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Betta flaring a lot?

2K views 12 replies 7 participants last post by  Aqua Aurora 
#1 ·
Ok this may be a silly worry but I am a first time Betta fish keeper (I have 3 other tanks non betta) My guy flares ALL the time I do not have a mirror in the tank as soon as he sees any reflection of himself he goes nuts. I am not sure if he even needs to see a reflection to flare he just seems riled up all the time....is this normal? He was originally introduced to my community tank and was doing very well until he started getting aggressive to the other fish even going after a oblivious cory catfish :( So I removed him and set him up in his very own 5 gallon tank along with a few snails he has a nice hideaway, betta hammock (no metal) silk plant from his first tank, and live plants and he still seems riled up?! Any advice or is this nothing to worry about? He appears to be super healthy eating great and he seems to be the most active Betta I have ever seen. :-?
 
#3 ·
How long ago was he moved into the 5 gallon? He could just be establishing his territory.

You could try adding more plants and make it more heavily planted, that might help with him seeing his reflection in the sides of the tank.

Gorgeous boy!
 
#4 ·
Thanks!! I just came back from pet store with live plants. He is only been in the new tank for 3 days. I also put the backround up I am hoping this will help him. His ammonia burn is calming down I'm not sure if his beard will completey heal. He was in pretty bad conditions at the pet store :( do you think that could be any cause to his behavior?
 
#6 ·
Some fish are just more aggressive and territorial than others. My plakat male is constantly on the move throughout the day, flaring at his neighbour, and patrolling the perimeters of his 'territory'.

As long as it doesn't seem to be causing stress to your fish, I wouldn't be too concerned. It's likely healthier for your betta to be active, than it is for your betta to be sedentary. After all, fatty liver disease is an issue that faces fish living in captivity.

He looks nice and healthy in the photos, so I say enjoy your feisty fish.
 
#7 ·
Thank you I love the spade tail it was a nice surprise after I got him home :) I'd love to see a picture of your fish. So thids color is yellow? Very interesting I've been wondering what he is because he's an ivory to me and that doesn't seem to be a regular color Bettas are new to me so I didn't know these things. thank you so much LittleBettaFish your reply helped me very much. He finally almost relaxed in his hideaway haha Boy he is funny now I just need to find him the perfect name my daughter has been calling him Tinkerbell I might keep that name as it is very comical to his personality :)
 
#8 ·
What about naming him Aladdin?
 
#9 ·
He looks like a platinum white to me, or just a soft white, I wouldn't say yellow.
 
#12 ·
Thanks :) I added live plants a (wire free) Betta leaf and he has calmed down the angry flared swim. I think it may have been the new tank too and like someone said establishing new territory. He is still nice and active flaring but not all time. I am glad because he was just too riled up he was even attacking his food I never saw anything like it before He is actually starting to act happy/excited when he sees me now Yeah :)
 
#13 ·
Every betta is different, I have 6 male bettas atm.. one has NEVER EVER done a full flare (beard drop) and only twice a semi flare (gills pushed out). He's very timid and placid.. and honestly the only one I trust with shrimp (amusingly his name, Alastor, is for the Greek spirit of blood feuds and revenge... not an appropriate name for him). I have 4 males hat are pretty flare happy (one of them is partially blind), and the last I think I got young as he tries to flare but can't push his beard out yet...
Anyways if you worry about too much flaring because of tank reflection consider a little DIY project:
http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=245289&page=31#post5440481
This has worked great for me and been in the tank sevearl months with no harm to the fish. Its non toxic as long as you us Krylon Fusion spray paint and let it cure at least 48 hours before putting in the tank.

Stuffing the tank back and side walls full of plants live of fake is another alternative.
 
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