Cantra

My betta just took a bite out of one of my other fish... I've taken the betta out and put him into the cup that I bought him in since I didn't have anything else but not sure what else I can do for the hurt fish. They've been sharing a one gallon (only because my father bought me the betta when I already had another fish in the tank and wouldn't let me buy a bigger tank) and everything was fine till tonight when I was trying to feed them. The little fish (a mesquito fish) got a piece of food that my betta wanted and he just grabbed my little fish on the stomache and just kept shaking him then he let him go and the little fish tried getting away but my betta grabbed him again and did the same thing I tried everything I could think of to get the betta to let him go but he wouldn't not until I got the net in the tank and tried catching him.
The little fish is bleeding and is very very sluggish and barely moving and breathing really really fast I'm scared he'll die during the night. What can I do to help his chances a little?

serissime

Oh no. That's really unfortunate. If he is really bad, he probably won't make it. Clean water is probably the best thing you can do for him. Since it's only a 1g, I would do a water change every day. I don't think any additives will be particularly helpful. Clean water is going to be the best medicine. Maybe try some melafix if you have it.

Make sure you do daily water changes on the betta's cup too

Cantra

he made it through the night but is still breathing really really fast and isn't moving much... when he's better I'm going to try to give him away but not sure if I'll be able to so for now I'm going to bug my father about getting me another tank

Lucy

I'm really sorry about your fish.
Here's some great info on betta care, maybe you could show your dad and get a decent home for your betta:
Welcome and Betta Care Guide - Please Read First!!!

What kind of fish was injured?

sirdarksol

Lucy, it was a mosquito fish.

Cantra, you're doing everything you can. I agree with Lucy that you should try to get a bigger tank for the betta. You don't have to be (in fact, you shouldn't be) pushy about it. (Definitely don't say, "Well, the people on Fishlore said I have to," ).
I think one of the most successful methods other young'uns on the forum have had goes something like this:
"Mom/Dad, I've been looking into how to care for that betta that you gave me. I've found out that they need to be kept in tropical conditions (be prepared to explain that this means a steady temperature in the high 70s). Heaters don't work well in really small aquariums, so I would like to upgrade mine so that I can properly take care of him."

At this point, the bargaining begins. Depending on your age, you might offer to save part of your allowance every week to pay for a larger aquarium, or you might just have to ask "what can I do to get him a proper aquarium?" The important thing to remember is that you're not trying to "beat" anyone. In the end, if the parents say "no," they say "no." You can work on influencing their opinions over time, but you don't want to get them mad at you.

Cantra

I've tried several different ways but its never worked so I'm giving up on getting a bigger tank. some good news is that the little fish is acting better this afternoon... he's very active and looks good except of the holes in his belly but in other news he's in a different tank its a 10 gallon at one of my friends house's and thats why he's acting better i'm sure

serissime

I hope your friend can keep your mosquito fish if you decide not to rehome the betta. (I don't know which one you wanted to rehome earlier)

Cantra

I was going to rehome the mosquito fish

serissime

I see. Hopefully your friend can keep him then

sirdarksol

Fair enough (or not, but there's not much you can do about it). It may be best to try to make it clear, if you haven't already, that a 2g tank can't support any more than the betta. Otherwise, you may find yourself the periodic recipient of "gifts" of more pet fish that may be entirely incompatible with your current fish.

Shawnie

im sorry about your sick fish...I so hope he gets better in a different tank!! this is why we say bettas do not usually play well with others...they are not community fish ..if you can, check out craigslist...they have a bunch of tanks cheap as alot of people are spring cleaning..goodluck!

Phinny12

I'm sorry about your little fish. I would agree that it is best he stay with your friend. If you are planniing to keep your Betta please be sure to read the information on Betta care that Lucy recomended (Welcome and Betta Care Guide - Please Read First!!!). If you are well informed your argument for a larger tank,heater and filter for your Betta will be taken more seriously by your Dad. He will know that you are serious about caring for your pet.

Cantra

My little fish is doing great today according to my friend who has him and he's loving having so much room to himself in the ten gallon.
I do have a question about my betta now though... How do I make him not so agressive now that he's got the one gallon to himself he is a little monster he makes a mess out of everything and if i reach in the tank he's attacking my hand and won't leave me alone and if anyone in my family so much as goes near the tank he starts attacking the sides of the tank where that person is at.

serissime

Some bettas are just more feisty than others. We have a few that try to get your hand all the time. He even bites you when your hand is in the water? Ours usually quit once your hand is submerged...

Cantra

yes he bites once your hand is in the water. He even tries jumping out at your hand when you bring it close to the water

Iron waffle

He may just feel a bit cramped, or he sees you as an intruder. It's quite common as bettas are territorial fish, it seems your betta is extra aggressive.