Betta fish are easily one of the most popular pet fish, and it’s easy to see why. They’re beautiful, they exhibit interesting behaviors, come in various fin morphs, and they are overall relatively easy to care for.
Whether you already have a betta or you’re considering getting one, it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your fish would appreciate another betta fish friend. While there are some scenarios in which multiple bettas in a tank can live together, it’s usually not advised to keep two betta fish together. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Should Male Bettas Not Be Kept With Other Males?
The betta fish is known by multiple names, one of which is the “Siamese fighting fish.” Male betta fish are exceptionally territorial and, when kept together, they are almost always likely to perceive another male (or a non-gravid female) as a territorial threat.
Therefore, they are likely going to end up in a scuffle, which can leave one or both of your fish injured and in extreme cases, deceased. Therefore, for animal welfare reasons, males should not be housed with other males.
Dividers can be used to keep two males separated in the same tank, but if they can see each other, this will cause significant stress for both fish. You may hear anecdotes about people successfully keeping multiple male betta fish together, and while this situation can sometimes work, it’s safest to not even risk the safety of both fish by putting them together.
It is also a task that’s best left to extremely experienced fishkeepers.
Why Should Male Bettas Not Be Kept With Other Males?
The betta fish is known by multiple names, one of which is the “Siamese fighting fish.” Male betta fish are exceptionally territorial and, when kept together, they are almost always likely to perceive another male (or a non-gravid female) as a territorial threat.
Therefore, they are likely going to end up in a scuffle, which can leave one or both of your fish injured and in extreme cases, deceased. Therefore, for animal welfare reasons, males should not be housed with other males.
Dividers can be used to keep two males separated in the same tank, but if they can see each other, this will cause significant stress for both fish. You may hear anecdotes about people successfully keeping multiple male betta fish together, and while this situation can sometimes work, it’s safest to not even risk the safety of both fish by putting them together.
It is also a task that’s best left to extremely experienced fishkeepers.
Can Female Bettas Be Kept Together?
Females can successfully be kept in groups known as sororities. Just like in people, a sorority is a collection of just females. For betta fish, their group goes beyond just being female, though. Sororities usually share similar behaviors, leading to the success and survival of the entire group. In most cases, sororities consist of five or more fish.
Also just like in humans, there are sometimes individuals in the group that are singled out and picked on, so there may be outcasts from your betta sorority. Outcasts may be bullied and harassed, or they may simply be ignored and chased out of the group when they try to enter.
For the best chance of success in your betta sorority, make sure you’re maintaining a tank with excellent water quality, heavy plantation, and minimal stressors. Plenty of space, great water quality, a reliable source of food, and a lack of aggressive tank mates can all support the health of your fish and reduce the risk of outcasts from your sorority.
In Conclusion
It’s not advised to keep male Betta fish with other males or females due to the high risk of aggression. In appropriate tank setups, females can be kept in groups with other females. However, proper maintenance of this environment is essential to have the greatest shot at success.
While females tend to be more docile than males, some may be territorial or dominant, which can lead to altercations and injuries for other fish, so it’s important that you keep a close eye on your fish when keeping multiple betta fish together.
See also:
Featured Image Credit: panpilai paipa, Shutterstock
Why Should Male Bettas Not Be Kept With Other Males?
