What Fish Can Live With Bettas
Introduction
Are you a proud owner of a magnificent betta fish and wondering if you can add some companions to its tank? While bettas are known for their vibrant colors and striking personalities, it’s essential to provide them with suitable tankmates to ensure a harmonious aquatic environment. In this article, we’ll explore some excellent choices for fish that can happily coexist with bettas, creating a captivating and peaceful underwater community.
Additionally, it’s important to note that the compatibility of fish species can vary depending on individual temperaments and tank conditions. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor your fish closely after introducing them to ensure they are adapting well and there is no aggression or stress.
Top Betta Fish Tank Mates
These aquatic animals are the perfect betta fish tank mates that you can find.
1. Kuhli Loaches
These strange fish that like eels reach a length of approximately 3.5 inches and are excellent hunters, gathering any extra food that your betta may drop. Being creatures that sleep, they typically hide in groups throughout the day and come out to play when the lights go off and your betta is asleep, making them a very safe choice. Even more aggressive betta fish can get along well with kuhli loaches as roommates if they work various “shifts.” Just be sure to give these little water noodles a lot of sinking food, such as live black worms, frozen blood worms, and Rep ashy gel food.
2. Harlequin Rasboras
This fish, which is 2 inches in size and suitable for beginners, has a striking black triangle patch on its orange body that makes it stand out in an aquarium. Buy a group of at least six rasboras, and they will happily interact with one another, just like the ember tetras. They won’t overpower the food at mealtimes and will keep out of your betta’s way because of their calm disposition. Your betta fish may attempt to chase them occasionally (though not very successfully), which gives him enjoyment and beneficial exercise.
3. Ember Tetras
These vibrant, brilliant 1-inch red-orange tetras are a great addition to any aquarium that is 10 gallons or larger. Our family had an unforgettable experience when we introduced a group of these tetras to our betta tank. To enable them to learn together and make it more difficult for the betta to single someone out, we made sure to buy at least five or six of them. The entire community tank became a delight to feed, as these calm tetras preferred to swim in the middle of the tank and typically consumed the same meals as our betta. What truly amazed us was the stunning contrast they created when paired with our solid white or bright blue betta fish. The sight of their vibrant red-orange against the betta’s striking colors was truly impressive, leaving us in awe of the beauty that nature can create.
4. Malaysian Trumpet Snails
Similar to the kuhli loach, Malaysian trumpet snails are excellent for keeping with bettas due to their nighttime activity and daytime burrowing in their habitat. Since live-bearing snails easily reproduce if provided adequate nutrition, you don’t need to purchase as many of them originally. This hardworking snail will remove algae from glass surfaces and consume organic matter without contributing excessive trash or bioload to the tank. Their longer antennae may fool your betta fish into thinking it’s a tasty worm, therefore we favor them over the larger mystery snail that prefers to feed during the day.
5. Cory Catfish
Unlike tetras and rasboras, corydoras are excellent schooling fish that like to live near the bottom of the tank. Our family had a wonderful experience introducing a group of corydoras to our betta tank. To ensure that, we acquired at least three to six of the same species. Watching these playful catfish bank together or swim loosely in a group brought a lively and dynamic element to the tank. We had the opportunity to choose from various common species, such as the albino cory, panda cory, and pygmy cory, each with its unique charm.
Growing to be between one and three inches long, these small catfish diligently searched the tank floor for leftovers, contributing to the overall cleanliness. However, it’s important to note that they require a special diet of sinking foods to ensure they have enough to eat and thrive in the tank. The presence of these delightful corydoras added a fascinating dimension to our betta tank, creating a diverse and engaging underwater community that brought us joy and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of aquatic life.
6. Shrimp
Certain shrimp species, such as glass or ghost shrimp, are great companions for betta fish. They don’t need much area because they will stick to the bottom of your tank. They’ll assist you in keeping your tank clean and are also affordable!
7. African Dwarf Frogs
African dwarf frogs are a peaceful species that make excellent companions for betta fish aquariums. The frogs need a place to land so they can breathe, so make sure you have a means for them to get to the surface. They look fantastic in aquariums and require very little maintenance.
8. Guppies
Guppies make excellent companions in betta fish tanks because they are a calm species of fish. If you choose this path, make sure you choose feeder guppies rather than long-finned species like fancy guppy. Just be careful to just have one gender at a time—that is, unless you want your fish tank to become home to an entire school of guppies!
9. Clown Pleco
These make great companions for betta fish in tanks, although they frequently require much bigger tanks to live in. They are thick-skinned, non-aggressive bottom feeders that deter betta fish from showing interest. Clown plecos can only reach a maximum size of five inches, so if your tank is on the smaller side, be sure to get one. If you choose the incorrect one, you could have a 1-2 meter issue! It should be noted that gold nugget plecos are highly colorful and could upset your betta fish, so steer clear of them.
10. Otocinclus
Otocinclus catfish, also known as algae eaters, can be a potential tank mate for your betta. These tiny, peaceful fish are excellent at cleaning up algae wafers and biofilm, helping to maintain a clean tank. However, there are a few things to consider. Bettas with flowing fins might view them as competition, and otocinclus are sensitive to water quality fluctuations. If you have a larger tank (over 10 gallons) with a well-established ecosystem and a docile betta, otocinclus could be a good fit, but careful monitoring is recommended.
| Tank Mate | Size | Special Needs | Pros | Cons |
| Kuhli Loach | 3.5 inches | Nighttime activity, sinking food | Excellent scavengers, peaceful | May be seen as competition by some bettas |
| Harlequin Rasbora | 2 inches | Group of at least 6 | Peaceful, colorful | Maybe chased occasionally |
| Ember Tetra | 1 inch | Group of at least 5-6, 10+ gallon tank | Peaceful, schooling fish | Maybe chased occasionally |
| Malaysian Trumpet Snail | Varies | Nighttime activity | Excellent algae eaters, low bioload | Long antennae may attract bettas |
| Cory Catfish | 1-3 inches | Group of at least 3-6, sinking food | Peaceful, bottom feeders | Require special diet |
| Ghost Shrimp | Varies | None | Clean-up crew, affordable | May be seen as prey by some bettas |
| African Dwarf Frog | Varies | Access to the water surface | Peaceful, interesting appearance | Requires specific tank setup |
| Feeder Guppy (Male only) | Varies | Single-gender only | Peaceful | May breed rapidly |
| Clown Pleco (Small tank size) | Up to 5 inches | Larger tank preferred | Peaceful, algae eaters | Large plecos are not suitable for small tanks |
| Otocinclus Catfish | Small | Well-established tank, docile betta | Peaceful, algae eaters | Sensitive to water changes |
Conclusion
By selecting compatible tankmates, such as peaceful community fish, non-threatening bottom dwellers, or invertebrates, you can create a captivating underwater community that enhances the beauty of your betta tank. Our family’s experience highlighted the joy of observing a well-balanced betta tank, where different species peacefully coexisted, creating a harmonious and visually stunning environment. Remember to monitor interactions between your betta and its tankmates to ensure everyone is content and stress-free. Create an enchanting and vibrant home for your betta fish, making their tank a true underwater paradise that can be cherished by the whole family.
FAQ’s
Q: Can my betta fish live with other fish?
A: Yes, but with some limitations! Bettas can be territorial, so choosing peaceful tank mates and providing enough hiding spots is key.
Q: What’s the best tank mate for my betta?
A: It depends on your tank size and Betta’s personality. Peaceful schooling fish like tetras or rasboras, bottom feeders like corydoras catfish, or snails and shrimp can all be good options. Consider factors like activity level, hiding needs, and potential for aggression.
Q: How many tank mates can I add to my betta tank?
A: A good rule of thumb is to start with a smaller number of tank mates (around 5-6) and observe their interactions with your betta. Remember, a larger tank provides more space for everyone.
Q: My betta chases the other fish! Is this normal?
A: Some occasional chasing is normal, especially if your betta has flowing fins. However, persistent chasing or nipping is a sign of stress or incompatibility. You might need to separate the fish or try a different tank mate.
Q: What size tank do I need for a betta and tank mates?
A bigger tank is generally better! Aim for at least 10 gallons for a betta with peaceful community fish. This ensures enough space for territories and reduces stress.