COBettaCouple

One of our bettas has just started a new thing where he swims around in tight circles chasing his tail like a puppy. we're thinking it could be because he's gotten used to his tail fin being short from finrot trouble and now that it's growing back, he feels like chasing it when he sees it back there, forgetting that his tail is that long now. anyone have any ideas on that?

Callum The Cat

Jendayi

I hope it doesn't turn into something compulsive like it sometimes does with dogs. Can you divert his attention when he starts the chasing? I honestly haven't seen this behavior - I have seen them chase and nip when the fin is actively rotting, but not when it is healing.

0morrokh

That's strange. Which one of your Bettas is this? The reasons I can think of for a Betta to be chasing his tail are boredom, discomfort, or curiosity (like you said, maybe he wonders why his tail is suddenly growing back). Hopefully the habit won't turn into tail biting. I agree with Jendayi...I'd try to distract him from doing it.

nmwierman1977

yeah, I definitely try to distract him from doing this. Mr. Red used to do when he got ****ed off about something. Like when he was living in the 1 gallon for 3 months and started to really hate it. That was his way of telling me he wanted out and into something bigger. He ended up doing a lot of damage to his tail and it was about 75% gone. So try to get him to stop. He might be upset about something or bored. Maybe try switching the decor around or putting something new in there to get him to concentrate on something else. Natalie

COBettaCouple

It's our oldest Betta Aslan (Stacy's baby). yea, he only does it if he catches sight of his growing tail fin and is very easily distracted from doing it. he just looks so funny spinning around in a circle trying to see the betta that tail belongs to.. poor little guy hasn't had his tail this long is so long he's forgotten what it's like. he doesn't try to bite it or even make biting motions, etc.. it's more like he's just trying to get a better look.. and part of it could be that he's been awfully full of himself lately since he noticed the betta next door, sweetie.