Siamese Fighting Fish

[ElNino]

Hi
My tank has been established for about 8 month now, but I'm still very new to keeping fish.
I've got a 60L tank with the current inhabitants.

2 Zebra Danios.
1 Flying Fox
2 Otocinclus
6 Neon Tetra
2 Silver tipped tetra.

I would really like to get a siamese fighting fish, the local shop has a beautiful bright red one in store and I would love to take it home with me tonight.

Would it be ok in this tank/setup?

Thanks.

 

[arobinson1984]

It wouldn't be advised, they aren't really a community fish.

Siamese fighting fish (aka Bettas) tend to be better kept on their own in a little tank (normally about 5 gal)

Some people have success keeping bettas in a community tank so I'm not saying it cant be done but its basically a risk, it all comes down to the individual betta's temperament. Some will tolerate other tankmates, others will attack any other tank mates so if you decided to put one in the tank you would need a backup plan if it all goes wrong and even then you'd be risking the lives of your fish.

Bettas cant be mixed either, 2 males will fight to the death, hence their name. Males and females shouldnt be kept together either except when breeding and even then only for am inimum period of time.

Even of you were successful and got lucky with a well tempered beeta, you'd risk the danios and tetras nipping at the bettas long flowing fins

Andy

 

[Phisher84]

What he said.

I just wanted to say that my betta is currently housed with 4 Flame Dwarf Gouramis, 2 Opaline Gouramis, 2 Honey Gouramis, 1 Powder Blue Gourami, 6 Guppies, 1 Dalmation Mollie, 1 Cory and 1 Electric Blue Lobster and they all get along! In fact, I think the Betta is in love with one of my Dwarf Gouramis. He's always swimming next to him and eats right by him and I've never seen him flare. It's adorable.

 

[ElNino]

Thank you for the very honest reply.
I guess the gorgeous Fighter wont be coming home with me after all.

Its a shame because I really wanted to get a bright colourfull fish to liven up the tank a little, the neons were my wifes idea and they are a bit boring.

 

[Phisher84]

Well, it absolutely depends on the Bettas personality. I lucked out by getting a very passive, lovable Betta. You never know!

 

[Haych]

for many years i have kept betta/fighting fish in a community tank and the ONLY time I had an issue was when I put the fighter in first!!

if you want him, you try, its your tank at the end of the day!!

People can give their opinions, but its your decision to try, and if fail, rehome him

 

[ElNino]

Well, it absolutely depends on the Bettas personality. I lucked out by getting a very passive, lovable Betta. You never know!

Oh you just had to come along and replant that seed in my mind didnt you

 

[Phisher84]

Sorry... I just think everyone in the world needs a Betta. They're lovely lil' guys.

 

[GuppyGoddess]

What he said.

I just wanted to say that my betta is currently housed with 4 Flame Dwarf Gouramis, 2 Opaline Gouramis, 2 Honey Gouramis, 1 Powder Blue Gourami, 6 Guppies, 1 Dalmation Mollie, 1 Cory and 1 Electric Blue Lobster and they all get along! In fact, I think the Betta is in love with one of my Dwarf Gouramis. He's always swimming next to him and eats right by him and I've never seen him flare. It's adorable.

Are the fish truely getting along. I thought my two (male) guppies were buddies, but sat and watched very closely one day and noticed that the one swimming next to the other guppy was stressing that guppy out with his play.

 

[Haych]

Hi there, i did post in your thread but my posts arent being added by the mods

if you want a betta, try it, dont do what everyone else says or you'll end up with five fish and nothing more!

if you want to try it, but it fails, you could always return him or sell him on.

i have always had fighters in a community tank, and as long as he isnt put in first, you will have no issues

( i am sick of my posts not being added! )

 

[Drum4JC]

I'm not familiar with the flying fox, but so long as it does not have long fins, you'll have a decent chance of it working out I think. My Betta gets along great with my Danios, Tetras and Corys. Oh, and he loves all of the space in the tank and even the current from the filter return.

 

[OldMan47]

Most Betta splendens, Siamese fighting fish, will do fine in a roomy peaceful community tank. If you have nippy tetras in the tank, the betta will become a victim but will seldom become an aggressor. I must get a picture, for threads like this, of my big male in my endler tank.

 

[natalie265]

Personally, i would not risk a betta in a community tank. I've heard too many horror stories. But bettas certainly are irresistable! How about getting him a seperate tank? You can often find them used on craigslist or other such sites for just a few dollars (i got mine for $2)!

 

[Haych]

3rd time lucky - maybe the "mods" will let this one through

imo, i have NEVER had any issues with bettas in a community tank, if you want to try it, do so!

as your tank is already up and running i dont think there would be an issue, bettas mainly caused probs when put in first

do what YOU want and makes you comfortable

 

[Phisher84]

What he said.

I just wanted to say that my betta is currently housed with 4 Flame Dwarf Gouramis, 2 Opaline Gouramis, 2 Honey Gouramis, 1 Powder Blue Gourami, 6 Guppies, 1 Dalmation Mollie, 1 Cory and 1 Electric Blue Lobster and they all get along! In fact, I think the Betta is in love with one of my Dwarf Gouramis. He's always swimming next to him and eats right by him and I've never seen him flare. It's adorable.

Are the fish truely getting along. I thought my two (male) guppies were buddies, but sat and watched very closely one day and noticed that the one swimming next to the other guppy was stressing that guppy out with his play.

The Betta and the Gouramis were the first fish I got for the tank. Eduardo (my Betta), doesn't seem to acknowledge any of the other fish, that's what I mean by him 'getting along.' As for him and the dwarf gourami, I've never seen any signs of stress or fish on fish violence in my tank. The Gourami now swims next to Eduardo when it's feeding time, and he never flares or pesters. I don't know, he's in love?