What Fish Can Live With Bettas: Tank Mate Companion Guide

Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a popular choice for aquarium hobbyists due to their stunning colors and distinctive long fins. While bettas are generally peaceful fish, they can be territorial and may not always get along with other fish species in the same tank. In this article, we will explore some of the fish species that can coexist peacefully with bettas, as well as some non-fish tank mates that can be added to a betta tank. We will also discuss the use of tank dividers as a way to house multiple male bettas, and touch upon some factors to consider when choosing betta tank mates. Finally, we will answer some frequently asked questions about betta fish compatibility.

4 Fish That Can Live With Female Bettas

Female bettas are generally more peaceful and less territorial than male bettas, making them easier to place in a community tank with other fish species. Here are four fish that can be good tank mates for female bettas:

Other Female Bettas: While male bettas are typically territorial and aggressive towards other males, female bettas can often coexist peacefully with one another. This can be a good option for aquarists who want to keep multiple bettas in the same tank.

Swordtail

Swordtails are a type of livebearer that are known for their long, sword-like tails. They are generally peaceful fish that can coexist well with female bettas.

Neon Tetra

These small, colorful fish are a popular choice for community tanks. They are peaceful and generally not aggressive towards other fish, including female bettas.

Platies

Platies are another type of livebearer that are known for their bright colors and hardy nature. They are generally peaceful and can be good tank mates for female bettas.

3 Fish Species that You Can Pair with Male Bettas

Male bettas are more territorial and may be more prone to aggression towards other male fish. However, there are still some fish species that can be paired with male bettas in a community tank. Here are three options:

Harlequin Rasbora: These small, colorful fish are known for their peaceful nature and are generally not aggressive towards other fish. They can be a good choice for a tank with a male betta.

Cardinal Fish (Female Only): Cardinal fish are known for their bright red color and peaceful nature. It’s important to note that only female cardinal fish should be paired with male bettas, as the males are more aggressive and may harass the betta.

Otocinclus: Otocinclus are small, peaceful fish that are often used as algae eaters in aquariums. They are not aggressive towards other fish and can be a good choice for a tank with a male betta.

Non-Fish Species Tank Mates For Betta

If you’re looking to add some variety to your betta tank, there are also a few non-fish species that can be good tank mates. Here are two options:

Snails

Snails are a popular choice for betta tanks due to their peaceful nature and ability to help control algae growth. They can also provide a natural food source for bettas, as bettas will sometimes prey on small snails in the wild.

Marimo Moss Balls

Marimo moss balls are small, round balls of algae that are popular in Japan and have become a popular addition to aquariums. They are not aggressive and can provide a natural, low-maintenance addition to a betta tank.

Using Tank Dividers With Multiple Male Betta Fish

If you have multiple male bettas that you want to keep in the same tank, using a tank divider can be a good solution. Tank dividers allow you to separate the males into different sections of the tank, preventing them from seeing and potentially harassing one another. This can be a good option for aquarists who want to keep multiple male bettas but do not have the space or resources for multiple tanks.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using tank dividers with male bettas:

• Make sure the dividers are sturdy and secure, as male bettas are known to be strong and may try to push or jump over the dividers.
• Leave enough space between the dividers for the bettas to have their own territory and prevent them from feeling too crowded.
• Monitor the bettas regularly to make sure they are not showing signs of stress or aggression towards one another.

Things to Avoid When Choosing Betta Fish Tank Mates

Betta fish are known for their stunning colors and long, flowing fins, making them a popular choice for aquarium hobbyists. However, bettas are also known to be territorial and may not always get along with other fish species in the same tank. When choosing tank mates for bettas, it’s important to avoid certain types of fish that may be harmful or incompatible with bettas.

Avoid Fin Nippers

Some fish species, such as tiger barbs and other barbs, have a tendency to nip at the fins of other fish. This can be harmful to bettas, who have long, delicate fins. It’s important to avoid these types of fish when choosing tank mates for bettas.

Avoid Fish that Bash

Some fish, such as cichlids and goldfish, are known for their tendency to bash into other fish or objects in the tank. This can be harmful to bettas and should be avoided.

Avoid Fish that Swim Fast

Some fish, such as danios and tetras, are known for their fast swimming speed. This can be intimidating to bettas and may cause them to feel stressed or threatened. It’s important to avoid these types of fish when choosing tank mates for bettas.

Avoid Some Shoaling and Schooling Fish

Some fish species, such as tetras and barbs, are known for their tendency to form large groups or schools. While this can be a beautiful sight in an aquarium, it can also be intimidating to bettas and may cause them to feel threatened.

Avoid Fish that Need a Lot of Water or Deep Water

Betta fish are native to shallow, slow-moving bodies of water in Southeast Asia. As such, they may not be well-suited for tanks with deep water or strong water flow. It’s important to research the specific needs of any potential tank mates to make sure they are compatible with bettas.

Tail Shape: Affecting The Choice Of Betta Tank Mates

Betta fish are known for their long, flowing fins, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The shape of a betta’s fins can affect its behavior and personality, and may also impact its compatibility with other fish species. For example, bettas with round or flowing fins (such as veil tails or delta tails) may be more prone to nipping or harassing other fish with long fins, such as angelfish or guppies. On the other hand, bettas with shorter, more rigid fins (such as halfmoons or crowntails) may be less prone to this behavior and may be more compatible with a wider range of tank mates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put betta fish with other fish?

Betta fish can be kept with other fish in a community tank, but it’s important to choose the right tank mates. Female bettas are generally more peaceful and easier to place in a community tank, while male bettas are more territorial and may be more prone to aggression towards other males. It’s important to research the specific needs and characteristics of any potential tank mates to make sure they are compatible with bettas.

Is it easier to place female bettas in a community tank?

In general, female bettas are more peaceful and less territorial than male bettas, making them easier to place in a community tank with other fish species. However, it’s still important to research the specific needs and characteristics of any potential tank mates to make sure they are compatible with the female bettas.

Conclusion

Betta fish can be a beautiful and fascinating addition to any aquarium, but it’s important to consider their territorial nature when choosing tank mates. Female bettas are generally more peaceful and easier to place in a community tank, while male bettas are more territorial and may be more prone to aggression towards other males. By choosing the right tank mates and using dividers if necessary, it is possible to create a successful and harmonious community tank for your bettas.