My male betta...?

Question

...seems depressed. He is always at the bottom of his tank, but he has a very healty appetite. It looks like he has a little fin rot on his tail fin, which I treated after I changed the water today. I used to have three bettas, but two died. Could it be that he misses them?

I don't have a heat lamp or a heat pad, but all of the chlorine and the other "ickies" have been removed.

Answer 1

Bettas, in my experience, have very distinct personalities....probably one of the reasons people like them so much, so its entirely possible your fish misses his companions.

While male bettas have been known to get along in some circumstances, its definitely advisable they are kept in separate tanks as they are very territorial towards one another. What most people don't realize, however, is that bettas can be kept in a tank with other community fish.

If you think your betta needs another companion (provided your tank is large enough of course... I wouldn't recommend putting anything else in there if its any smaller than a 3 gallon tank), try getting him a small, peaceful tank mate. Not something too flashy (as they will attack anything they think is another male betta), nor any fin nippers such as barbs, as part of the bettas beauty is in its fins. Try a small bottom dweller such as a cory, or Chinese algae eater. Not only will it provide some companionship to your betta, it will also take care of any food missed by him.

Another thing that helps tremendously with any tank, is live plants. It provides the betta with shelter, and a more peaceful and tranquil setting, reducing any stress.

Answer 2

I have 3 betta fish and I asked a lot of questions about them. Here's what you do: 1) Get the Aloe stress coat put one drop.
2) If you have another betta fish try not to let them see each other too much. 3) Put a sheet of paper on one side of the tank. 4) Leave it in a dark corner and try buying some blood worms to help out with his fins. 5) Try putting some plants also feel free to email me for more advice:)

Answer 3

Most Betta's are kept to them selves because they fight and are very territorial. the fin rot is possible due to battle wounds and possibly got infected. You should never have more than 2 Betta's in a tank together. Your living Betta may have killed the others but it is also possible that one may have been of opposite sex and he is missing her.

Answer 4

IT could be.

I also want to tell you somthing you prob did not know. There are fish that you can put in with a betta. But it depends on the betta also. I had a betta with a fish and a frog. and he loved the company!

I also tryed to put a frog with one of my other Bettas and that betta did nto like it as much so I had to remove it for the safty of it ^_^

Hope my answer was of some use.
I can be contacted using the CONTACT ME link on my Q&A page!

Adam D.

Answer 5

I have two bettas in separate 2 gall tanks, but they are right beside each other...I see them looking and being stimulated by each other...probably a good idea to get another one...in a separate tank of course

Answer 6

He may also be suffering from a bit of swim bladder disease fro poor water conditions. I suggest this because of your loss of your other bettas. Feed him a frozen pea. Thawed and popped out of its skin then cut up in bite-size bits. Increase the frequency of his water changes and feed him a bit less every day.
A