AboutAlex Kline Expertise I can answer a wide variety of questions(provided that the questioner gives detail) If I am unable to ask the question I will research it thoroughly and report my findings. I deal mostly with cichlids and most sorts of tropical fish. I also work with aquatic plants and the landscaping of them.
I also run a fish website(www.worldwidefishassociation.com) where I help many people too. I would like everyone to take into account my experience as to others, I do not wish false information to be given to you at the cost of your fish's life.
Experience I am in charge of an aquatic fish site called WWFA. I have kept a wide variety of fish that includes, Oscars, jack dempseys, betta, african butterfly fish, and many other fishes. I also do research on certain aquatic plants and aquatic structures.
Organizations I belong to WWFA(World Wide Fish Association)
Publications WWFA
Education/Credentials I am currently in high school looking into college for marine biology or ichthyology.
Past/Present Clients I have had many past clients and am looking forward to a future of more.
Expert: Alex Kline Date: 5/4/2007 Subject: beta fish
Question Hi! I have had a male beta now for almost two years. I bought it for my son right after Nemo came out. It was easier to take care of rather than the clown fish. (= Anyway, I had him in a gallon tank for this whole time by himself and this past Monday bough a new "cute" tank thats lots smaller. It looks like a t.v. but the screen is the fish bowl. Anyway, along with the tank my son also wanted his "fishie" to have a friend, so I bought a female beta and two ghost shrimp. I noticed last night that he was breathing funny. His gills were moving more than normal. Needless to say he died and we found him today at the bottom of the tank. By the way...do beta's eat ghost shrimp? I think our fishie ate the head off of one. I am so confused at what went wrong. Was he just used to being by himself in a tank? Was the other fish and ghost shrimp to much? I'm more upset than Hardy, my son who will be 4 in July. An answer would be GREATLY appreciated!!! Thank you so much for your time and consideration concerning this matter. Jane Ann
Answer Ah well Male bettas are a funny thing with tankmates. You should never have more than one fish in such a small tank. The male and female may have attacked the ghost shrimp. The male will beat up the female and vise versa so that could have been the case.
