One of the most well-known fish breeds is the betta fish, sometimes the Siamese fighting fish. With their jewel-toned coloration and flowing fins, betta fish make a wonderful addition to any fish lover’s home. Only the male betta fish engage in combat.
Betta females can be lived in groups. Despite their widespread popularity, it is not advisable to keep bettas in a fish bowl. Betta fish do well in hot, plain water with a moderate to mildly acidic pH.
They are among the most well-known fish in the aquarium hobby due to their vibrant, wild colors, but much inaccurate information is available online about them.
If you are a novice, it is simple to be misled. I decided to write this guide to help you learn everything there is to know about taking care of a Betta fish.
Before Adding Something New, Consider These Seven Things
The betta fish is popular because of its bright colors and showy fins. Many myths surround these interesting animals. One widespread fallacy is that you can buy one, put it in a bowl, and feed it daily.
They’re not as hardy and easy to care for as popularly thought. Before introducing more fish to your betta tank, be aware of these seven myths.
#1- Betta Fish Don’t Need A Lot Of Space
The idea that bettas can survive in little bowls is arguably the most widespread. Contrarily, betta fish require a tank with a minimum capacity of 5 gallons and a maximum capacity of 10 gallons.
This myth’s origin is uncertain; however, it may be due to the premise that bettas are sold in tiny boxes and can breathe out of water.
#2- Bettas Like To Live Alone
Bettas do not mind being alone; it is true. They do, in fact, frequently clash with other fish. The innate territorialism of male bettas can lead to fights if they are kept together or with other fish with vivid colors and huge fins.
They can, however, coexist peacefully with other aquatic animals, such as African dwarf frogs, ghost shrimp, and snails. Betta fish can coexist with other species, particularly bottom-dwellers with short fins or those resembling eels, such as the khuli loach.
#3- Betta Fish Are Lazy
According to experts, there are two basic causes of the myth of idleness. First, many people see bettas in pet stores, where they’re frequently housed in cramped spaces that limit their movement.
Furthermore, many owners of betta fish choose to keep them in cold water, which makes them aimless. On the other hand, in the correct conditions, betta fish may be entertaining and active.
They appear to move around the tank pushing moss balls, dancing, showing off their tails, and generally being fairly active.
#4- Keep Away From Fish That Bash
Males of this fish engage in fierce competition, frequently to the death. Even though they tend to be more social than men, ladies can be violent.
Bettas will attack other colorful or flashy fish in a communal tank, but they get along better with species that are more subdued and subdued in color.
Betta females can be kept in small groups in larger tanks with plenty of space, whereas males should be kept alone. Community tanks with bettas added should have other fish with dull colors that are less aggressive to prevent conflict.
#5- Avoid Fast-Swimming Fish
Additionally, you should stay away from fish that are extremely energetic or raucous. Bettas will become stressed if a fish is constantly swimming around the tank. Therefore, when choosing fish, try to choose those that move slowly.
#6- What About The Betta Fish Aggression?
Really though, different bettas have various mindsets. Each fish is unique. While bettas tend to be quiet, docile fish most of the time, they do live up to their nickname of Siamese fighting fish.
Bettas frequently attack and kill fish that resemble other bettas, such as anything vivid, colorful, or having huge fins.
#7- Does Beta Fish Live With Others?
Keeping betta fish, among other fish, might be challenging if you don’t know what you’re doing. Always be prepared with an exile tank during new introductions if you need to remove your betta to safety hastily.
It’s also important to monitor the entry for at least two to three days to see if it goes well and gauge compatibility.
Here Are The Top 21 Betta-Friendly Fishes
Bettas need stimulation to avoid sadness and boredom. Mirrors, plants, hiding places, and exploration areas may help keep your betta occupied, but other fish will be a constant source of amusement.
Luckily, non-aggressive fish can keep your betta company. Bettas may coexist with other friendly fish. This post can help you find betta fish mates.
Cory Catfish
Cory catfish get along with most tropical fish. Due to their calmness and ability to clean substrate, these bottom feeders make good betta tank mates.
Many cory catfish types are appropriate as betta tank buddies. Just pick a school with at least six pupils to see the gang school in your tank. Cory catfish adult sizes vary, so check before bringing one home.
Mystery Snails
The coolness of snails is underrated. Male and female bettas love them as tank mates. In aquariums, mystery snails consume uneaten food and eliminate algae.
Unlike certain snails, they don’t reproduce asexually, which might cause invasions. Due to their benign nature, mystery snails are plant-safe and get along with bettas.
Bettas may be interested in or nip at a foreign snail, but they have a hard shell to hide behind if necessary.
Ember Tetras
Ember tetras will go to school with neon tetras. They reach one inch as adults, and 4-6 tetras are needed for optimal teaching. Similar to betta fish, they like luxuriant aquarium designs and brine shrimp.
They like to hang out in the tank’s center, whilst bettas like to hang out at the top to avoid territorial and aggression concerns. However, they are both surface feeders.
Albino Cory Cat
These corys need a smooth, sand, or fine gravel substrate to protect their delicate whiskers. They choose tanks with lots of vegetation to hide from the lights.
Albino cory is best kept in groups of five or more and can reach a maximum length of two inches. However, I advise keeping them in tanks that are 30 gallons or more so that you have room for a group.
African Dwarf Frog
African dwarf frogs are ideal betta tank buddies due to their calm personalities. They’re also simple to maintain. Dwarf frogs achieve a maximum length of 2.5 inches and live for five years.
The species prefers at least two fish per tank, and males are frequently slightly smaller than females. You’ll enjoy seeing them use their webbed feet to force food into their mouths.
Clown Plecostomus
Clown Plecostomus is a small Pleco fish. They’re only 3.5 inches long and make a good Betta friend. They consume algae and waste in the fish tank, which is useful.
A 10-gallon Betta tank should only contain one Plecto. Not everyone will love this fish because it requires a spirulina supplement or a veggie meal.
Endler’s Guppy
These 12-1 inch fish are related to the fancy guppy and descended from South American wild stock. Smaller and without elaborate tails.
Female guppies are larger, have duller colors, shorter tails, and longer bodies than males. Usually grey or brown. 2 to 3 guppies of any gender can live in a small tank with a betta. Your betta will consume any mixed-gender offspring.
Malaysian Trumpet Snail
As its name suggests, the Malaysian Trumpet Snail may be found across Asia, including Malaysia. Although these are typical aquarium snails, remember that you will need to monitor them.
It complements bettas well in tanks but can swiftly take over a tank if allowed to breed unchecked. They have a lifespan of about a year and can reach a size of 1 inch.
Pygmy Corydoras
Pygmy Corydoras catfish are another good tankmate. They oppose every betta action; each has a different habitat, color, and tail. Due to their armor-like scales and quiet nature, they are the best choice.
If you’re new to bettas or unsure if yours will be aggressive, get one of them. Their small size means you don’t need a large tank. They’ll grow in 10 gallons.
Lambchop Rasbora
A lambchop rasbora is the best companion fish if you have a 10-gallon tank with a betta. Another calm fish enjoys the same tank configuration as your betta.
Additionally, they are unlikely to be hostile against your betta because of their tranquil demeanor. They aren’t particularly colored, so your betta isn’t likely to perceive them as a threat.
Mosquito Rasbora
These shy school fish are endemic to Southeast Asian forests. They prefer tanks that are highly planted, have low lighting, and have plants growing along the top.
It has bright red bodies with black stripes and fins and can be 1.5 inches long. They do best in groups of 10 or more since they need space to swim and learn together.
Cherry Shrimp
The most common freshwater shrimp suitable for aquariums are red cherry shrimp, sometimes known as cherry shrimp because of their striking red color.
They only develop to a height of 1.5 inches. Coexisting with one Betta fish and consuming algae is possible. One or two can coexist in a 5-gallon tank with your Betta.
Zebra Loach
These 4-inch bottom-dwelling scavengers have nicely stripped bodies that blend well with decorations and substrate. They are not advised for smaller betta tanks since they are more active throughout the day than regular loaches.
Your male betta won’t be able to select on a loach if he’s in a group of three to five. They need lots of shelter in your aquarium.
Candy Stripe Plecos
The savanna-dwelling candy stripe pleco is another bottom-dwelling catfish. Candy stripe plecos must be housed in 25-gallon Betta aquariums.
They are native to the Amazon region, where they browse along river bottoms and eat driftwood. Due to their territorial behavior, you should only keep one with your Betta fish. They’re not for beginners, but their yellow or orange stripes are appealing.
Kuhli Loaches
The kuhli loach is a fish that will make you pause and contemplate. The Kuhli loaches are long, slender, small, and have brown and yellow bands. Bottom-dwelling fish can quickly clean your aquarium’s bottom.
Bettas and kuhli loaches get along well. They get along with male and female betta fish since they are modest and peaceful.
Harlequin Rasboras
Because they both thrive in comparable tank settings and like to eat brine shrimp, betta fish, and harlequin rasboras form the ideal tank mates. The rasbora stays put for an average of five years and reaches a height of roughly 1.5 inches.
Another characteristic that makes it a wonderful partner for betta fish is that it is a peaceful fish species. This means that there won’t likely be any animosity between the two fish.
Bristlenose/Bushy Nose Pleco
Bushy nose plecos, also known as Bristlenose Plecostomus, are stunning and calm fish that make wonderful Betta fish mates in a big fish tank. They are among the tiniest catfish for fish tanks because they only reach a maximum size of five inches.
It has bristles around its mouth and nose, as the name would imply. The scales of this fish are brown, though captive-bred specimens might vary in color.
Molly Fish
Molly fish come in a range of patterns, colors, and sizes. Calm fish species are great betta tank buddies if your water is harsh.
Guppies and molly fish that look like platyfish are livebearers. They give birth to live long. When male and female livebearers are kept together, they reproduce rapidly. The adult fish and your betta will eat this fry, so choose males or females if you don’t want them to breed.
Platy Fish
The vibrant tiny livebearers known as platyfish are excellent aquarium companions for siamese fighting fish. These calm fish come in various colors and are quite simple to care for, making them a fantastic choice for novices.
Although platy fish can survive in a wide range of pH values, they prefer neutral to alkaline water.
Dwarf Crayfish
Dwarf crayfish are distinctive-looking tank companions; as you’ll discover, each has an intriguing personality. Being bottom dwellers is one of the finest reasons to have dwarf crayfish with your betta. They probably won’t interact much with your betta because it prefers to stay at the top of the tank.
Remember that dwarf crayfish are invertebrates; therefore, you should never add copper medications to your tank if you plan to keep them there. Your actions will result in their death.
Glowlight Tetra
The name glowlight comes from the manner that, under the right circumstances, their bodies appear to glow. Their pronounced darker stripes and metallic orange bodies appear to shine in low light.
They prefer swimming space and planted tanks and will go to school together for security. A group of five can be smaller and more dramatic, or ten or more can be bigger and more numerous.
More betta fish-related guides:
- How often do you feed a betta fish? (diet chart)
- Betta fish 101: diet, care guide, and fun facts
- Do betta fish need a filter? (thorough guide)
- Do betta fish need a heater? (ideal temperatures)
- How long do betta fish live? (average lifespan)
- Do betta fish sleep? When, where, and how?
Final Verdict:
Always exercise caution while introducing new fish to your Betta, no matter the fish you choose, because they can be very temperamental. Remember that female betta is typically a little more tolerant when living in a community.
I hope my post has provided enough information to fill your tank if you were looking for a list of fish that could coexist with bettas.
As you can see, there are many different betta tank companions available. Start with shrimp and snails if you don’t know where to start, and work your way up.
Whatever option you decide, just be sure to have a fallback strategy. A little trial and error are to be expected before you get it correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
#1 – Can Angelfish Live With Bettas?
While bettas and angelfish can coexist peacefully, and it has been done, it is always advisable to have a backup tank available in case your betta needs to be moved. Make sure the new tank is at least 5 gallons in size when relocating your betta, but bigger is usually preferable!
#2 – Can Guppy Live With Betta Fish?
Maintaining a school of guppies is a breeze because these fish enjoy socializing in groups. Your betta will be in good company with these fish because they are quiet.
#3 – Can 1 Male And 2 Female Betta Fish Live Together?
Yes, but only in proper instances. Male and female bettas can live together if they’re not of the same species. Be ready for some aggressive behavior.
You can keep a male and female of different species together, such as a Halfmoon and a delta tail. This is because they are less hostile against one another.
#4 – Can Any Fish Live With A Betta?
The aquarium hobby offers many great betta fish tank companions. In a communal tank, however, some tankmates are more effective than others.
Peaceful fish like corydoras and otocinclus catfish, as well as other vividly colored fish like ember tetras and rummy nose tetras, make some of the greatest tank mates for betta fish.
#5 – Do Bettas Get Lonely?
It is not advisable to keep bettas together since they are naturally territorial fish. Given a larger aquarium that is at least 10 to 20 gallons in capacity, plenty of covers, and live aquarium plants, many betta fish depending on their temperament can coexist with other peaceful nano fish. Corydoras, rasboras, and smaller tetras are some suggested roommates.
#6 – Can Bettas Live With Mollies?
Yes, betta fish and mollies may coexist. Betta fish do well in tanks with mollies. Bettas and Mollies desire to eat the same foods, and both fish species want to dwell in comparable water conditions.
#7 – What Fish Can Live With A Betta In A 3 Gallon Tank?
The calmest bottom-dwellers, like Pygmy Corydoras or dwarf schooling fish that are swift enough to deter pursuing, provide the greatest tank mates for a Betta fish. The Least Rasbora, the Pristella Tetra, and the Rummy-nose Tetra are excellent illustrations of the latter.
#8 – What Fish Can Go With A Betta In A 10 Gallon Tank?
Zebra snails, apple snails, or mystery snails can make excellent tankmates for bettas in aquariums larger than ten gallons. Be careful not to pick on them, Betta. Otocinclus catfish: Otos are tiny algae-eating fish that blend in but can also clean glass-like mini-plecos.
#9 – What Can Go In A 5 Gallon Tank With A Betta?
The smallest betta aquarium is 5 gallons. Keeping tank mates in a 5-gallon tank will be difficult. Fish aren’t ideal for an aquarium, but snails and shrimp are.
You can find out if your betta is aggressive without spending much money, and you can keep snails and shrimp in smaller tanks.
#10 – What Fish Can Live With Female Bettas?
Yes, female bettas can coexist in a fish tank with other fish. If they can create a pecking order, female bettas can even get along with other fish. In larger tanks with plenty of space, females can be kept together in small groups.
