ricktavious

The last couple of days, one of my bettas has chased my BN pleco away from one cave, but only that one cave. Otherwise, he pretty much ignores him. The tank has 3 caves, a chunk of mopani wood, and several live plants. Is this a cause for concern for future behavior problems, or is this normal? Should I add more to the tank as far as live plants/caves go? Do I need to set up another tank for the pleco?

COBettaCouple

It sounds like he's just picked that cave for his 'territory' now and wants the BN to recognize him as king of the castle, but I'd watch for any signs it could get hostile in there.

ricktavious

Thanks for the input....I guess if things look like they will escalate, I'll buy another 10 gallon for the pleco. There haven't been any more incidents today, and this is the first time I've seen him even notice the pleco. The pleco has been with him for, oh, 3 or 4 weeks now, just thought the incident was really odd (and hopefully, very isolated).

COBettaCouple

Yea, Bettas have their moods so that could be.

chickadee

I would definitely watch especially if the pleco was introduced to the tank last. Some betta will get vicious with any thing that enters their territory after they do. It can seem innocent at first and escalates later to the point of death sometimes. Once a betta decides they do not want to let another animal about them they can really get naughty.

Rose

ricktavious

, just saw him picking on the pleco again

So, what I'm thinking about doing is buying a new 10 gallon tank and transfer my pleco into that one and then add one of my other bettas.....I have one who isn't nearly as active as the others and think that could be a decent combo. Good idea or not so good?

And if that's not a good idea, then what are some other options for me?

COBettaCouple

It might work, but it's really 50/50.. just depends on the personality of the Betta.

chickadee

If you have a betta who is more placid and quiet, it may work but you just never know until you introduce them. Sometimes the most loveable betta will be absolutely crazy when faced with another fish. Remember they are not raised with others and do not realize that others have the right to be with them. This is not their fault. It is the way they are brought up and they are fish culturally deprived of getting to realize that they are even part of the fish community. They do not have the advantage of getting used to being part of the world of nature and knowing that they belong to this group. They really believe that they belong alone and it really can spook them to be with others and they do not know how to play well together.

The best idea is always to begin with a fish in the tank before you add the betta so if this is going to work adding a new betta now after the pleco is already there will be your only chance, but if this does not work then I would say you have no chance for it at all. Just be sure that you always have a back up plan to seperate the two of them if disaster falls and they have to be seperated. When you are working with betta you always need a back up plan.

Rose