shy betta

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hokiems

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Nov 2, 2003
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We added a betta about 2 weeks ago to an established 20 gallon tank (setup ~1.5 years ago). The tank has a 2 18 inch plastic plants, some rock, and a fake log, so it seems to have lots of cover. Then, we added 2 females last weekend. The only other fish in the tank are 5 lemon tetras. The male betta hides in the fake log all the time, and hasn't even paid a bit of attention to the females. If we peek around the corner, we MIGHT see his head poking out, but at the slightest movement, he darts back in. The water readings are good, with weekly 25% water changes. All the other fish, including the female bettas, are healthy and normal, so did we just pick a sorry excuse for a male betta? Or is there something we should give him to make him happy.... Any suggestions?

Thanks
Mark
 
Is there a current in the tank?
 
I would try adding a few more plants. Maybe even a few that float at the serface. Bettas are bubble nest builders and like to hang out at the top of the water. Maybe haveing a few plants floating at the top will help give him a place he can fell more comfortable and call his own. If you try adding new plants try rearranging everything when you add them, that way all the fish will have to establish new territories giveing your male betta a chance to get a spot of his own. Hope this helps good luck.
 
Yashinfan: The only water movement is from the HOB filter.

mikedel: I've thought of that, and may have to go that route. The plants we do have are the biggest, longest ones the store had. They're pretty bushy, and curl over and "lay" on the top of the water. I always thought they'd be enough cover, but then again, I'm not a fish. :)

Thanks for the replies,
Mark
 
It sounds like your betta just happens to be timid. Adding females to a tank with a male betta is risky. There is a good chance that the male will attack the females. While your male seems to be short on courage, I'd still be careful about that.

As far as encouraging your betta to come out, I can think of a few things. Reducing the current in the tank could help. Bettas aren't very strong swimmers, and he may just be avoiding the current. Placing a mirror near the tank may encourage your betta to come out and flare to defend his territory. I'd also check to make sure your betta is healthy... a dosing of Bettamax never hurt anyone. ;)

He may just need more time to get used to your tank. I kept one of my bettas in my community tank and the first day or two he spent hiding as well. After he got over that, he ended up being so aggressive to my other fish that I had to remove him. Once, he jumped the divider in the shared 10 through a gap in the lid (now blocked), and my other betta just hid from him (thankfully!). It seems like a stretch (3 weeks?), but your betta may still be adjusting. The suggestion about rearranging the tank could certainly help.

If he keeps hiding, it might be a good idea to move him to his own tank. This avoids the risk of aggression between the female, as well.
 
I have never had any problem with my bettas in regards to current from an HOB. In fact they normally swim in the current all the time.

However all of my bettas go through "moods". Sometimes they are super brave, sometimes they are the biggest babies.

Just give him some time to get over his big move and he should perk up.
 
i hate when fish hide **** it, what the heck is that about, my damned silver dollars, if you walk into the room you can almost hear them all say "AAAAAH!!" as they scurry behind a rock pile
 
I was asking about current in the tank because betta's actually do like a current. I thought this would encourage a more natural environment. I'd make sure your betta is in a mating mood before you encourage him to come out for a swim. Also, I don't know how good an idea it is to put a mirror in front of him. It'll just stress him out, maybe make him even more timid!
 
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