How to Start a Betta Sorority

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3-10-2016, 03:00
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Some people say that keeping more than one betta together is impossible without them killing one another, but that is actually very incorrect if you are speaking of females. The process can be tricky and it really depends on the individual fish, so you need to have some prior fish keeping experience (preferably with bettas) before you start experimenting with this dangerous but fascinating stock. Many people recommend 3 years of experience.

Steps

  1. Prepare Your Tank. The tank itself can be no smaller than 10 U.S. gallons so the bettas will be able to have enough space to establish their own territories within it. The tank should have a filter (not too strong; bettas tend to dislike current), a heater set to 75-80 degrees, and a hood (stressed fish will jump). In order for the fish to thrive, they will need lots of hiding spaces and live or silk plants. The nitrogen cycle needs to be fully completed before you add any fish.
  2. Choose your Fish. Go to your local fish store and find the betta section. Look for healthy fish that have bright colors, clear eyes, no missing scales or tail rips, have clean tanks, and seem to be moving around as much as they can in their temporary cup death traps. Choose 1 female betta for each two gallons of tank, if your tank is specially for the sorority. For example, 5 for a ten gallon or 10 for a 20 gallon (75.7 L). If your tank will have other fish, you will need at the very least five bettas. Any smaller numbers, the alpha female will harass the others. Keep in mind that sororities are best kept in odd numbers, it helps establish the pecking order and prevents some major bullying. In the meanwhile, you should keep a close eye on them, especially in the first days after they are released into their new environment.
  3. Place the Fish. This is where it gets tricky. Every female must be placed in the tank at the exact same time. If this is not done, the fish that were there before have previous time to establish their territory and are bound to be more aggressive. The bettas will nip at each other and face off, but this should wear out after the pecking order is clear, and there will be one dominant female. This usually happens after 2-3 weeks, but for some sororities it takes even months.
  4. Remove Harmful Bettas. As much as you may love all of your girls, some of them just aren't suited to be in a betta sorority. If one girl in particular is nipping a lot more than the others or ripping chunks out of your others girls' tails, it might be time to remove her to a smaller tank or breeding box. If you don't want to risk it, the removal can be permanent. If you decide that you truly want her in the sorority, then after the pecking order is clear you can try to place her again.
  5. Add Additional Bettas. Though you really shouldn't add more bettas after the pecking order has been made clear, no one can resist that cute little face staring at you from the bowl at PetCo. If you just have to bring her home, first thing you need to do is remove all of the betta from the sorority tank. First place in the new fish, and give her 10-15 minutes to acclimate. Next, place in your most submissive betta, and then the next submissive, and then the next until your most aggressive girl is back in the tank.
  6. Enjoy. Have fun and enjoy these beautiful girls you have brought into your life!

Tips

  • Try to get females of different colors; this will make each girl feel different and are less likely to fight than all the same color.
  • Please note: The betta pictures used in this article are of MALE bettas. Do NOT attempt to put a male betta in a tank with any other bettas, male or female. Female bettas have shorter fins but are equally beautiful.

Warnings

  • Be absolutely sure you are in fact purchasing female bettas and not plakat male bettas. Male bettas will fight to the death if introduced to the same tank. A female betta will have shorter fins and tail, a white "egg spot" protruding under her belly that males lack, and have horizontal stripes in their pattern which may not be visible in a lighter colored betta.

Things You'll Need

  • 10 gallon (37.9 L)+ Fully Cycled Fish Tank with Filter and Heater set to 75-80 Degrees with a Hood
  • A Backup Tank For Every Fish You Will Get
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