Female Betta Attacking Male Betta? Why And How To Prevent It?

It is a known fact that male betta fish is more aggressive as compared to female betta fish. However, in some cases, it is seen that a female betta attacking male betta fish. So what are the possible reasons behind female betta attacking male betta fish?

As stated earlier, male bettas are generally known as the aggressors and female betta fish are comparatively peaceful creatures. However, sometimes female betta attacking male betta fish is noticed. This can be observed either at the start of the pairing or right after the breeding process is completed. Similarly, a male betta fish can also attack a female betta fish. Either way, it is not advised to keep a female betta fish and male betta fish together for a long period of time.

Why Is My Female Betta Attacking Male Betta?

Betta fish are characterized by an aggressive and territorial nature. While it is a common norm that the male betta fish is relatively more aggressive than a female betta fish. However, a female betta attacking male betta is a more common occurrence than the other way round.

The reason is not quite known but it can be inferred that it is just the general aggressive nature of the betta fish. However, exactly when the female betta fish starts being the aggressor towards the male betta fish can be observed.

A female betta attacking male betta fish is usually seen on two occasions. One instance is right after adding the two betta fish together in the tank. Thus, you may notice some aggression by either of the betta fish right after the pairing is done. If there is too much hostility between the two kinds, it is strongly advised to separate them immediately.

Another instance of female betta attacking male betta can be noticed after they have bred successfully. Thus, the betta fish might wait after the breeding process to complete to start the fight. Therefore, it is generally recommended not to keep a male and a female betta fish together for a long time.

Such cases of aggression by your female betta fish or female betta chasing male betta may provoke you to ask the question do female betta kill males. To answer this, it is highly unlikely for your betta fish to kill your male betta fish but it can surely hurt your male betta.

It should be kept in mind that this does not mean that a female betta attacking male betta fish is imminent. So do not drop your idea of keeping a male and a female betta together. However, it is advised that only experienced individuals carry out the betta breeding process.

Male Betta With A Female Sorority

Besides putting a single male and a female betta together in one tank, some people prefer introducing a male betta fish to an established female sorority. Female betta fish, unlike male bettas, are capable of living in sororities.

The combination of a male betta fish with a female sorority is called a betta harem and is recommended only for experienced individuals. To successfully maintain a betta harem there are a number of factors you need to consider carrying it out.

You can notice some aggression among the female bettas while trying to build a betta harem. A female sorority is generally characterized by an established pecking order at first but the aggression periodically subsides and the females start living peacefully.

Although, with the introduction of a male betta fish the aggression begins again among the female bettas. This stems from the fact that usually a male betta fish mates with the dominant female betta. However, this can be prevented if you follow a series of steps and ensure some particulars.

How To Prevent A Female Betta Attacking Male Betta?

As mentioned earlier, it is quite evident that it is highly likely that one of the betta fish, be it the male or the female betta, will show aggression towards the other. Well, you should not lose hope as there are some things you can try that may prevent any sort of hostility between the two betta fish.

Here are some pointers to prevent a female betta from attacking a male betta.

In the case of a single male-female betta parity, look into the following considerations.

• Generally, a large tank is recommended that is at least 20 gallons.
• Add decors like aquatic plants in your tank to provide sufficient hiding places for both your betta fish.
• Consider using a tank divider in your tank to avoid any possible confrontation.
• Try adding the new betta fish during the night time.
• Introduce the two fish before putting them together using an adjacent tank and putting it beside the main tank.

In the case of a betta harem, look into the following considerations.

• A large tank that is at least 75 gallons is recommended.
• The tank should be more in length as compared to the height.
• Add the male betta to an established female sorority to reduce chances of agression.
• Provide your bettas with enough hiding places by adding various decors and plants.
• Look out for aggression among the females as they try to choose the dominant one.
• Introduce the male to the sorority using a separate tank before adding it to the main tank.

Initial aggression is common in each case of female attacking male betta fish. However, prolonged aggressive behavior by either betta should not be ignored. If you feel that your betta fish is too hostile to its tankmates, consider removing it and putting it in a separate tank.

FAQs on Female Betta Attacking Male

Final Thoughts

Thus, you may notice your female betta attacking male betta either after the initial pairing or right after the breeding process is completed. You can try some things to reduce the tension between the two bettas but it is generally recommended to remove the female betta after breeding is successful.