Bettas and Shrimp

[Flutter]

I got a betta for the shrimp tank believing it would be ok. After some research apparently some bettas see shrimp as yummy yummy snacks. If the bettas going in with them then it'll be in QT for a month so I have some time to figure things out We're fine if it munches on some shrimp, that would be expected but I don't want it to go and munch on them all

So, what are your experiences with bettas and cherry shrimp?

PS: Mr Betta will have a good home regardless of which tank it's in

[Lil' Swimz$]

It totally depends on your betta's personality. IME I couldn't keep mine with snails becuase he'd peck at them all the time. But yet I've heard other people who has kept them with snails and shrimp and frogs, its just luck of the draw I guess.

[purplecandle]

I have a male betta in with a handful of ghost shrimp, 2 cherry barbs, 2 pristellas, and two dwarf frogs...and the betta could care less about the shrimp..the shrimp will even stand on top of decor (within reach of the betta) to catch stray flake food..still the betta does not care.

I have another male betta in a tank with 2 ghost shrimp, 3 neons (zebras), three baby cory cats and a female betta...neither of the bettas try to go for the shrimp..

Now, Bettas (mine included) LOVE tiny , thawed, mysis shrimp to eat...

I really, do not think the average betta would go for a ghost shrimp.... cherrys are about the same as ghost right?

[CarmenH]

I think cherry babies are irresistible to almost any fish...

[Flutter]

As long as it doesn't eat all the babies We have tons of moss in there now and actually never see babies anymore. Still not sure if we're trying it or setting up a biotope.

[CarmenH]

I had my cherries in with endlers for a while and the shrimps dwindled to almost nothing. Removed the endlers, problem solved... Like I said, irresistible to most fish...

[Flutter]

Mmmm. Fresh popcorn shrimp

We found my old little betta tank (either 3.5 or 5 gal, not sure) and we're trying to find information about setting up a nice biotope. I figured there would be tons of information and pictures out there but there isn't. I'm quite disappointed. It would be neat if we could set up a small nicely planted blackwater tank.

[Lil' Swimz$]

Oooh! I had a website that had a lot of information on various biotopes. I'll try to find it.

[Flutter]

That would be excellent, thank you!

Mr Betta is doing fine in his 'tank'. Looking good. It looks like we'll be giving him his own biotope tank. I may put some shrimp in there for munchies anyways I'm trying to find him a spot right by my computer. It'll be exciting to have a small blackwater tank, I've heard bettas look stunning in them and if he doesn't it'll be easy to remove the 'blackwater'.

ETA: Was it this site?
http://fish.mongabay.com/biotope.htm

[Nick]

My exes bettas would tear the limbs and eyes off any shrimp in reach, even if it was overall way too big to eat. Meanies.

[Flutter]

That's so precious

Actually Nick, because of your post on the other thread I've actually done way more research on bettas and proper feeding than I planned on doing. I figured I'd do pellets (NLS) with some bloodworms, mysis, and krill as a treat (with vitamins). I'm now looking into adding at least another brand and I'll make sure the frozen food is soaked well with vitamins.

For everyone out there with more experience/knowledge of bettas I'd love to hear about any tips or advice that perhaps isn't included in general internet searches. I read a ton on Ultimate Bettas and didn't see anything about weakened immune systems etc.

[LilGreenPuffer]

Tips and advice on general betta care or on betta nutrition? I'm full of tips and advice in both categories!

One of my bettas ignored the cherry shrimp, other than watching them like TV. The other one ate them all... I have no more cherries.

purplecandle, barbs are schoolers and really need to be kept in groups of at LEAST six.

[Flutter]

All of it I've had several bettas over the years but none in the past few so I'm pretty rusty. I've been reading a lot but I'm sure there's a lot of information that I have yet to stumble along. Unfortunately, I don't know what I don't know So far I think we're in pretty good shape, no specific questions but like the nutrition/immune system thing... Well, that's really something I'd want to know beforehand so I'd never have to ask questions once it's too late. You know?

[CarmenH]

When I had more bettas, I used to raise flightless fruit flies for them. They looooove them, they're super healthy and fun food for them, and they're easy cultures to maintain. My bettas used to live for 5-7 years +. Wish I had some to start you out but I let it lapse when puffers and saltwater took over my life

[Flutter]

Awwe Carmen, you're awesome. I'll do some research on it later today and perhaps post on the local forum, maybe someone has some.

ETA: He appears to be a very confident fish You go up to his tank and boom he's right there in your face looking back. Awwe