Lucky & Trouble II

I have had a male betta, Lucky, for about 18 months in a 2 gallon bowl with anacharis. 10 days ago, I bought some decor for cover and a female betta, Trouble II, to keep him company. I don't have any specific intention to breed them; I just wanted him to have a companion.
For the first 9 days, Trouble hid under cover and would occasionally dart out and surface for food and Lucky would flare his gills and chase her off, although he had started making bubble nests. But yesterday she attacked Lucky, and bit his ventral fin. Today all of his fins are shredded.
Can these two live together?

Attached Images

	Trouble biting Lucky.jpg (295.6 KB, 44 views)
	Trouble attacking Lucky.jpg (140.1 KB, 43 views)
	shredded fins.jpg (280.2 KB, 43 views)

TFA101

It is never recommended to keep two bettas together unless you plan to breed them. You need to move one out of the bowl or one will end up severely injured.

Martinismommy

No they can NOT live together.....She needs to come out before someone ends up dead....

Lucky & Trouble II

Oh, my. It's so hard to find accurate information about proper Betta care! I have read that males can live with 1-3 females, but that females may challenge each other. I have not read anything that indicates that females attack males.
Does anybody know of scientific journal articles that describes Betta habitat and activity in the wild?

Lucy

Welcome to Fish Lore

I agree with TFA, aside from the fact that q 2g just isn't big enough for more than a betta (IMO the minimum is 2.5, heated filtered)

It would be a good idea to separate them asap before some one gets killed or more seriously hurt.
Even during breeding the male and female shouldn't be kept together for long.


Edit: Also agreeing with MM.
Here's some good info about betta care:
Welcome and Betta Care Guide - Please Read First!!!

x leper x

welcome to fishlore Lucky & Trouble II,

these links should be a good start

http://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-Betta.htm
http://www.fishlore.com/aquariummaga...a-breeding.htm
http://www.fishlore.com/happypetbetta-tullock.htm
http://www.fishlore.com/aquariummaga...tank-setup.htm

Drew 43920

NO!

Lucky & Trouble II

Thanks for the help, everyone. They'll be in separate homes by tomorrow.

Lucky & Trouble II

Update--Lucky and Trouble II have been separated. She kept the house.

TFA101

once again the husband is kicked out

Drew 43920

Yea. That is the way it goes.

Butterfly

I'm so glad you seperated them
Carol

COBettaCouple

They'll definitely be happiest to each have their own tank of 2.5g or more. Bettas love their space.