What Fish Can Live With Bettas

As a popular aquarium fish, Betta fish are known for their vibrant colors and long, flowing fins. These beautiful fish have become a common household pet and are often kept in small tanks or bowls. While Bettas are known for their beauty, they are also known for their aggression, making it challenging to keep them with other fish.

In this blog post, we will discuss what fish can live with Bettas and provide some tips for creating a harmonious community tank. We will also explore some of the fish species that should be avoided when keeping Bettas.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Tankmates for Bettas

Before introducing any fish to a Betta tank, it is essential to consider several factors that can influence compatibility. Below are some of the factors that should be considered when choosing tankmates for Bettas.

Compatibility with Betta Temperament

Betta fish are known for their aggression, especially the males. These fish will attack anything that they perceive as a threat or a potential rival, which includes other fish. Therefore, it is crucial to choose tankmates that have a peaceful temperament and are not likely to provoke the Betta.

Similar Water Parameter Requirements

When it comes to keeping fish, it is essential to maintain the proper water parameters to ensure that all the fish in the tank are healthy. Bettas are known to prefer warm water with a temperature range between 76-82°F. It is also essential to maintain a pH level between 6.0-7.5 and keep the water hardness between 3-8 dKH. Therefore, it is important to choose tankmates that have similar water parameter requirements to the Betta.

Size and Aggression of Potential Tankmates

When choosing tankmates for Bettas, it is essential to consider the size and aggression of the other fish. Bettas have long fins that can be easily damaged by other fish that have a tendency to nip. Therefore, it is important to choose fish that are of similar size and temperament to the Betta.

Space and Hiding Places

Finally, it is important to ensure that the tank has enough space and hiding places for all the fish. Bettas are known to be territorial, and it is important to provide adequate hiding places to prevent any aggression or fights. It is also important to ensure that the tank is large enough to accommodate all the fish comfortably.

Fish Species That Can Live With Bettas

Now that we have considered the factors to consider when choosing tankmates for Bettas, let's take a look at some fish species that can live with Bettas.

1. Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras Catfish are a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish that can be an excellent tankmate for Bettas. These fish are known for their small size, and they are unlikely to provoke the Betta. Corydoras Catfish prefer soft, slightly acidic water, and they are relatively easy to care for.

2. Neon Tetras

Neon Tetras are a colorful and peaceful fish that can be an excellent addition to a Betta tank. These fish are known for their bright blue and red stripes, and they are unlikely to provoke the Betta. Neon Tetras prefer slightly acidic water, and they can be kept in groups of six or more.

3. Pygmy Gourami

Pygmy Gourami are a peaceful fish that can be an excellent tankmate for Bettas. These fish are small in size, and they are unlikely to provoke the Betta. Pygmy Gourami prefer warm, slightly acidic water, and they can be kept in pairs.

4. Harlequin Rasboras

Harlequin Rasboras are a peaceful fish that can be an excellent addition to a Betta tank. These fish are known for their bright orange and black stripes, and they are unlikelyto provoke the Betta. Harlequin Rasboras prefer slightly acidic water, and they can be kept in groups of six or more.

5. Cherry Shrimp

Cherry Shrimp are a peaceful and colorful addition to a Betta tank. These shrimp are small and unlikely to provoke the Betta. Cherry Shrimp prefer slightly acidic water and can be kept in groups of six or more. They also help to clean the tank by eating algae and other debris.

Fish Species to Avoid Keeping With Bettas

While there are several fish species that can live with Bettas, there are also fish species that should be avoided when keeping Bettas. Below are some fish species that are not suitable tankmates for Bettas.

1. Guppies

Guppies are a popular fish species that are known for their vibrant colors and peaceful nature. However, these fish are not suitable tankmates for Bettas. Guppies have long, flowing fins that can be mistaken for another Betta, causing aggression from the Betta. Additionally, Guppies prefer hard, alkaline water, which is not suitable for Bettas.

2. Angelfish

Angelfish are a large and aggressive fish species that should not be kept with Bettas. Angelfish are known to nip the fins of other fish, including Bettas. Additionally, Angelfish prefer a higher pH level than Bettas, which can be challenging to maintain in a shared tank.

3. Goldfish

Goldfish are a popular fish species that are not suitable tankmates for Bettas. Goldfish prefer cold water, while Bettas prefer warm water. Additionally, Goldfish are known to be aggressive and can harm the Bettas. Goldfish also require a much larger tank than Bettas, making it challenging to keep them together in the same tank.

4. Mollies

Mollies are a large and aggressive fish species that should not be kept with Bettas. Mollies are known to nip the fins of other fish, including Bettas. Additionally, Mollies prefer hard, alkaline water, which is not suitable for Bettas.

5. Cichlids

Cichlids are a large and aggressive fish species that should not be kept with Bettas. Cichlids are known to be territorial and can harm the Bettas. Additionally, Cichlids prefer a higher pH level than Bettas, which can be challenging to maintain in a shared tank.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bettas are beautiful and popular aquarium fish that require careful consideration when choosing tankmates. It is essential to consider factors such as compatibility with Bettas' temperament, similar water parameter requirements, size and aggression of potential tankmates, and space and hiding places. Some excellent fish species that can live with Bettas include Corydoras Catfish, Neon Tetras, Pygmy Gourami, Harlequin Rasboras, and Cherry Shrimp.

It is also important to avoid keeping certain fish species with Bettas, such as Guppies, Angelfish, Goldfish, Mollies, and Cichlids. By carefully selecting compatible tankmates and providing adequate space and hiding places, a harmonious community tank can be created for Bettas and other fish species to thrive.