Marine betta

[Steven91]

Been going back and forth on getting a marine betta, my lfs has one in stock and they are a beautiful fish. Currently in my tank have a cubicus, pygmy hawk fish (which has tons of hiding spots), pair of clowns, and a powder blue tang.

Apparently my lfs has had the betta since before Christmas and it's eating (gonna make sure it's eating). Should I do it?

 

[JumboShrimp]

Just going from memory, don't they do a lot of 'hiding' during the day? If so, will you enjoy a fish that is mose active (and visible) at night? Just my thought. Best wishes with your decision; do you research if you haven't already.

 

[Steven91]

Just going from memory, don't they do a lot of 'hiding' during the day? If so, will you enjoy a fish that is mose active (and visible) at night? Just my thought. Best wishes with your decision; do you research if you haven't already.

Been doing some on and off research and yeah they tend to hide a lot during the day which kind of works I usually work 10a to 6pm most days in which case I don't really get to see my tank much

 

[JGT]

Been considering one myself.
The hiding has me questioning getting one. How can you see it at night with the lights out ?:)
Also they will eat small shrimp and fish. Since I’m not sure what the definition of small is, I’m a bit hesitant as I do have some smaller Anthias and wrasses.

 

[Steven91]

So i ended up getting it, was eating at the store and trying to get it to eat in my tank. at least i found the hidey hole its in so i can wave food in front of it

 

[Gregg @ ADP]

So i ended up getting it, was eating at the store and trying to get it to eat in my tank. at least i found the hidey hole its in so i can wave food in front of it

They are very slow, deliberate feeders, and it can take them a long time to confidently feed.

Try adding food during low light and then move away from the tank.

 

[Steven91]

They are very slow, deliberate feeders, and it can take them a long time to confidently feed.

Try adding food during low light and then move away from the tank.

Ill keep that in mind, any suggestions on good food for them? usually feed mysis shrimp

 

[fishywishy]

Been considering one myself.
The hiding has me questioning getting one. How can you see it at night with the lights out ?:)
Also they will eat small shrimp and fish. Since I’m not sure what the definition of small is, I’m a bit hesitant as I do have some smaller Anthias and wrasses.

as long as the fish and shrimp are above one or two inches they should be fine. I had a few small goby’s and sapphire damsels with mine, but I have seen them eat peppermint shrimp.

You can usually spot them at night, but it’s not unusual for them to stay hidden most of the time. I got mine captive-bred and managed to break its nocturnal cycle so it became active throughout the day.

 

[Gregg @ ADP]

Ill keep that in mind, any suggestions on good food for them? usually feed mysis shrimp

Mysis and plankton are usually the best bet

 

[JGT]

Ill keep that in mind, any suggestions on good food for them? usually feed mysis shrimp

Did you have luck in getting him to eat? I pulled the trigger and just got one. Day 1 not eating. Still early I know but want to know if you have any tips.

 

[Steven91]

Ill keep that in mind, any suggestions on good food for them? usually feed mysis shrimp

Did you have luck in getting him to eat? I pulled the trigger and just got one. Day 1 not eating. Still early I know but want to know if you have any tips.

he did for a little but unfortunately when i lost power for 7 days he was a causality of it

 

[littlefoxx]

Did you have luck in getting him to eat? I pulled the trigger and just got one. Day 1 not eating. Still early I know but want to know if you have any tips.

I had one for 2 years. I squired food at his cave all the time. I never saw him eat. He wouldnt eat at all when I was in the room. Also tried to feed, film on my phone and left. Still wont eat publicly. It was like when he knew something was in the room he wouldnt eat. But he for sure was since the dude started growing like a weed! Was very large and healthy. Lost him to what I think was a cave in caused by my zebra eel when I was chasing her around trying to get them all over to QT a while back

 

[JGT]

he did for a little but unfortunately when i lost power for 7 days he was a causality of it

Ah, sorry to hear.

 

[JGT]

I had one for 2 years. I squired food at his cave all the time. I never saw him eat. He wouldnt eat at all when I was in the room. Also tried to feed, film on my phone and left. Still wont eat publicly. It was like when he knew something was in the room he wouldnt eat. But he for sure was since the dude started growing like a weed! Was very large and healthy. Lost him to what I think was a cave in caused by my zebra eel when I was chasing her around trying to get them all over to QT a while back

Interesting. I’ve heard this seems to be the case with these guys. Don’t like to publicly eat. what the heck?

 

[littlefoxx]

Interesting. I’ve heard this seems to be the case with these guys. Don’t like to publicly eat. what the heck?

They are very shy, will just hide all day. Stunning fish when they decide to come out for a swim! Its super cool when they come out to swim when you are there! Other times they will just turn and stick their bum out at you. Like your little defense isnt fooling me dude, I know youre not an eel

 

[JGT]

They are very shy, will just hide all day. Stunning fish when they decide to come out for a swim! Its super cool when they come out to swim when you are there! Other times they will just turn and stick their bum out at you. Like your little defense isnt fooling me dude, I know youre not an eel

Yes, I am willing to concede the shyness. Hopefully, he does closet eating so he doesn’t die.

 

[littlefoxx]

Yes, I am willing to concede the shyness. Hopefully, he does closet eating so he doesn’t die.

I offered him chunks of LRS chunky at his cave and PE mysis. I think he loved the mysis because I saw his mouth open a few times inside his cave

 

[JGT]

Tried mysis but it’s only been a day. Maybe with some time.