Although many believe that Bettas can only be housed by themselves because they’ll “kill” anything alive in the tank, Bettas CAN be housed with other fish/invertebrates. In fact, there are quite a few species that can successfully coexist with a Betta. The general rule is that a Betta can live with anything as long as it’s
- Not colorful or resemble a rival Betta’s colors (Guppies)
- Not a fin nipper (Tiger Barbs are a big NO)
- The right size for the size of the tank (No Common Plecos in a 10-gallon tank since they get to 2 feet in length)
- Lives roughly in the same water conditions as a Betta (no brackish fish)
If a possible tankmate qualifies for all 4 conditions, then they should make great tankmates with a Betta. Another important condition is the Betta’s personality. Because every Betta has his or her own unique characteristics, whether or not a tankmates will peacefully live with the Betta varies widely.
An overly aggressive Betta should only be housed by itself while a shy/ peaceful Betta can possibly live with Guppies or other colorful fish. However, Bettas are solitary fish meaning they do best by themselves. That’s how they live in the wild. Additionally, adding fish to a Betta tank may cause the Betta to become aggressive because it thinks that another fish is swimming over his/her territory. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get your Betta a tankmate. As long as your Betta doesn’t show any signs of distress or become aggressive, everything will be alright. It’s up to the owner to decide whether or not to get a tankmate. Now, on to the common tankmates!
Highly Compatible
Fish listed here are the best possible tankmates you can have with your Betta.
African Dwarf Frogs
African Dwarf Frogs make excellent Betta tankmates. Because frogs look nothing like Bettas (obviously), there’s little to chance of a fight to occur. The Betta will just let the frog do whatever frogs do. Additionally, African Dwarf Frogs produce little waste meaning that you don’t have to worry about nitrates/nitrites/ammonia. The only problem is feeding them. Since they aren’t particularly good swimmers, the Betta will usually his own food and then proceed with eating the frogs food before the frog notices that food is ready.
Apple/Mystery/Nerite Snail
Snails make great tankmates with a Betta because of its hard shell which protects it from curious Bettas maybe even hungry Bettas. Apple Snails come in a variety of colors and can get up the size of a softball. For this reason, you could need more than a 2.5 gallon tank to house a Betta with an Apple Snail. Another type of snail that fits well with a Betta is a Nerite Snail. These snails only get up to around an inch in length and are excellent scavengers. They are also great algae eaters and have interesting shell patterns. However, all snails are highly sensitive to copper so any medicine containing copper cannot be used in a tank with snails (or any invertebrate for that matter). A better choice would be to have a hospital tank and put the sick Betta there to treat and leave the snails in the main tank.
Ghost/Red Cherry Shrimp
Although most ghost shrimp are sold as live food for larger fish such as cichlids, they make great pets and tankmates. Additionally, because their bodies are entirely clear, Bettas have a hard time seeing them so they cause any harm. Red cherry shrimp, my favorite invertebrate, is also a great tankmate for many reasons. Because they only get up to an inch long, they produce very little to no waste meaning you can have 10 shrimp per gallon. Additionally, they are easily bred so that 10 will become 100 in a month or two. You can keep 10 and then sell the rest for a huge profit.
Not only that, but they are one of the best algae eaters, behind the Amano Shrimp. If you had a choice between ghost shrimp and red cherry shrimp, definitely choose the red cherry shrimp. However, make sure that there is plenty of cover and that the Betta is well fed or else your shrimp may become an expensive appetizer.
Cories (Corydoras Catfish)
Cories (Panda, Dwarf, Albino, etc) are another great choice for a Betta community tank. Because cories are bottom feeders while Bettas swim at the top levels of the tank, there will rarely be any confrontations regarding territory. Additionally, Cories are a peaceful bottom feeder, unlike Chinese algae eaters which don’t even eat algae but instead on the slime coat of its tankmates. However, Cories do best in groups of 4 more so at least 10 gallons is necessary. But with a group, you can enjoy the interactions of a schooling group of fish.
Loaches
Similar to Cories, Loaches are bottom feeders and basically look like a bigger version of Cories. Thus, a larger tank is necessary. In fact, some Loaches can get as big as 16″ (Clown Loach). However, all types of loaches are peaceful.
I recommend Khuli Loaches(4″), Dwarf Loaches(2.5″), Hillsteam Loaches(3″), and Zebra Loaches(4″).
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish, or Otos for short, have similar needs as cories but are much harder to acclimate since mainly because most of them are caught from the wild and have not been bred in an aquarium environment.
This causes them to be sensitive to any change in water conditions. However, once your Oto survives the first 1-2 weeks, he’ll live for a long time provided that the water remains stable and clean.
White Cloud Mountain Minnows
White Clouds are similar to Neon Tetras in size and coloration but are more peaceful, hardy, and enjoy cooler water. Their temperature range is between 68-78 degrees but can survive in the 50 degree range. Their hardiness makes them an excellent fish for a beginner and their temperament makes them a great tankmate for a Betta.
However, the temperature of the aquarium would need to be in the upper 70’s (78F) to accommodate the Bettas needs and the White Cloud’s needs. Additionally, similar to the Red Cherry Shrimp, white clouds are easy to breed and are believed to not eat their young (the Betta might though). White Clouds are a very good choice for a tankmate and for a beginning aquarist.
Slightly Compatible
Fish listed here are suitable to live with a Betta with no problems but should be a second priority to the fish listed above.
Neon/Cardinal Tetras
These Tetras share the same water conditions as Bettas, low pH, high temp, and soft water. However, their colors may cause the Betta to become aggressive.
Their speed though counters this problem in that they can easily avoid the Bettas attack.
Additionally, Tetras enjoy being in schools so 5+ in a 10 gallon tank is necessary for healthy Tetras. Make sure to have plenty of hiding places for any fish to escape to.
Plecos (not Common Pleco)
Plecos make excellent algae eaters but questionable Betta tankmates. The only reason why they are questionable is because of the tank size. Common Plecos can get up to 2 feet, the length of a 10 gallon tank. And since most Betta owners don’t keep their Betta in an aquarium more than 10 gallons, common plecos are a no. However, there are some smaller species of Plecos. For example, clown plecos, Bristlenose Plecos, Pit Bull, and Rubber Lipped Plecos max out at around 5 inches. So, one can fit in a 10 gallon tank. Additionally, the armor plating on these algae eaters will protect themselves from any Betta aggression.
Feeder/Wild Guppies
If you really want to have Guppies with your Betta, your best bet is to get feeder Guppies. Although really inexpensive, they are dull colored so they won’t look as vibrant as fancy Guppies.
This is why they can be housed with Bettas. However, because they are sold as feeder fish, many of them will be sick and can transmit whatever disease they have to the Betta. As long as you get healthy fish, they should be good tankmates.
Rasboras
Rasboras make good possible tankmates for the same reasons as Neon Tetras. They enjoy soft water and low pH. And similar to Neon Tetras, Rasboras enjoy being in large groups.
One difference between Rasboras and Tetras is that Rasboras are more peaceful than Tetras.
However, their colors are less vibrant than those of a Neon Tetra.
Highly Questionable
Fish listed have been successfully kept with Bettas but are not recommended
Common Pleco
The only condition where keeping a Common Pleco with a Betta is even possible, let alone recommended, is if the tank is 30+ gallons, and that’s before they’re fully grown. Because Common Plecos can get up to 2 feet in length and produce plenty of waste, a tank of that size is extremely necessary. Unless you really want to house a Pleco and Betta together and are willing to get a tank 30+ gallons, then I don’t recommend getting a Common Pleco. You can definitely get other types of Plecos that stay small, such as Clown Plecos, Bristlenose, and Pit Bull Plecos. Or you can get other bottom feeders such as Otos or Cories.
Fancy Guppies
There are certain requirements you must consider before thinking about housing guppies with a Betta.
- The Betta has to have a peaceful personality
- The Guppies cannot resemble a Betta (female Guppies are a better choice than males)
- You must be prepared for the worst
- The tank must have plenty of hiding places for injured or stressed fish
Although housing fancy Guppies with Bettas has been successfully done many times, it doesn’t necessarily mean that this combination will work for everyone. Housing Guppies with Bettas is done at the fish owner’s risk. Don’t expect that they will all get along just fine.
Platies
Again, platies have the same requirements as fancy guppies. However, platies enjoy water conditions with a high pH and high alkalinity (hard water). Additionally, Platies may become aggressive nip the fins of the Betta.
Mollies
Mollies, as with all livebearers like Guppies and Platies, enjoy hard water with a high pH, the opposite of what a Betta prefers. Additionally, some Mollies may become very aggressive if the tank is not big enough since Mollies can get up to around 3 inches so a 5 gallon tank with one Betta and one Molly is pushing it. Mollies with shorter tails make better tankmates than the Lyretail Mollies since the fancy tails may cause the Betta to mistake a Molly as a rival.
Swordtails
Swordtails have the same cons as the other three livebearers, plus other characteristics that make them unappealing as tankmates.
Swordtails live in fast moving waters while Bettas live in slow moving rice paddies. Additionally, Swordtail colors and tails may cause aggression from the Betta.
Chinese Algae Eaters
Another bad choice overall for all types of community tanks. Not only do they suck on the sides of fish, but they don’t even eat algae.
As they get older, they become more aggressive and seem to enjoy the taste of the slime coat of fish. Without this slime coat, all fish become more susceptible to disease. I do not recommend getting this fish at all.
Other Bettas
Unless you’re trying to make a female sorority tank (which needs at least 5 females), or having a divided tank, don’t even think about trying to house Bettas together. There’s a reason why they are called Siamese Fighting Fish, they fight with each other. Usually, in the wild where they live in thousands of gallons of water fights are not to the death as many people believe.
In their homeland, whoever wins takes the territory and the loser swims away to live another day. In an aquarium, the loser tries to swim away but the tank too small. The loser is unable to escape, and the winner continues the beating until the loser finally dies a painful death. Even a divided tank is dangerous since Bettas are super athletic and can jump over a divider that’s 1 inch above the surface.
Out of the Picture
Fish listed here shouldn’t even cross your mind, let alone your Bettas path.
Cichlids
Not only are Cichlids highly aggressive, but they live best in water conditions that are opposite than those of a Betta.
They enjoy high pH and hard water while Bettas enjoy soft water with low pH.
Additionally, most Cichlids get way too big for tanks under 10 gallons.
Most Cichlids need aquariums 20+ gallons and that’s when they aren’t fully grown.
Goldfish
Many people think that putting a Goldfish and a Betta is a great idea since both are believed to be able to live in a bowl. Putting Goldfish and Bettas together is a horrible idea for many reasons.
- Goldfish are cold water fish (enjoy the low 60’s) and Bettas are warm water fish (enjoy the low 80’s). That’s a 20-degree difference. Try swimming in a heated pool at 80 degrees and then jumping into the ocean that’s 60 degrees and you’ll see how big a difference that is; quite a shock for both fishes.
- Goldfish are extremely messy so the minimal size tank necessary is 20 gallons for one goldfish. Since the average fish keeper doesn’t follow this rule and keeps their Betta and Goldfish in a 10 gallon, nitrates go through the roof within a few days.
- Since Goldfish are so messy, they require much stronger filtration than a regular fish. With a stronger filtration system, the stronger the current, and the more stressed the Betta. A filter that strong would create a current that a Betta cannot swim through.
Tiger Barbs
Tiger Barbs, are also an extremely bad choice for a tankmate. If you put a Tiger Barb with a Betta, you’re guaranteed to get your Betta’s fins ripped into confetti by the next day or your money back.
And because Tiger Barbs are so fast, the Betta doesn’t stand a chance to defend itself. Tiger Barbs are basically a bad choice for a peaceful community tank. They are better off living with Cichlids who can fight back.
Gourami (All Species)
Gourami make a bad choice for tankmates because they are in the same family as Bettas. And in-laws never get along so don’t expect them to be best buddies.
Because they are in the same family, Bettas and Gourami are more likely to fight each other. Additionally, both are very aggressive fish, adding to the danger of housing them together