Uhm.. thanks female betta

[mshill90]

So, I've read from several sources, that you can have female betta's together.

So, I've got this 30 gallon tank.. it's a normal 30 gallon, not the long footprint. But I want to change to the long footprint.. just gotta bring the tank upstairs.

So, I had a male and female betta in the tank... he beat the crap out of her at one point, but didn't really bother her after that. I added in some golden barbs, and a pearl gourami.. he got depressed, and died. No other fish were afflicted, and water was a-ok.

So, I'm like ok.. whatever, let's do something else..

1 female betta
1 pearl gourami
5 neon tetras
5 golden barbs
2 silver flying fox's
2 small angel fish

So, I go to petsmart, and found this awesome female betta...

I get her, 5 neon tetras, and 5 cardinal tetras..

Go back to the tank..

The new betta is beat to crap in the corner, and 2 of my cardinals are shredded by her (I caught her chasing them earlier)..

Like WTF?

I thought they were supposed to be peaceful, and not eat other fish!?

And yes, I know.. bigger tank. But I'm sure it's more the footprint that needs changed as opposed to gallonage for right now.

 

[AutumnEffect]

You can have female bettas together, but there are some 'rules' to follow to avoid unnecessary deaths, at least IME.

It's best to keep them in groups of 3, 5, or 7. This helps spread any aggression.

All fish must be the same size, or very close. This levels the playing field and prevents a larger one from beating up the smaller ones.

All fish must be introduced to the tank at the same time. This prevent any fish from 'claiming' territory beforehand and defending it against intruders.

When one fish dies, the only way to replace it is to take all the remaining fish out, rearrange the tank completely and find a replacement fish that is the same size as the remaining fish.


I love female bettas and think they made a great addition to planted tanks in particular, but as noted above, there are some 'rules' that come with them. As far as the Cardinals go, some bettas (both male and female) don't like other fish, or intruders on their territory. Chances are, she will have to be removed so she does not harass the other new fish to death.

 

[mshill90]

She IS the new fish.

 

[AutumnEffect]

So, I've read from several sources, that you can have female betta's together.

So, I had a male and female betta in the tank... he beat the crap out of her at one point, but didn't really bother her after that. .... he got depressed, and died. No other fish were afflicted, and water was a-ok.

1 female betta
1 pearl gourami
5 neon tetras
5 golden barbs
2 silver flying fox's
2 small angel fish

So, I go to petsmart, and found this awesome female betta...

I get her, 5 neon tetras, and 5 cardinal tetras..

Go back to the tank..

The new betta is beat to crap in the corner, and 2 of my cardinals are shredded by her (I caught her chasing them earlier)..

Like WTF?

I thought they were supposed to be peaceful, and not eat other fish!?

I re-read the OP, and from what you wrote, there is one female betta already in the tank from the original m/f pair. You added 5 more Neons, 5 Cardinals and another female betta. The original female betta beat the crap out of the new female and killed two Cardinals.

Is this correct?

 

[mshill90]

Yes, I already had a female. She has not done anything to anyone in this tank ever.

The NEW female got beat up, which I am thinking was most likely the pearl gourami, as it's the biggest fish in this tank.

Yes, I added 5 neons, 5 cardinals, and the NEW female.

The NEW female ate the cardinals.

 

[AutumnEffect]

Thanks for clarifying.

Female bettas can be just as aggressive as males (which is why I suggested adding them at the same time, same size and in odd numbered groups), and as you found out, some females don't like other fish.

To help avoid any more casualties, make sure you have lots and lots of hiding places and things to break up the visual lines in the tank. Since it is on the small side and well stocked, it is going to be even more important that each fish has somewhere to escape too.

 

[mshill90]

There is dritwood, rocks, and it's heavily planted with fake cloth plants

The 2 largest fish in the tank is the new betta, and the gourami.

I plan on doing a total overhaul probably tomorrow, so I will have to see what size tanks I have available. I really would like to stick with the 30 long, but I will accommodate, and go bigger if necessary. I want it to be heavily stocked, and I am going to try a go at real plants.

I am hoping that maybe the new betta was "put in her place", and everyone can now get along. So far, she's just kinda chilling and not really being aggressive now. We will see how she is in the morning once the lights have been out for a few hours. If need be, I can just move the new betta to a temporary 10 until I can get everything worked out.