dead betta fish

Question
Several months ago, we purchased a beautiful blue betta for our family to enjoy (mainly for my 4 year old son who named him Kooka).  He has done well after I learned how to care from him, not from the store which I purchased him from, but from research on the  internet, including reading your past advise.  I am happy to report that Kooka is alive and well.

Just last Thursday, we went to purchase another Betta as a friend for Kooka - my son named him Superman Batman.  Superman seemed great.  We had a completely separate small tank for him.  On Monday night, we placed both tanks next to each other.  Kooka and Superman did not seem at all interested in each other.  I meant to put something between them, but got distracted and they spent the night in separate bowls but next to each other.  Tuesday, I awoke to kind Superman dead.:(  Could it be that even though they showed no initial interest in each other they later "fought" and Kooka won?  Could they fight to the death even if they were not in the same tank.  I feel just horrible about what happened.  Perhaps Superman was sick when I bought him?  I will be going back to the store tomorrow to purchase a replacement.  My son has not learned of Superman's demise.  I just don't want to make the same mistake.  Please let me know what you think.  (I am very sorry for going on so much, but I am truly upset about this betta).  Thank you very much.


Answer
Hi Jennifer;

That's a shame. It can happen with any type of fish and sometimes we don't ever find out why. Bettas don't kill each other by 'flaring' at each other without touching. It sounds like maybe he was already ill and the stress of a new home did him in. Try again with a new one and hopefully he will do much better.

It's okay to "vent" here. These things can be very upsetting to any of us. Sometimes important information is revealed to me through an emotional outburst that can be helpful in solving the problem too.  

Followups Welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

Come on over and join us on the freshwater fish forum at About.com to get even more information too;
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My member name is ChrisR62. See You There!