Question regarding a Marine Beta

[blue oasis]

Much to our surprise our son came home with a Marine Beta, even though they are very nice looking fish we have a question.
We presently have the following in our tank:
2- Cleaner Shrimp
2- Pepperment Shrimp
1- Serpent Star - Kids love him
1- Blue Star
10 snails
10 hermit crabs
1 - Fire Shrimp
4 - clown
6-Green Chromis
1- Royal Gramma
Various Coral
We know they like to eat live shrimp and other small fish, is there a way we are able to keep him and not give him up.
We did go out last night and purchase 10 ghost shrimp, but the clowns loved them as well..
Also, how often do you feed your fish?
N & G

 

[harndog]

You could try him but most likley he will munch your shrimp. If you have a lot of rock work that could help them last a little while. I have really been looking at these fish and thinking about getting one for my agressive tank good luck

 

[aw2]

They'll max out around 7" - 9" and will basically eat anything that'll fit in their mouths, other than hermits, crabs and snails.
I've been giving serious thought into getting one, myself. In the wild, they pair up with the Whitemouth Moray (which I have) and carry on a symbiotic relationship. They're the same coloration and both share the same cave. When predatory fish swim by, the Marine Beta will flash it's tail, which looks like the head of another Whitemouth.

 

[jdragunas]

The Marine Betta, sometimes referred to as the Comet, is found in rocky crevasses, at depths up to 45 meters. It is a hardy and disease-resistant fish. A predator by nature, it assumes a "head down" position, with its false "eye spot" near the tail resembling the head of a moray eel.
The Marine Betta is not commonly kept in a reef-style aquarium, but it is reported to be safe with corals and anemones, however, it will eat all small fish and shrimp. It is nocturnal and requires hiding places to provide it shelter from bright lighting, being more active at dusk.
When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. Using live foods such as feeder fish or shrimp will help it adjust. Once acclimated, it can be fed meaty foods and frozen preparations 2-4 times weekly.
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Tank Conditions: 72-78°F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4; dKH 8-12
Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 8"
Color Form: Burgundy, Black, White
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Plesiopidae

 

[boalgf]

I have a beautiful marine beta. They are very shy, but when they do swim around, it's very rewarding. He isn't like my puffer or like lionfish I've had that will eat and eat all day. He eats some and then turns his head away from more after he's full. They can open up their mouths very wide. Your shrimp and your royal gramma sound like a good meal for it if the sizes are right. These fish have great colors, are very hardy, and extremely passive. Great fish!!!