Bolivian Ram attacking a betta?!

gustavo85

gustavo85

AC Members
Jan 23, 2008
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Puerto Rico
Hi guys! So I have a 38 gallon tank with quite a few fish (see description) but something unexpected has happened. My betta is being attacked by my bolivian ram! I would have guessed the Angel or the lemon tetras picking at the betta but...the bolivian ram has ripped the betta's fins! Can anyone explain how? why? Has anyone else experienced this?!:confused:
 
I have female bettas in with my bolivian rams. My female bolivian claims one area of the tank as her own. She will nip at the bettas if they come into her spot, but I have seen no damage from it and the bettas have learned to stay away.
 
I don't know, if the ram is claiming the whole tank, I think it would be best to rehome the betta. Male bettas, with the long flowing fins, make easy targets.
 
If your male Bolivian has shredded the betta's fins, he will do it again if the betta comes where the rams thinks is encroachment. The dorsal rays of the male ram are made to protect their young. They head butt. When he head butts the betta those dorsal rays will get caught in the bettas fins and shred them.
 
Twistersmom said:
I don't know, if the ram is claiming the whole tank, I think it would be best to rehome the betta. Male bettas, with the long flowing fins, make easy targets.
Click to expand...

Well, it's a half moon betta, which are not that long finned (he was beautiful) but is now shredded.

snoopy65 said:
If your male Bolivian has shredded the betta's fins, he will do it again if the betta comes where the rams thinks is encroachment. The dorsal rays of the male ram are made to protect their young. They head butt. When he head butts the betta those dorsal rays will get caught in the bettas fins and shred them.
Click to expand...

Interesting stuff although I only have this male bolivian ram (no other male or female with him) is he supposed to express this behavior anyways?
 
bottom line..
Bolivian is a cichlid. as such they can become territorial.

The ram is best housed with other Cichlids of similar temperament or fish that are much quicker than them.
(tetras)

I would move the Betta.
 
Star_Rider said:
bottom line..
Bolivian is a cichlid. as such they can become territorial.

The ram is best housed with other Cichlids of similar temperament or fish that are much quicker than them.
(tetras)

I would move the Betta.
Click to expand...

:iagree:

If you cannot relocate the Betta, rearrange decorations & plants completely and make your tank somewhat divided into 2-3 territories. Your ram will define his territory again and if lucky, it can be smaller than before.
 
Star_Rider said:
bottom line..
Bolivian is a cichlid. as such they can become territorial.

The ram is best housed with other Cichlids of similar temperament or fish that are much quicker than them.
(tetras)

I would move the Betta.
Click to expand...

So I also have some corydoras, until now they are unharmed do you think the bolivian ram will pick on them?
 
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