Bettas are a popular fish for many reasons. They are beautiful, easy to care for and come in a variety of colors. With their long flowing fins and lively personalities, it's no wonder bettas are a favorite of many fish enthusiasts. However, when it comes to choosing betta tank mates, you need to be extra careful.
Bettas are known as aggressive fish and can be quite territorial. Males, however, are more territorial compared to female betta fish. They are known to fight with other fish, especially those of the same species. However, recent studies have shown that certain types of tank mates can be safely kept with bettas without causing any harm to either fish.
So What Types of Tank Mates Can You Put in With a Betta?
Choosing a betta tankmate is all about finding the right balance. You want a fish that is peaceful and will not cause any problems for your betta, but you also want a fish that is active and will add some interest to your community tank. Clown plecos, Mystery snails, African dwarf frogs, Ember Tetras, Platies, Harlequin Rasboras, Ghost shrimp, Lambchop Rasboras, Cory fish, Endlers Livebearers, Kuhli Loach, Zebra Danios, and Dwarf Crayfish are considered safe tank mates for bettas.
Clown Plecos
Clown plecos are one of the most well-known beautiful freshwater fish available. Their behavior is something every aquarist will appreciate. This fish has black as its foundation, with colorful bands that run around their entire body in various configurations. These bright areas are typically whiteish-yellow or orange.
Clown plecos come in a variety of hues, ranging from pale yellow to deep orange. Their coloration may be affected by a number of genetic variables as well as the health of the fish (particularly during development). It's also typical for wild clown plecos to have brighter colors than those kept in captivity.
Not only are they enjoyable to observe as they move about the bottom and consume driftwood (more on that later), but they get along with a variety of tank mates and should not cause any problems for your betta.
Clown Plecos, like other Pleco species, make excellent tank mates for Bettas and other similarly sized fish. They feed mostly on algae and leftovers, keeping your aquarium clean in the process. Clown Pleco's small stature is one of the reasons they're such wonderful Betta fish tank mates. Bettas are typically kept in a 10-gallon tank. Clown Plecos grow to around 4 inches in length, which is out of the ordinary for Pleco species.
Mystery Snails
Mystery Snails are one of the most popular freshwater snails in the aquarium hobby. They have a distinctive appearance with their big and colorful shells, iridescently patterned bodies, and swaying tentacles that set them apart from other snails.
The following snails are bright and colorful and can be utilized to adorn any aquarium. They're also quite useful in keeping the aquarium clean, removing waste and surplus food. Mystery snails are non-venomous and therefore safe to keep with any species of fish, shrimp, or plants.
The distinctive breathing and breeding techniques of these snails set them apart from other kinds of snails. They can breathe through both their gills and a tube that protrudes from the front of their bodies. To take in air, they extend this tube up above the water level and then back and forth.
The mystery snail is at the top of the list of snails that fare best in a betta tank. Bettas and mystery snail tend to mind their own business when put in a tank together, making them excellent tank companions. Like bettas, these snail species also prefer densely planted aquariums.
They can even thrive in smaller tanks, making mystery snails a fantastic first addition if you aren't ready for a more complex community yet. They consume the leftovers from the substrate and algae that grow on hard surfaces in the tank. Other types of snail that can be put together with bettas include Malaysian Trumpet Snails, Ramshorn Snails, Assassin snails, zebra snails, apple snails and Nerite Snails.
African Dwarf Frogs
The African dwarf frog is a small, bright-colored variety that originates in central Africa's rivers and streams. These completely aquatic amphibians spend their whole lives in water. Their hues may range from olive green to brownish. They have Brown, mottled, rough-looking skin.
Their Back feet have three "claws" that they use to climb through the aquatic vegetation, and their front feet are webbed. They'll consume nearly everything that fits in their mouths, including small prey like damselfly nymphs. They spend the majority of their time at the bottom of the aquarium, but they swim to the top to breathe air.
African dwarf frogs are an excellent tank companion for your betta. They're unlike any other tank mate you'll ever encounter. It's possible that because they have legs and lungs, they're unlike any other animal. Although cohabitation is quite typical among bettas and African dwarf frogs, it is dependent on the temperament of your betta as well as the size of your tank.
If you want to keep bettas and African Dwarf Frogs in the same tank, there are a few requirements you must meet. The first thing you should do is watch how they interact with one other. If any of them shows aggressive tendencies, the aggressor must be removed. But in most cases, they get along famously.
Ember Tetras
Tetras are very beautiful fish and are a great addition to any tank. The Ember Tetras are common in Central Brazil's Araguaia River basin, although they have been observed in areas surrounding the hotspot. They prefer sluggish-moving rivers with a lot of vegetation.
This is worth noting since you'll want to copy this densely planted habitat in their tank as well. The beauty of the Ember Tetra is one of the main reasons why they are so popular among aquarium hobbyists. These fish are incredibly gorgeous, and their vibrant coloration draws your attention while they swim around in your tank.
The Ember Tetra is almost entirely orangish-red, with the brightness of their hue remaining consistent all over their bodies. This gives them a very distinct and piercing appearance. The fins on the tail of this fish are tall and thin, with a gradient that fades from their main color to a somewhat darker tone at the back. This more translucent region fades into a barely transparent sector at the very end of the fin.
The Ember Tetra is one of the most peaceful species of tetra on the market today, making it an excellent companion for a Betta. They're small enough to avoid disturbing the Betta, yet big enough that the Betta won't consider them dinner. Even though these fish are extremely energetic, they will not bother other fish in the tank.
As long as you have a tank that emulates their natural habitat, they will do just fine. Other types of tetras that can be put together with the betta species include Rummy Nose Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Neon Tetras, Black Neon Tetras Mollies. All of them carry similar behavioral patterns and are compatible with a betta.
Platies
The Platy fish (family Poeciliidae) is a freshwater fish. The colorful coloration and simple upkeep requirements of platyfish make them popular among aquarium owners. Platy fish come in a variety of designs and hues. Platy fish have flat, short bodies with fan-shaped tails and triangular heads.
Platy fish are sexually dimorphic. Males are smaller than females and have a gonopodium. When frightened or sick, they become dull. They originate from Central America and Mexico. Crossbreeding with other swordtail species is also a possibility. They may also be bred together or even with each other.
Platy fish are a non-aggressive, sociable species that get along well with other fish. Platies are not known to be a social species, but they become more daring in collections of six. These fish are energetic and stay near the top and middle of the tank. Platyfish enjoy exploring and hiding among plants.
In most situations, your betta will be safe with platies. The bottom line is that it will depend on your betta's personality and level of aggressiveness. If you believe your betta has the proper personality, then platies may be a wonderful alternative. It is always best to watch your betta and the platies together in the tank for a period of time before adding them to make sure there is no aggression. However, in most cases, they will do just fine.
Harlequin Rasboras
The harlequin rasbora is from Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, and southern Thailand. It flourishes in streams and other waterways with low mineral content and high levels of dissolved humic acids, the result of such waterways flowing through peat swamp forests. It has a beautiful metallic gleam and requires very limited upkeep They are known for their peaceful nature.
Its attractiveness entices bigger fish who would not normally notice a tiny fish like this. They have a long mid-section that extends towards the mouth and forked caudal fin. The black patch on the rear side of the body tapers down as it approaches the tail and ends at the caudal fin.
The body is silver, with tinges of orange. The fins are a darker orange, however, the color intensity varies. This is determined by a variety of factors such as the tank's conditions, the fish's stress levels, and the stock they were born from. They are largely used for the aquarium trade.
The harlequin rasbora and betta are beautiful freshwater fish that are quite popular as small, tropical pet fish. You may be delighted to hear that both species of fish get along well when maintained together in a betta aquarium. The harlequin rasbora and betta is a beautiful pair of tankmates, with stunning colors and finnage.
Despite the fact that they can be maintained together, the rate of success for this combination is contingent on the tank's condition as well as each fish's personality. They can both handle the same circumstances, and their amiable dispositions and quick movement make it unlikely that they will have any difficulties with one another.
Ghost Shrimp
Dwarf freshwater shrimp native to the Southeastern United States are known as ghost shrimp. They're also known as glass shrimp or grass shrimps. They're cultivated as live food for larger aquarium fish or as an ornamental species for home aquariums. Shrimp are not particularly colorful; their color spectrum is rather limited.
Their bodies are mostly completely transparent. Their bodies are so transparent that they may be difficult to detect against some backgrounds. If you look closely, they are covered with little dark speckles, some greenish, others browner. There are many types of shrimp such as cherry shrimp, amano shrimp, brine shrimp, etc.
Bettas and ghost shrimp may cohabit, however, your ghost shrimp is at risk of being eaten. Ghost shrimps are also known as feeder shrimps, and this is especially true when it comes to keeping them with bettas. However, because they are so inexpensive, they are one of the finest tank companions to start with in order to determine how aggressive your betta is. If he doesn't eat them, it's more likely that he won't eat other fish.
Lambchop Rasboras
Lambchop Rasboras are incredibly beautiful fish that add a touch of class to any water garden. The majority of their bodies are bright red or orange, though they are named for the black or dark purple spot on their sides, which resembles a lambchop in form.
The bright tones of these fish set them apart from the rest, particularly when they're paired with the dark gravel. Males are generally more colorful than females, and their lambchop markings are usually more distinct. The females are often rounder in shape, and their lambchop markings are more rounded as well. Their diminutive size makes these fish great for nano tanks.
Lambchop Rasboras make excellent tank mates for bettas. They both survive in the same conditions, and their peaceful natures and quick speed make it unlikely any hostility will break out between the two species. Both fish will appreciate the company, and you'll enjoy watching their beautiful colors swim around your tank. Both betta and lambchop love decoration, so adding some caves and plants will make your betta aquarium look even more attractive.
Cory fish
The Cory fish are friendly fish and are highly adored by pet owners. They are tiny, docile fish, and reside near the bottom of rivers and lakes. They help keep your tank clean by finding and eating uneaten food and other waste. On the other hand, Corys create a minor mess as they poke through the substrate and send algae and other rubbish into the water.
Almost all species of Cory should be maintained in schools, according to reports of single Corys yearning for companionship. They are peaceful fish and are mostly kept with small to medium-sized peaceful fish. Apart from their size, they mimic Corydoras Catfish. There are many varieties of cory fish. Bandit cory, bronze Cory, julii Cory, pygmy corydoras, panda Cory, pepper Cory, skunk Cory, and Three Stripe Cory are some of them.
Corys can be great tank mates for bettas, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Corys fish are schooling fish, so it's best to get at least three of them. They also like to dig, so make sure you have a substrate that they can shuffle through without disturbing your betta. Finally, Corys are omnivores, so they'll eat any uneaten food or waste that falls to the bottom of the tank.
It is always a good idea to have a Cory in your tank to help keep it clean. They might have a hard time adjusting to each other in the first 2 days of introduction but if both tank mates are peaceful and get along well, then it will be a great combination.
Endlers Livebearers
Endler livebearers are beautiful freshwater fish that will draw your attention no matter what. They're also quite easy to care for, making them a popular choice among hobbyists of all skill levels. They have the same body shape and size as guppies. They may be referred to as Endler's guppies, which is appropriate.
The vivid colors these fish exhibit, on the other hand, are impossible to mistake. Males are the most colorful in the species. They have a rainbow of colors on their bodies. Those hues are frequently muted to give it a psychedelic vibe. There are patches of bright green, orange, yellow, blue, and more on these fishes. Some fish also have transparent fins with splashes of color. The transparent base makes the fins look like they have a quirky shape.
The endlers livebearers are suitable tank mates for bettas. This is because they aren't overly bright, and they can swim quickly. If you want your betta to be non-aggressive, introduce them to the tank first. If the betta becomes aggressive, remove it and reintroduce it when it calms down.
These fishes are best put together with the female bettas as females are less aggressive compared to the males. It's usually a good idea to put a lot of live plants and hiding places in the aquarium. This will make the fish feel more at ease and secure.
Kuhli Loach
Kuhli loaches are a type of eel-shaped fish that hails from freshwater streams in Southeast Asia in areas like Malaysia, Thailand, and Borneo. They're a very popular choice for aquariums because they're peaceful, can breathe air, and like to hide. The Kuhli Loach is a great cleaner fish that gets along with others.
They are sometimes referred to as a Coolie Loach or Leopard Loach. The slim body of this fish is one of its most distinctive features. It's easy to mistake Kuhli Loaches for eels at first sight because their bodies are thin and their fins are tiny. They don't have a distinct lateral line, which is rather odd. While they do have a visible dorsal fin, it's positioned farther back than most fish.
It's not located in the midst of their body like most other fish; instead, it may be found on their lower third, closer to the tail. The majority of Kuhli loaches are multi-hued. The fish's base can be any shade from pale pink to brassy yellow. The fish has between 10 and 15 dark stripes, which may be seen on the upper side of the body. Zebra loaches are yet another variety of Loaches.
The Kuhli loach is well-liked among most freshwater aquarium fish as a tank mate. That is why you can keep the Kuhli loach and betta in the same tank without having to worry about either one of them. The Kuhli Loach is a peaceful fish that won't nip the fins of other fish and can accept betta aggression and mood swings.
These creatures are known to hide from their tank companions in order to avoid any issues. You must provide enough room and plants for them to flourish in the aquarium. People frequently fail to maintain both of their water parameters at a healthy level, resulting in accusations against these fish when things go wrong with the tank. Clown loach is yet another variety that can be added to the betta tank.
Zebra Danios
Zebra danios are a favorite of freshwater fish enthusiasts due to their simplicity of maintenance. Zebra danios were originally thought to have come from a larger area that stretched from Myanmar in the east to Pakistan in the west; however, today's thinking is that they are native to a considerably smaller area centered on parts of India and Bangladesh.
The distinctive horizontal stripes of the zebra danio distinguish it. The slim, compressed, silver-gold body is highlighted with blue-purple horizontal stripes that run from gill to tail. They are hardy and can survive in a wide range of water temperatures and habitats.
Some fish experts claim that dinos are fin nippers, and they advise against mixing them with bettas. However, recent research and studies have shown that Zebra Danios make a great companion for a Betta in an adequately sized aquarium. They help in making the betta tank appear more lively.
Zebra Danios are a robust breed of fish that like similar water conditions, tank décor, and food as a Betta. However, some dinos are fin nippers and can give the betta a hard time. So it is always advisable to observe the compatibility of the two fish before adding them to a tank. If the tank is large enough with lots of hiding spots and live plants, then the zebra danios and betta can coexist peacefully.
Dwarf Crayfish
Dwarf crayfish are tiny freshwater crustaceans that resemble tiny lobsters. The majority of wild types have a medium-brown to dark brown color with darker stripes, allowing them to blend in with their surroundings. A slight glint of blue or orange is occasionally seen, although it is usually confined to the pincers.
The minnow cambarellus would be an excellent fish for a small tank since they are tiny cousins of huge crayfish species like the blue Procambarus alleni. Unlike most other crayfish, they are docile and adaptable to certain types of community tanks.
When dwarf crayfish are kept with Bettas, they do well as long as there are plenty of hiding places for them to escape from the Betta's aggression. In an aquarium with plenty of plants and décor, they will gladly share the tank with a Betta without any problems. The Betta will not bother them and they will help to keep the tank clean by scavenging for food. Dwarf crayfish are a lot more hardy when it comes to water temperature.
Bad Betta Tank Mates
If you want to set up a tank for your betta fish, you already know how tough it is. These brilliant fighters are not the calmest of companions for other fish. The betta will sometimes become territorial and attack other fish, regardless of their size.
In certain circumstances, when put together with larger size fishes, they may devour the betta fish. If they are combined with smaller fish, the betta may eat them. As a result, it's critical to pick tankmates for your betta carefully.
Some bad tank mates for a betta fish include, but are not limited to, the following:
Other Bettas
The worst thing to do if you're adopting more than one male betta is to put them all in the same tank. They will feel threatened and fight for their territory right away, which is precisely what they should not be doing. Male betta fish don't get along, and they must be kept apart unless otherwise stated.
Always. When it comes to females, things are a little different. They can live in groups if they are kept together and without any male specimens nearby. Females generally dwell in sororities in the wild, so this is entirely acceptable and safe. They will be aggressive to each other for the first few weeks, but only until a hierarchy order is established. They may cohabit in peace once they decide on their alpha female.
Goldfish
Goldfish are a type of carp, and as such they get quite large. Bettas are usually someone who likes to have control over their territory and live in a clean tank. When you put a big, messy fish like the goldfish in with the betta, it can really mess up the tank and make it hard for the betta to live in peace.
Goldfish produce a lot of waste, and they like to dig in the gravel at the bottom of the tank. This can stir up all the dirt and make it difficult for the betta to live because of other poor water quality. Also, the bright colors of goldfish may make the betta fish feel threatened. As a result, betta may start to attack the goldfish, which can lead to serious injuries.
Piranhas
Piranhas may be a popular fish for aquariums, but they are definitely not a good idea if you want to have a peaceful tank. These fish get quite large and tend to be very aggressive. Piranhas will attack any other type of fish in the tank, including the betta. They are also known to be cannibalistic, so they may attack and eat the betta fish. Piranhas require a lot of space and a specialized environment, so they are not recommended for the average home aquarium.
Angel Fish
Angelfish are a popular fish for community fish tanks, but they are not a good idea if you want to have a peaceful tank. These fish get quite large and tend to be very aggressive. Angelfish will attack any other type of fish in the tank, including the betta. They are also known to be cannibalistic, so they may attack and eat the betta fish. Angelfish require plenty of space and a specialized environment, so they are not recommended for the average home aquarium.
Redtail Sharks
The red tail shark is a medium-sized freshwater fish in the Cyprinidae family. The red tail shark is a popular fish with fish keepers because of its shark-like appearance and energetic personality. They are robust, but the fish's territorial nature makes them somewhat demanding to maintain.
The snout of the red tail shark is pointed, and the dorsal fin is triangular in shape. Some red tail sharks have a white tip on top of their dorsal fins. The temperament of the redtail shark is comparable to that of the betta. They can become defensive and aggressive if other fish enter their area. Just like betta fish, these fishes also appreciate their personal space.
Will Your Betta Attack His Tank Mates?
You can never be sure how your betta would respond to tankmates until you put one in his or her tank. However, unless you provide them with enough room, most of the time it will work out fine. Bettas are notorious for being territorial and may assault other fish.
If you are concerned about how your betta will react to new tankmates, it is critical to observe him or her for a few days after they have been introduced to the aquarium. This may assist you in determining whether or not there is any aggressiveness going on. You may need to remove the tankmates or re-home them if there is significant aggression.
Will Betta Get Used to Tank Mates?
Yes, betta will eventually get used to tank mates. In fact, many bettas become more docile when living with other fish. If you introduce them gradually and provide plenty of hiding places, your betta should get along well with most tank mates. Remember that not all fish are compatible with bettas and some may be more aggressive than others. Do some research before adding any other fish to your tank. After all, you don't want them to become another fish's food source.
Things to Consider While Choosing a Tank Mate
When it comes to choosing tank mates for your betta, it is important to consider the following:-
Size of the Fish
The size of the fish is important to consider because bettas are smaller in size. Choose a fish that is similar in size to your betta so they don't feel threatened. Choosing a bigger fish may result in stress and anxiety. Also, make sure that the fish you pick for your tank isn't too tiny, since they may be eaten by your betta.
Size of the Tank
The size of the tank is also important to consider. Never add more than one fish per gallon to your tank. This will help keep the fish healthy and stress-free. If you are planning to add more fish then make sure it's a 10-gallon tank.
Water Parameters
The water parameters are also important to consider when choosing tank mates for your betta. Bettas are tropical fish, so they should only be put together with other tropical fish species. Do not add a betta to a tank with cold-water fish, as they will not be able to survive. Make sure that the pH level, temperature, and hardness of the water are compatible with the fish you choose. If not, it may result in illness or death.
The Temperament of the Fish
The temperament of the fish is also important to consider because some fish are more aggressive than others. Choose a fish that has a calm temperament so they don't threaten your betta. When betta feel threatened, they may become aggressive and attack the other fish.
The Compatibility of the Fish
This is another factor to consider because not all fish are compatible with bettas. So, it is important to do your research before adding any new fish to your tank. Some fish may be more aggressive than others and may not get along well with your betta. In that case, female bettas may be a better option because they are less aggressive fish compared to males. After observing your betta for a few days after adding new tank mates, you may be able to determine whether or not they are compatible.
The Environment of the Tank
It is important to consider the environment of the tank before adding any new fish. Some fish require a specialized environment and may not be compatible with the betta. Add a lot of hiding places to the tank to make sure your betta feels safe. Plants are also a good addition to the tank as they provide cover for the fish.
Summing Up
Bettas are called Siamese fighting fish and can be housed with a variety of different tank mates as long as the size of the fish and tank is taken into consideration. Always do your research beforehand to make sure the fish you choose are compatible. There are many different types of fish that can be housed with a betta; however, some are more compatible than others.
They may include any other similar-sized peaceful fish. Be sure to add plenty of hiding places to the tank as well. Remember that not all fish are compatible with bettas and some may be more aggressive than others. When choosing tank mates for your betta, it is important to consider the size of the fish, the size of the tank, the water parameters, and the temperament of the fish.
Sometimes, it so happens that the fish is incompatible with the betta and they will fight. If this occurs, it is important to separate the fish. So, if you are someone who is looking for compatible tank mates for your betta, this article is a good place to start. Happy fish keeping!
