My Betta lost it's colour and died

Oct 4, 2004
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#1
I used to have a lovely red male betta which over a few weeks lost it's colour untill recently is was a very pale pink/red colour. It tried to keep out of the way of the other fish and hid in the plants. Yesterday I was very upset as it had died overnight.
Any idea's to why this fish lost it's colour and died after being in my 27 inch tank for about 3 weeks. Could it be stress from the gourami's that were in the same tank.
I really want to get another male betta but not if it's going to get bullied by the gourami's so am considering moving the gourami's to my 36 inch tank.
 

Lotus

Ultimate Fish
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Aug 26, 2003
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#5
Sorry to hear about your betta. :(

Pale colors on any fish is a sign of stress. As soon as you see that, you should try to work out what it wrong (aggression, water problems, disease). It seems your betta was very stressed by the community tank (probably the gouramis). By the way, your 27" tank seems fairly overstocked, which doesn't help anyone have their territory, and can lead to poor water quality.

Bettas are generally better off in their own tanks, as twoluvcats says. :)
 

Iggy

Superstar Fish
Jun 25, 2003
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#7
Sorry for your loss.

Like it has been suggested, gouramies and bettas are a pretty bad mix. They tend to fight for space and food, and will often mistake each other for a rival male.

A nice 5 gallon heated tank would be perfect for a single male betta.