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I have a beta fish named Thomas and I recently switched him to a bigger tank and I put him next to our other fish tank that has oscar fish in it so Thomas could see them and ever since I've put him next to them he has stayed around in the same area where he can see the other fish, is it possible that my beta fish is lonely and I should get him a friend? He doesn't seem aggressive but I'm not sure. What should I do? I don't want my Thomas to be lonely.

I have a beta fish named Thomas and I recently switched him to a bigger tank and I put him next to our other fish tank that has oscar fish in it so Thomas could see them and ever since I've put him next to them he has stayed around in the same area where he can see the other fish, is it possible that my beta fish is lonely and I should get him a friend? He doesn't seem aggressive but I'm not sure. What should I do? I don't want my Thomas to be lonely.

Updated On November 21st, 2016

Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | Male

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

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Male Bettas should be housed alone as they can be quite aggressiv, especially to other male Bettas. He's not lonely. He is likely seeing the fish and displaying at them in the hopes that they will swim away. Watch Thomas closet and you will see him flaring his gills and fins out as he stares them down. It looks quite comical, but to him, it's serious business "guarding" his territory.

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