Strange Behavior?

[Tempestuousfury]

I have two male bettas in a dual betta hex. One of the bettas used to be aggressive while the other wasn't. Now they've changed roles and the now placid betta stays at the bottom w/o moving his pec fins. Is there something wrong? Why the change in temperaments? Do you think I should add a bubble stone for aeration if that's part of the problem?

These are somewhat new developments and I've only seen this happen yesterday. I didn't want to take chances, so I decided to post here...

 

[mike777]

I'm assuming you left the divider in, right??

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Yes. Then they wouldn't be mad, they'd be dead. Or one would and the other would gloat.

I just but the now active one into my five, he is doing well. I removed the divider and placed in an air stone for my other one to see if he's better.

 

[Kossy]

Hope he starts acting normal soon!!!, btw check for any signs of clamped fins as this a sign of possible diseases as it indicates stress good luck!!!

 

[FanOFish]

I don't know if you need the airstone, mine seems to hate any kind of moving water. Other than that, you should see him move about more now that he has more room.

If you notice in the stores, most bettas just kind of lay around in those small quarters but bring them home and give them at least a gallon and they swim constantly like any other fish.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi temp

If you use an air stone just keep it bubbling enough to break the surface of the water. Since bettas breathe air they do not need a lot of oxygen in the water.

My two can go wherever they want in their big tanks and they never spend time near the water coming from the filter. I suspect it's because the water is agitated there.

 

[Tempestuousfury]

I started the bubbles hours after I removed one betta and the divider, when the betta didn't show signs of improvement. I checked him out this morning, and he's the same.

The one that's on the bottom always used to have a semi-clamped fin unless he was flaring... He does it all the time now b/c he stays at the bottom for hours unless I put food in (which he jumps at despite being so far from it).

I'll turn off the bubble stone once I get home. Hopefully it's aerated enough by then.