betta and convict fish

Question
My 15yr old daughter got a betta fish a few months ago, unsure of the sex.  It is purple with a lighter redish purple tail and fins.  The fions and tail are long, and I am not sure how old it is.  I am curious if a betta, male or female, can exist in the same tank without killing each other.  I have a chance to get (3) 2" long south amnerican convict fish, unsure of coloer.  Any suggestions or hints what to look for?

Any help is appreciated

Answer
Hi Bob,
 It is most definitely a male betta.  Only males have long fins.  

 Coexistence with other bettas (or with convicts) depends entirely on tank size.  If it is less than a 30 gallon tank, I wouldn't try it with the convicts.   A male and a female can exist in a smaller tank but only if there is LOTS of structure, such as plants, wood, rocks, etc so that the female has many, many hiding places in case she needs them.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>