Betta fish are well-known for their aggressive nature, especially towards their own kind, which is why they are often called “Siamese Fighting Fish” in Europe. Keeping two male bettas together will almost always result in aggression.
However, this doesn’t mean your betta fish has to live alone…
Surprisingly, bettas can coexist with carefully selected tropical fish. In this article, we will explore the best tank mates for betta fish and discuss which other fish are most compatible with bettas.
Pros & Cons of Tank Mates for Betta Fish
Before delving into the list of potential betta fish tank mates, it’s important to consider if your fish actually needs companionship. Many fish keepers choose to keep a single betta on its own: why is that?
Pros of Providing Tank Mates
Visual Appeal: An aquarium with just one fish may not be visually appealing. Most betta fish are shy and tend to hide, so adding other fish can make the tank more interesting and engaging.
Adding tank mates can enhance social interaction and behavior, providing a more dynamic environment for your betta fish.
Cons of Providing Tank Mates
Risk to Betta Fish: Betta fish have delicate fins that can be targeted by more aggressive tank mates, leading to stress and potential physical harm.
Feeding Competition: Bettas can be outcompeted for food by faster or more agile fish, resulting in weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
Larger Tank May Be Required: Adding tank mates may necessitate a larger tank to accommodate the increased bioload and space requirements.
Tank mates could impact the health and well-being of your betta fish, leading to potential issues like stress, food competition, and increased maintenance.
Do Betta Fish Get Lonely?
One common question regarding betta fish tank mates is whether bettas experience loneliness. Evidence suggests that they do not.
Considering the potential drawbacks of adding tank mates, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before introducing additional fish to your betta tank.
Considerations Before Adding Tank Mates to Your Betta Tank
Before rushing to the aquarium store, consider some key factors. Here are the critical questions to ask yourself:
Check That Your Betta Fish Tank is Large Enough
Overstocking can lead to various issues, so ensure your tank has adequate space for additional inhabitants.
Choose Peaceful Community Fish
Opt for non-aggressive fish that can coexist peacefully with bettas, avoiding species that may pose a threat.
Provide Suitable Hiding Places
Enhance your tank with hiding spots to allow fish to retreat if needed, promoting a stress-free environment.
Avoid Colorful Fish With Long Fins
To prevent confusion and aggression, avoid brightly colored fish with flowing fins that may be mistaken for rivals by bettas.
Maintain a Back-Up Plan
Be prepared to separate fish if conflicts arise, ensuring you have a contingency plan in case of any issues.
What are the Best Tank Mates for Betta Fish Tanks?
After considering the factors involved in adding tank mates to your betta tank, it’s essential to select suitable species. The best tank mates for betta fish are generally small, peaceful community fish, catfish, or invertebrates.
African Dwarf Frogs
African dwarf frogs can make an intriguing addition to your tank, growing to around 8 cm and coexisting peacefully with bettas.
Amano Shrimps
Amano shrimps are translucent and grow to around 5-6cm, contributing to tank cleanliness by consuming algae and waste.
Bristlenose Plecos
Bristlenose plecos are unique-looking catfish that can help clean your tank while growing to a manageable size of around 5 inches.
Cardinal Tetras
Cardinal tetras add vibrant color and peaceful shoaling behavior to your tank, complementing bettas and enhancing visual appeal.
Cherry Shrimps
Cherry shrimps are peaceful crustaceans with a bright red/orange coloration, contributing to tank cleanliness and visual interest.
Clown Plecos
Clown plecos are small catfish with unique coloration and algae-eating habits, making them a suitable addition to betta tanks.
Corydoras / Corydora Catfish
Corydoras catfish are peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish that can coexist with bettas and contribute to tank cleanliness.
Ember Tetras
Ember tetras are small shoaling fish with vibrant orange/red coloration, adding color and activity to your tank.
Ghost Shrimps
Ghost shrimps are nearly transparent crustaceans that help clean the tank and grow to around 1.5-3 inches in length.
Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin rasboras have a unique appearance with red heads and silver bodies, making them a visually interesting addition to betta tanks.
Kuhli Loaches
Kuhli loaches are long, thin fish with striking colors and peaceful behavior, suitable for burrowing in sandy substrates.
Mystery Snails
Mystery snails are low-maintenance tank mates that help clean the tank and have an attractive appearance with a yellow shell.
Nerite Snails
Nerite snails are visually stunning and low-maintenance tank mates that do not reproduce rapidly and do not eat aquarium plants.
Neon Tetras
Neon tetras are small, colorful shoaling fish that can coexist peacefully with bettas, adding color and activity to the tank.
Rummy Nose Tetras
Rummy nose tetras have a unique appearance with red heads and metallic silver bodies, requiring specialized care and suitable water conditions.
Short-Finned Mollies
Short-finned mollies are peaceful fish with a wide range of colors, suitable for betta tanks as long as they have short fins to prevent confusion with bettas.
Silver Tip Tetras
Silver tip tetras have a subtle appearance with white-tipped fins and gold body coloration, providing a peaceful and visually appealing addition to betta tanks.
White Cloud Mountain Minnows
White cloud mountain minnows are hardy, colorful fish that can thrive in betta tanks, adding a bright red tail and peaceful shoaling behavior.
Tips for Introducing Tank Mates to Your Betta Tank
Adding tank mates requires careful consideration and a gradual approach to ensure the well-being of all fish in the tank.
Introduce Tank Mates Slowly
Add new tank mates gradually to avoid overcrowding and allow fish to acclimate to their new environment.
Allow Water Temperatures to Equalize
Gradually adjust water temperatures to prevent shock and help new fish acclimate to the tank.
Invest Additional Time in Observation
Monitor the behavior and health of all fish closely, especially during the initial weeks after introducing tank mates.
Modify Your Feeding Regime
Adjust feeding schedules and quantities to ensure all fish receive adequate nutrition without competition.
Carry Out More Regular Water Tests
Increase the frequency of water tests to monitor water quality and address any imbalances promptly, especially during the adjustment period.