Betta Fish: Is it normal for a betta fish to attack snails after being put into a tank with them for the first time
I got my fish kiwi today and got my snails Gary, Ross, turbo and lil’jimbob a few days prior and I put kiwi in and he’s attacking their antennas and I was wondering if it’s normal for the first time or do I have to get another tank for the snails?
https://v.redd.it/94rmz2pw5xog1
Posted by StephD528
13 Comments
_Nyxalie_ on
I’ve not yet had a snail with any of my bettas at all since I’m still researching it and watching how my bettas do with other things.
Bettas think the antennae are worms and will go after them like food from what I’ve read.
AuronFFX on
It’s normal for a predator to hunt, that’s what they do.
Also bettas don’t have hands so they investigate everything with their mouths.
LobsterWeaver on
It’s normal, and they will probably have to be separated. Some bettas won’t attack snails or shrimp at all, but others will actively eat them. Yours is a hunter!
ButhOfLamb on
My Bettas loved the shrimp….. as food!!
MiserableSun9142 on
I wouldn’t say normal but it’s definitely possible. My betta did the same
One-plankton- on
I’d separate them, some bettas cannot cohabitate with snails.
And they don’t “investigate” with their mouths, they eat with them.
wildandweeeee on
I think this is your sign that you betta is probably a solo fish. I have one who is great in a community tank with fish, shrimp, snails, etc and one who has to live solo bc she will attack anything that goes in with her.
catsdelicacy on
Yeah you’d probably want like a nerite that doesn’t have antenna that the Betta can mess with. A nerite will just pull into it’s shell until the Betta gets bored, probably a better tankmate!
NatureSuspicious2736 on
I have nerites with my betta. When I first added them, my betta did the same thing. He’d even try to knock them off the glass a few times. After he realized he couldn’t hurt them (because they just tuck into their shell) he got pretty bored of them and now pays them zero attention. I think he was both curious and aggressive but the aggression subsided. If it continues, I’d move them.
DueCloud1089 on
My first betta bit off my mystery snails antennas. I had to take him out. I put him with my other betta and they get along perfectly fine. If he starts biting his antenna you need to remove the snail. The bettas think they’re worms.
Camaschrist on
Please separate them ASAP. You don’t want your snails face eaten off. Not all bettas will treat mystery snails right. Their tentacles look like worms. My last betta wouldn’t tolerate a bladder snail.
Sylaf on
My betta initially attacked the snails, but then he got used to them and stopped. He also lived with shrimp. Netrite snails might be a better option.
Plutonium239Mixer on
The antennas look like food, it will keep happening.
13 Comments
I’ve not yet had a snail with any of my bettas at all since I’m still researching it and watching how my bettas do with other things.
Bettas think the antennae are worms and will go after them like food from what I’ve read.
It’s normal for a predator to hunt, that’s what they do.
Also bettas don’t have hands so they investigate everything with their mouths.
It’s normal, and they will probably have to be separated. Some bettas won’t attack snails or shrimp at all, but others will actively eat them. Yours is a hunter!
My Bettas loved the shrimp….. as food!!
I wouldn’t say normal but it’s definitely possible. My betta did the same
I’d separate them, some bettas cannot cohabitate with snails.
And they don’t “investigate” with their mouths, they eat with them.
I think this is your sign that you betta is probably a solo fish. I have one who is great in a community tank with fish, shrimp, snails, etc and one who has to live solo bc she will attack anything that goes in with her.
Yeah you’d probably want like a nerite that doesn’t have antenna that the Betta can mess with. A nerite will just pull into it’s shell until the Betta gets bored, probably a better tankmate!
I have nerites with my betta. When I first added them, my betta did the same thing. He’d even try to knock them off the glass a few times. After he realized he couldn’t hurt them (because they just tuck into their shell) he got pretty bored of them and now pays them zero attention. I think he was both curious and aggressive but the aggression subsided. If it continues, I’d move them.
My first betta bit off my mystery snails antennas. I had to take him out. I put him with my other betta and they get along perfectly fine. If he starts biting his antenna you need to remove the snail. The bettas think they’re worms.
Please separate them ASAP. You don’t want your snails face eaten off. Not all bettas will treat mystery snails right. Their tentacles look like worms. My last betta wouldn’t tolerate a bladder snail.
My betta initially attacked the snails, but then he got used to them and stopped. He also lived with shrimp. Netrite snails might be a better option.
The antennas look like food, it will keep happening.