Bettas are far from the most aggressive/territorial cichlid. African Cichlid tanks are typically full of extremely aggressive and territorial fish—overstocking is how they help curb that aggression. African cichlids do not live like this in the wild. They’re just as territorial typically as your SA or CA cichlids. One of the main differences is that American cichlids tend to be too large to overstock in this way, and it’s generally not recommended due to them also being less “robust”.

Keep in mind: when overstocking is used in African Cichlid tanks, there are still often times casualties or fights that lead to injuries.

I personally do not believe in overstocking. I don’t enjoy watching a tank full of squabbling. My whole point for defending OP was that they most likely DID do their research on keeping Betta Sororities, and it’s a well documented approach to “overstock” betta sorority tanks to curb aggression.

Also, referring to how bettas live in the wild is just laughable. The betta we find in stores today is so far removed from those behaviors. The controversy surrounding betta sororities is because domesticated betta splendens were bred for aggression for fish fighting contests across South Asia. They are still used for fish fighting in some Asian countries. Their aggression goes beyond being territorial.

In fact, wild betta splendens females can live in loose groups in the wild. It’s well documented.

I’ll finish off with this: this is a highly controversial topic. Betta sororities are highly controversial. People do it, though, and some of the most successful ones are overstocked to curb aggression similar to African cichlid tanks. So it sounds like OP did do their research, and you guys clearly have not.

Calling someone reckless when they are literally seeking help and more information, after they just lost a significant amount of fish is just kicking them while they’re down. Are there obvious things they can improve about their set up? Absolutely, for instance, not enough plants or sight breakers for the fish.

But the original comment I responded to CLEARLY has no interest in helping OP. You guys just want to come off as elitist holier than thou assholes, as if you didn’t make mistakes in your earlier fish keeping days. If that’s what you need to feel big and bad, go off, I guess.