Just got two female betta fish, but one continues to chase the other and nip at her?
I got two female betta fish two days ago and placed them together. Shortly after I placed them in the tank, one of the bettas started to chase the other around and nip at her fins. She doesn’t fight back and just flees when the other attempts to nip at her. I saw some articles on the internet about female bettas establishing a pecking order, so is this what is happening? Will it stop, or will I need to separate them?
I’ve done some research on this subject too and found that in order for females to form a pecking order you need at least 3 females. And they need lots of room (3-4 in a 10g) and many hiding places in plants and caves. If you only have 2 the dominant one will pick on the other one possible to the point of death. The more females you have the more any aggression is spread out among them and one isn’t being soley picked on. Also it is suggested that when you put females together whether it be 3 or 6 or whatever number you are keeping, add them all at the same time so that 1 fish doesn’t get overly territorial about the tank. They all have a fair shot at staking claim to spots in the tank. If you have room I would get another female. Then take the 2 you have out of the tank and rearrange plants & decor. Then add all 3 at the same time. Watch them closely for a day or 2 and there will be some slight fighting but after a few days they will sort it out and calm down. If you don’t have room to add another female I would seperate them. Otherwise in a short time you will end up with a sick, injured or dead fish. Good luck!!
I’d separate them for now.
See how they’ll do in time.
If her attitude doesn’t change.
Permanently separate them
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I’ve done some research on this subject too and found that in order for females to form a pecking order you need at least 3 females. And they need lots of room (3-4 in a 10g) and many hiding places in plants and caves. If you only have 2 the dominant one will pick on the other one possible to the point of death. The more females you have the more any aggression is spread out among them and one isn’t being soley picked on. Also it is suggested that when you put females together whether it be 3 or 6 or whatever number you are keeping, add them all at the same time so that 1 fish doesn’t get overly territorial about the tank. They all have a fair shot at staking claim to spots in the tank. If you have room I would get another female. Then take the 2 you have out of the tank and rearrange plants & decor. Then add all 3 at the same time. Watch them closely for a day or 2 and there will be some slight fighting but after a few days they will sort it out and calm down. If you don’t have room to add another female I would seperate them. Otherwise in a short time you will end up with a sick, injured or dead fish. Good luck!!
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You should never have female bettas in twos. You should always have one or more than two, so if you want to solve this problem you need to get rid of one or get another one to make three. Then that prevents one of them from becoming overly dominant. It keeps her in line.
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In order to establish a pecking order, you need to have 4 or more. Surely those articles mentioned that! If you only have 2 or 3, it’s called a fight! Separate them immediately! If your tank is big enough, add at least 2 more females, plus the one you removed, and they should work it out among themselves. Keep a close eye on things at first, to make sure one isn’t being bullied. If one is, remove her and replace with a different female. Always have at least 4, or more.
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Betta keeper for years.
If possible give more hiding places or else separate them
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they already mad something else, they made dominate and submissive, get another female betta or two!!!!! and lots of caves (youll need a 10+ gal) and plants hurry! dominate bettas can kill submissive!!
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