it keeps flaring at them. Is this behavior just because its new or is it likely they will continue to do this? I would hate to have to get rid of them but the Betta is so beautiful he is the priority.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I generally suggest keeping bettas alone, for this type of reason. Bettas generally prefer highly planted and low flow... a small 5 gallon tank would be ideal for a betta.

 

[xamy_valox]

I had something similar to this. My female guppies must have thought he was a rather attractive male and followed him everywhere. He flared a lot and chased them away and in the end they just left him alone.
Just keep an eye on things, hopefully they will get the message after awhile and leave him to it.

 

[serbusfish]

Yeah hopefully they will leave him alone eventually, they are too friendly for their own good!