My betta fish flares at his image in his tank. Is that ok for his health? ?

Question

He eats, and swims, and is very friendly, but seems to flare at his own image that he sees in his tank. I don't want him to stress himself out or cause him self aggitation. What should I do? Should he be allowed to flare at his image?

Answer 1

It may cause him stress if it happens too often, but a little bit of flaring is good exercise for him. If he acts like he's stressed by it and he keeps flaring all the time and headbutts the walls of the aquarium, it has gone too far.  Just watch him to make sure it's not too much for him.

Answer 2

do you mean he can see his reflection in the tank glass? at least he has a clean tank then lol.

they think its another male betta which they will fight and probably kill if you actually have 2 of them in, but if it is by itself then it wont cause him any damage.

Answer 3

That will cause him stress. That's why I never do it and I don't like it when people buy those two-sided betta tanks with a male in each side. Because they will be tempted to fight in those. If he sees another male or himself he thinks he'll have to guard his territory and he'll get stressed and always be on the look out. Don't let him see himself.

Answer 4

Hey Nita,

Betta breeder here :-)  Yes he will be 100% fine.  And not all males fight, although apparantly yours would be a wee scrapper :-)  It's good for him to keep up his aggression as that makes his personality.  Aslong as he does not start headbutting the glass or hurting himself he will be super.  If you want to distract him contrary to belive i would recommend getting some ladies in there.  I have 1 male and 3 females and they get on great.  No problems.  I also have guppies and they are very socialble with the betta's.  No deaths, touch wood :-)

In the meantime, he is doing what men do best.  Looking at his reflection and flexing his muscles :-)

Hope this helps.