Tetra Disappeared?

[Andy1982]

I've just set up a new 60l tank. I had five tetras and a siameese fighting fish. One of the tetras didnt shoal with the rest. I left them over night. When I returned the unshoaling tetra had disappeared. It was much smaller than the rest. Any ideas? I've searched the whole tank and cant find it oh and the fighter has been reluctant to eat flake food. Coincidence?

 

[three-fingers]

I doubt the fighter would have eaten it, in fact neons and bettas are a bad combo because tetras can get nippy and tear his fins to bits. The betta not eating is another problem .
There is a chance the tetra just died of stress in somewhere you cant see(in which case you really need to find him).

But it seems more likely he jumped. Remember fish can make it out of the teeniest gaps .

 

[kev350d]

I've just set up a new 60l tank. I had five tetras and a siameese fighting fish. One of the tetras didnt shoal with the rest. I left them over night. When I returned the unshoaling tetra had disappeared. It was much smaller than the rest. Any ideas? I've searched the whole tank and cant find it oh and the fighter has been reluctant to eat flake food. Coincidence?

Did the tetra appear duller than the rest or never regained its colours (i bought 15 cardinals and one was that stressed during its capture that it to behaved in this manner of not shoaling and although all were quite dull in appearance the unlucky one never regained its bright colour) it actually died in the bag before being added so was easily recovered, the other 14 are fit and healthy and actually feel they own the tank lol.

What ive seen of neons and cardinals most the lfs around here seem to cram as many as possible into a small tank then when someone wants to buy some they just stick the net in amongst them and grab as many as possible then sift through what number is required (i kicked off as the shop had 15 in the tank and i wanted the lot so the young assistant actually waved the net back and fourth until he had all 15 in at once as his mate said "i bet you cant catch them in one go") i now use one stockist for the fish as they have been around over 30yr and keep their fish in 1st class conditions as do they take the time to carefully catch them and band the bags "most shop assistants in the bigger pet stores actually spin the bag then not it resulting in a whirl pool inside the bag" doesnt look good.

 

[Andy1982]

I found it. It was dead. I cant understand it as I checked the whole tank. Random It appeared to missing part of its rear fin. Any ideas what Betas prefer to eat have been giving it Flakes and some daphnia.

The Tetra did seem a bit dull coloures. there were loads in the shop tank.


thanks for all the help!

 

[Miss Wiggle]

i'll bet the betta killed it. they shouldn't really be kept together, they're not called fighting fish for no reason. you really do best keeping the males alone in a tank to themselves.

your betta's probably not eating cos he's not happy, cos he's stressed being in a tank with other fish eh see's as a threat to him so he feels he has to fight.

you need to set him up a little tank by himself, he'll be much happier.

 

[Andy1982]

i'll bet the betta killed it. they shouldn't really be kept together, they're not called fighting fish for no reason. you really do best keeping the males alone in a tank to themselves.

your betta's probably not eating cos he's not happy, cos he's stressed being in a tank with other fish eh see's as a threat to him so he feels he has to fight.

you need to set him up a little tank by himself, he'll be much happier.

The guy in the Shop said they would be ok, Most books I have read also seem to agree. He is getting better. Swimming with them a bit more and not being aggressive at all.

 

[Vicky99]

Hiya,

My betta is in my community tank, BUT, general rule of thumb is that Tetras will nip the poor betta's fins and the Betta may take exception to the Tetra's bright colours and tear into them a bit.

I think that it depends a lot on the temperament of your specific fish. Like some dogs don't like other dogs. Mine is a very laid back chap and the tank is heavily planted with caves for hidey holes so the Betta has his own territory. He's been there for over a year and I've had no problems.

If I were you, I'd get a standby tank for the betta (useful to have one in case of emergency anyway so not wasted cash) and keep a very close eye on things. If the tetras are bothering the betta or if more tetras are attacked, be ready to whip the betta out and give him his own space.

With the eating thing, the betta might still be settling in, also they like some live/frozen food and can be a bit picky on what they'll eat. Mine loves tetra pro and can't resist frozen bloodworms.

Hope that helps.

Vicky

 

[Andy1982]

Hiya,

My betta is in my community tank, BUT, general rule of thumb is that Tetras will nip the poor betta's fins and the Betta may take exception to the Tetra's bright colours and tear into them a bit.

I think that it depends a lot on the temperament of your specific fish. Like some dogs don't like other dogs. Mine is a very laid back chap and the tank is heavily planted with caves for hidey holes so the Betta has his own territory. He's been there for over a year and I've had no problems.

If I were you, I'd get a standby tank for the betta (useful to have one in case of emergency anyway so not wasted cash) and keep a very close eye on things. If the tetras are bothering the betta or if more tetras are attacked, be ready to whip the betta out and give him his own space.

With the eating thing, the betta might still be settling in, also they like some live/frozen food and can be a bit picky on what they'll eat. Mine loves tetra pro and can't resist frozen bloodworms.

Hope that helps.

Vicky

thanks Vicky that helps a lot. He is laid back. Likes to Swim through the bubbles on my pump alot. I have created a lot of covered areas and he likes to congregate there. The tetras seem to avoid him most of the time. I use Tetra Pro and he hasnt touched it yet, as you say may still be settling in.