Betta and Mirrors

Hallo!

I was given the advise to put a mirror in my Betta's tank.

It keeps him occupied but since he's in fighting mode now the whole time I'm beginning to have doubts if this is actually good for him. He's beautiful and makes a wonderful display all puffed up but I wouldn't like him to die of exhaustion trying to fight the fish in the mirror. (Now I'll be singing Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror for the rest of the night!) :blink1:

Will he get some rest? Will he get used to the mirror and pipe down a bit? :worried:

 

Hi I don't think that is a good idea. Take it out.

 

Don't no how good this is but take a look.



How to Entertain Your Betta Fish | eHow

 

It's a bad idea,he's basically trying to fight himself and is building up stress in the process.

 

Yep remove the mirror, it is really just a stressor. You can hold the mirror up to the glass once a day for a min or so, if you really want to. I find my boys show off on their own without the use of a mirror.

 

Thanks everyone! :love:

 

Thank you! Once again a very interesting read!

 

Uhm i have different experience, i have a mirror 24/7 on the outside of the my brother's betta tank. the betta looks much more happier with it there. He only glares at the mirror when someone is in the room or when we are feeding. he also don't look stressed out in any way. Sorry just my experience i have had with a mirror.

 

My experience around this is the same as Javei. My internal Biological filter is actually covered in mirrors and the Betta loves it. He does not seem stressed at all with it and acts and eats normal. He just stares at himself in the mirror for a couple of seconds and then loose interest and swims away.

 

They probably got used to it or they aren't seeing themselves as a threat

I know that during Betta breeding you can keep the male fry together well into adulthood and they won't fight unless you introduce a female or if you remove one and re-add him later.

 

Thank you very much!

 

Sister lost one a long time ago some one thought it was funny having a mirror there and when my sis got home it was to late.

 

Listen to @Wyvren once a week is fine...need to keep him energised, they are not called fighters for nothing.