I have a betta fish and I keep a mirror next to him so he can mess with it (attack it). I was told this was bad on a betta because they are fighting fish yet they make fish tanks with two sides where people are told to put a betta in each one. I have also read where people buy two male bettas and keep them in seperate tanks side by side. What's the difference if I keep another betta next to him or a mirror?
2006-07-27 12:26:28 · 9 answers · asked by Lipstick 6 in Pets ➔ Fish
There's no difference. Either way, he thinks he's looking at an enemy and a threat, and it puts him in defense and attack mode. It isn't good to put a mirror next to them, or keep two of them in side-by-side tanks, or a split tank, or any of that. Making them attack and flare up is very stressful on them and will weaken their health, because he will do it over and over and over again. If you had to stare at someone you thought wanted to kill you all day, you'd get pretty stressed out, too.
I don't know why they make those tanks for two bettas... it's probably because they know that people will think it's cute and buy it and not know that it's bad for the fish. They're just trying to make money.
2006-07-27 20:43:39 · answer #1 · answered by M.S. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people say that, but it's bad. When another betta or a mirror is right next to him all the time, he is constantly in fight-mode. It's stressful for any creature to be permanently on his guard, a betta included. It isn't playing for him, it's survival. If you enjoy watching him get in that fight-mode, you can keep the mirror or a second betta, and sometime you can put them together for a short time. Just don't make it a lifestyle.
2006-07-27 20:09:21 · answer #2 · answered by tertiahibernica 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's not really a different, because I bought 2 males Betta's and 2 female Betta's and put them all in the tank at the same time. they were OK for awhile then 1 of the male's started puffing up to 1 of the female then it went bad from there, because she tour him up. But after awhile of being together they all got along and they didn't fight each anymore. And they all lived in a fish bowl.
2006-07-27 21:01:09 · answer #3 · answered by robinson 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've gotten some good answers already.
But to add about your question about the clear tank-dividers.. those horrid things are made by the same people that think it's okay for bettas to live in 1/4 a gallon of water. Just because they sell it at Petsmart doesn't make it safe for the fish. It's the sad truth. :(
2006-07-27 21:16:40 · answer #4 · answered by bettalover 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there isnt a diff,, but u do notice pple putting boards to cover the bettas from seeing each other. only when pple are picking their bettas then they lift up the board to allow the bettas to flare and show off their fins and colour.
mirror will function the same as the bettas howwever u cant be letting ya betta flare all day long .
imagine you being in a fighting mode the whole day. it is highly tiring and bad for u ya? same goes to betta.
allow ya betta to rest. some bettas wil lget frightened by the image and the colour might turn dull. .so be careful!
2006-07-27 20:57:39 · answer #5 · answered by kelly 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With a divider between the two bettas, there is a chance that none will be harmed. It is rumored that with a mirror reflection, there is a chance the betta can kill itself when it keeps attacking the mirror. Again, that is a rumor so don't quote me on that.
2006-07-27 19:32:13 · answer #6 · answered by NCConfederate13 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
additionally Betta ques on hormones as well on gestures. Two adjacent Betta can come to some agreement were a mirror does give the appropriate chemical responses and messes with the Bette's Psyche
2006-07-27 22:16:14 · answer #7 · answered by ronald s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The differ betta are next to him all is a control in fight-mode at your end.It's stressful for them. If you enjoy watching him get in that fight-mode, you can keep the mirror for awhile and has some fun.
2006-07-27 20:37:05 · answer #8 · answered by manchester 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
huh?
2006-07-27 19:30:24 · answer #9 · answered by dion_football 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋