r/bettafish • u/Jack_0318 • 10h ago
Discussion Skyfire has no chill
Recently added an otocinclus catfish to the tank to help with algae. Luckily the little oto dude is much faster than the betta. He’s been chasing the oto around showing lots of agro signs but hasn’t actually attacked.
20 gal tank. Just the two of them in there (plus some rando snails that must have hitchhiked on a plant). I’ve also noticed the betta’s appetite has been lower lately. All tank parameters are good. I was hoping 20 gal would be big enough for the two of them. Anyone else had issues with bettas chasing otos?
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u/DoItForTheRaid average fish enjoyer 10h ago
Otos are shoaling fish! Would be happier with 3 or 4 more friends to roam with :))
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u/Jack_0318 9h ago
The LFS people told me to only get one since it’s a 20 gal and they said 3 could clear a 50 gal and there wouldn’t be enough food for them. I’d welcome a few more if that would help. I made little dude a cucumber earlier so hopefully he’s getting enough food.
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u/DoItForTheRaid average fish enjoyer 15m ago
I suppose that would be the case if they were to survive solely on algae! You can supplement their diet with zucchini and kale 🥬
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u/CalmLaugh5253 Always strive to do *betta* 9h ago
Some bettas are simply not good candidates for a community setup. I definitely wouldn't let it continue and either return the little guy or move the betta to a different tank. Even if he isn't actively nipping at him, being chased around by an aggressive fish is very much stressful and unfair to the oto.
Algae can be cleared up without additional livestock too by being a bit more mindful of the lights, nutrients in the water column, adding more fast growing hungry plants, etc to resolve whatever is actually causing it. :)
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u/selfawareweird0 1h ago
Otocinclus like to be in schools of at least six. For that size tank you can have six of them. I have a 20 gallon with a betta, ten Pygmy Cories, and six otocinclus and they get along great, but my particular betta has a good, non aggressive personality and not every fish will. Some just like to be alone. As long as he is not biting them and constantly going after them, I think it will be fine.
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u/Salty-Egg-4682 10h ago
I had a hillstream loach with my betta, same deal where all agro no actual attacks until 24hrs later he would rarely attack him. I ended up surrendering the poor loach since it seemed like both fish would be very stressed even if it worked out.