Guest Author - Jill Florio

In which the author learns, to her dismay, that sweet little Neon Tetras are irrestistable tidbits to a Betta Fish!

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Bettas are characterized, in aquarium texts, as good little community fish. In fact, these texts warn that the long, flowing fins of the betta are tempting targets for fin nippers. I don't doubt this, but so far, so good.

However, peaceful as my bettas are to most tank co-habitants (namely, my corys, octocinclus, aquatic frogs, ghost shrimp and gouramis), they just won't lay off the tetras.

I selected my most peaceful Betta, Faramir, for my Ithilien tank. By the next day, Faramir, suddenly a war mongerer, was nipping at the Neons. He killed two from continual harrassment, ate the eye of another, and destroyed two more Neon's tail fins before I got things sorted out.

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Now Faramir swims alone in Ithilien. I think he's not as happy that way, but I don't want to provide living things for his amusement. I removed the Neons to my hospital tank for observation. The two with destroyed tail fins are doing fine, although they now have to wiggle their entire bodies harder to keep up with the pack. The one with the bad eye died.

Since Neon Tetras are sensitive to salt and most fish medications, I am simply treating them with warm water temps, StressZyme and peace and quiet.

UPDATE: Of course, like all things, there's an exception here. My recent trip to Petsmart showed me that you can keep a betta with neon tetras, but there just have to be enough of them. This betta was surrounded by dozens upon dozens of neons. I guess the whole schooling phenomenon works. Instead of interesting flashy tidbits, the betta saw one large school - not quite stomach sized. Another example of nature at work!

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Jill Florio
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