Siamese Fighter - Shy?

[deansplit]

Just stocked my tropical tank after letting water condition. All OK.

Have a male Siamese Fighter cos I love the look of them, but bit disappointed it hides most of the time. I do have 2 filters which keep the water moving quite fast at the top (one each side of a 1.75m long wall tank – 33L). Do they prefer still water as I've heard they are quite happy in a small jar! Do they like light? Only other fish same size is a Dwarf Gourami, rest are Tetras, a Guppie, spotted catfish, 2 shrimps, 3 Silver Pencils and 2 silver hatchets.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Noahs ark6]

Your tank is an Ok size for the betta, , No they do not like being in jars at all. Like any other fish, they need to be in a tank. Bettas prefer calmer water than most fish, so one flter will suffice. Does the filter have an adjustable flow rate?
Do they like light------They would have light in the wild, so yes, why would'nt there be any light in the tank?
If the spotted catfish is the one in this link then your tank is way too small for it, the website in the link says 700 litres is the minimum, i advise you take it back the Fish shop, they may even give you store credit for it.

 

[lilfishie]

The gourami is the issue, the 2 don't get along and looking at it the gourami is the dominant one, the betta will never settle with him in there

 

[deansplit]

The catfish is a Corydoras. Great lil fella, probably the most exciting of em all!

 

[Cazgar]

If your tank is 33 litres, then imo, you have unsuitable fish in it.
The hatchets need 20 gallon, the pencils could do with 15 gallon.
Corys need to be kept in groups, & you haven't got space for that.
The Gourami is the the main problem as to why your Betta is shy, they really don't get along

 

[deansplit]

The gourami is the issue, the 2 don't get along and looking at it the gourami is the dominant one, the betta will never settle with him in there

Oh!, Ill advice from one of the most reputable stockists in Northern Ireland then! Grrrrr. I think I'd rather return the Betta as wanted to get more Guppies anyway which I understand can also cause fights with the Betta. Also, the Gourami tends to have mad half hours where it rides the waves of the air blower, great to watch!± Is this normal for them?

 

[deansplit]

The hatchets need 20 gallon, the pencils could do with 15 gallon.
Corys need to be kept in groups

20 gallon, that's 90 litres, 3 times the size of my tank? They're not that big, and the pencils??? They're tiny things. The tank in the shop wasn't that big...? I specifically asked about the catfish being ok on its own and they said yes! This is where the confusion starts!!

 

[Amanita.m]

Well the thing is, small fish grow, and sometimes tank size is also dependent on their natural habits- how big their "territories" are, how much space they need for their activity levels, how many of each need to be kept together. Sometimes, sadly, petshops do not give the best advice.
Cory cats do not like to be kept alone that is for sure, they need preferably 3+ of the same species to be happy. At the moment I only have 2 in one of my tanks cause that's all my lfs had when I went to get them, and they spend ALOT of time together, esp when sleeping. They also try to interact with their reflections. Going back to get a 3rd because it is apparent having others of their kind around is very important to them. Honestly they are really cute together as well,like when they snatch food back and forth off of each other

 

[deansplit]

I just phoned the aquarium, mentioned the Betta & Gourami issue – the guy said unless the Gourami is physically attacking the Betta it'll always be shy, it's their character, removing the G will not make any difference.

Regarding the Corydoras, he said yes, definitely need at least one more. Trouble is I have quite a few fish in there already! Currently: 1x Betta, 1x Dwarf Gourami, 5x Tetras, 1x Guppie, 1x Corydoras, 2 shrimps, 2 Silver Pencils & 2 silver hatchets. It's only a 32L tank, what should I do as the Cory needs a partner!?

 

[Cazgar]

Most male Bettas are not shy, whether kept alone or with compatible fish they're very active.
If that was my tank with that stocking, I'd rehome the guppy, hatchets, pencils & Gourami, get a couple more corys

 

[Enkil]

I have not met an actual shy betta. I have owned them for years. They need to settle in before they show their real character. Once they do, they greet you when you go to the tank. Sometimes when you even walk past it.

As others have said, the gourami is part of the problem. They are not going to get along and the betta will not settle while housed with the gourami.

 

[Amanita.m]

Sounds like u may need another tank...
I'd keep the Tetras, Corys, Betta, and shrimp together. That will most likely be a happy tank. (Tho some Betta may snack on shrimp if they are hungry enough. Mine get along)I only have 2 Bettas, different as night and day, but neither are the least bit shy,lol. I have a Gourami too, but he is in a 3rd tank, have heard too many cautionary tales about keeping the 2 of them together to want to try it...

I have a 5 gallon with 1 Betta, 2 Corys, and 2 shrimp
A 3 gallon with just one Betta
And a 10 gallon with 6 Neons, 2 African Dwarf frogs and one dwarf Gourami
All tanks are planted, heated, and filtered and so far so good...

 

[deansplit]

The plot thickens here! The Gourami is attacking all fish at the mo - I've just removed it but it will obviously die in the small jar I've put it in. The shop is more than the cost of the fish away in fuel to return it! Any ideas??? One pencil already been half eaten too.

5 hours after posting the above, the betta is now attacking the pencils, guppy and hatchets!

 

[Amanita.m]

Guess he is getting over that shyness? Fish have different personalities, and seems Bettas have an abundance of it,lol. Gouramis can be aggressive and outgoing too. Two strong willed, sometimes aggressive fish in a crowded tank can be a powder keg...
Best option is to get another tank, or try and find a home for the Gourami and anyone left who is being attacked. Does your community have a Freecycle group? Or Craigslist listing? A larger tupperware container with frequent water changes might do till u found him a home...provided it happened soon. Good luck!

 

[Amanita.m]

Eep! Double post