Shy Male Bettas

[jsmaruca]

Hi group.

Got a male beta from a large pet store and a 2.5 gallon tank and lots of decorations for him to hide in, put it in my kitchen which is always warm. For three days all he mostly did was hide behind the decorations or filter, barely eating. I assumed he was just not happy or sick, so I returned him to the store. Got another male betta four days ago, brought him home, and same deal. He just hides behind the filter. I tried at one point moving him gently to our 30 gallon warmed tank for a day but he did the same thing there: just hide.

Are most bettas shy? Or am I not doing something right? We have a female betta in our large tank and she's fine--very sociable and playful. Buy not the male ones. I'm stumped. Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[Kiara1125]

Fish are shy when you first get them, it's normal. Don't feed them for the first 2 days, then on the third day try tempting them with frozen bloodworms. Plus, you shouldn't put fish in areas where there's a lot of commotion, it scares them.

 

[Thyra]

I agree with Kiara, they are shy at first. I think part of the reason is they have always been in a very small container and they are use to "defending" a small area so they don't know what to do and are afraid to venture out. Be sure the temp is at least between 76 and 78 or even a little warmer as they are tropical fish. Some aren't very active - they never had to be since they were born. I have one in a tank with 3 mollies (wasn't exactly my plan - long story) for almost a week he stayed in one corner, but gradually he ventured out and he now swims with the mollies who are very active and gets right in there and eats with them. I have actually seen what I think was him playing with them.

 

[Kiara1125]

That's awesome thyra. I don't know how to explain it exactly, by my female betta never went after any of my platy fry. During feeding time, they would stay at the bottom. My betta would swim towards them and practically push them to the surface. Then they would eat and she would leave them alone. It's almost as if she taught them to go to the surface to eat. It was pretty amazing to watch.

 

[jsmaruca]

Thank you, all, for the great advice! Moved his tank to a less-crowded room. I also went and got bloodworms and have been feeding them to him in his tank along with occasional brine shrimp. He seems more happy now, and comes out now on occasion. It will just take some time, I guess! Thanks all. *thumbsups

 

[Kiara1125]

Your welcome!! Happy fishkeeping!! *twirlysmi