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Betta Fish Tank Mates

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There are many betta fish tank mates or companions that can live with male or fe-
male bettas under the right conditions. This is known as a community tank and can
house more than two kinds of species.

Throughout history, the betta fish or Siamese fighting fish was continuously bred
for its territorial aggression. This fighting instinct has never gone away, even for
those bred in captivity.

For this reason, some betta fish are so territorial they may never be able to cohabit
with other tank mates. At the other end of the spectrum, some bettas are so calm
they could actually be picked on or stressed by other fish. Each betta fish has a
unique personality and temperament.
If either of these is the case, it’s okay for your betta to live alone than under con-
stant stress.

What About Other Bettas?

Males cannot share the same habitat without a divider.


Males and females cannot be housed together.
Females can coexist together in a sorority.

Betta Fish With Other Fish

Many betta keepers decide to explore other fish that can live with bettas because
their fish appears bored, or because they want to liven up their tank. While com-
panions aren’t required, they can add extra viewing pleasure and experience in the
hobby.

Keeping betta fish with other kinds of fish can be tricky unless you know what
you’re getting yourself into. During any new introductions, always have an exile
tank ready in case you have to quickly remove your betta to safety. You should also
monitor the introduction closely for at least 72-hours to assess compatibility.

Tank Size

In order to thrive, betta fish should have 5-gallons of water for their habitat. Adding
certain tank mates starts to detract from the necessary environment. Some com-
panions will need more than 5-gallons to thrive on their own, without the addition
of a betta.

Pro Tip: Every inch of fish requires at least 1-gallon of water.

Increased cohabitants mean increased bioload


(http://www.theaquariumwiki.com/BioLoad) or a number of inhabitants creating
waste. As waste breaks down it turns into contaminants like ammonia which can
increase the pH of your tank’s water. This can make your fish sick. Therefore, a fil-
ter is necessary for a community tank.

10 Best Betta Tank Mates

Listed below are each of the fish companions that can live with bettas along with
some specific information about the species itself. Each recommended tankmate
requires a similar water pH level of around 7.0-8.0 and tropical temperatures in the
range of 72-81 degrees fahrenheit.

1. Mystery Snails
bettafishorg
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1,172 followers

Scientific Name: Pomacea Bridgesii


Color: Golden, Blue or Dark Brownish
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 5-Gallons or More

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20&linkId=c9a170863b5ab74223d8cd48fe4b56e7)

Snails don’t get enough credit for being as cool as they are! They are one of my fa-
vorite tank mates for male or female bettas alike. Mystery snails
(http://applesnail.net/content/care.php) are a great addition because they feed on
uneaten food and clean up algae, helping with aquarium cleanliness. Plus, they
don’t reproduce asexually like some snails which can cause an invasion.

Mystery snails are plant-safe and do well with bettas because of their docile na-
ture. Sometimes a betta will be curious or even nip at a mystery snail, but they
have a hard shell they can retreat into if needed. Adults can grow to around 2
inches in size, with an average lifespan of one year. You’ll love watching them navi-
gate around the tank, using their siphon for air at the surface, and watching their
tentacles meander around.

2. Ghost Shrimp
Photo by Kai Schreiber

Scientific Name: Thalassinidea


Color: Transparent
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 10-Gallons or More

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keywords=ghost+shrimp&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aghost+shrimp&linkCode=ll2&tag=bettafish027-
20&linkId=23edbe5cc7d9b1f3b78bb9c4840d964d)

The ghost shrimp or glass shrimp is appropriately named for its see-through ap-
pearance and is an invertebre. Ghost shrimp are virtually invisible in tanks without
close inspection by the naked eye. They make fantastic betta fish companions. Rec-
ommended introduction is in a group of 2-4, with 6 or more leading to potential
breeding.

Ghost shrimp are easy to care for, inexpensive, and they are scavengers who will
scour your tank looking for excess food to eat off the substrate. They can grow up
to 1.5 inches in length and live for 1 to 1.5 years with proper care. These translu-
cent critters (http://www.aquariumcarebasics.com/freshwater-shrimp/ghost-
shrimp/) are really fun to watch, love moss balls and other live plants and help
keep your tank clean.

3. Feeder Guppies
from aquaanimania

Scientific Name: Poecilia Reticulata


Color: Females are grey, while males have spots and brighter hues of color
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 8-gallons or More

Feeder guppies are bred for food for larger fish and don’t have the bright coloring
or long fins like the fancy guppy. This makes them an ideal fish to live with a betta.
Guppies are also content living on their own, so adding one as a tank mate is easier
than schooling fish.

Enjoying the same pH and temperature range, feeder guppies are also very re-
silient fish. Their temperament is relatively docile, so you won’t have to worry
about them nipping at your betta.

4. Cory Catfish

Photo by Corin Royal Drummond


Scientific Name: Corydoras
Color: Bronze
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 10-Gallons or More

Corydoras (cory/cories) catfish (http://www.aquariumcarebasics.com/freshwater-


aquarium-fish/cory-catfish/) are good additions to a community betta tank. They
are easy to care for and enjoy the same water conditions as bettas. Corydoras live
on the bottom, feeding, and can live alone or in schools (4 or more recom-
mended) depending on the size of your tank. They range from 1.0-2.5 inches in
length.

The average lifespan for cory catfish in captivity is 2-3 years and their temperament
is non-aggressive. This makes them a perfect companion for betta fish. For the
most part, they are very active and can liven up a tank. If you want to be extra cau-
tious, you may even look at the pygmy corydoras which are duller in color and only
grow up to 1 inch.

5. Harlequin Rasbora

Photo by Stefan Maurer

Scientific Name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha


Color: Orange to Pink Body, Distinct Black Triangle, and Red Hue Fins
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 10-Gallons or More

The rasbora is a shoaling fish (http://www.aquaticstory.com/our-articles/general-


topics/difference-between-shoaling-schooling) that prefers to live with a school of 5
to 6 in a tank. They’re great tank mates for a betta as long as your tank is 10-gal-
lons or more. This will give them plenty of space for necessary activity. Rasboras
also love tasty brine shrimp (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?url=search-
alias%3Daps&field-
keywords=brine+shrimp&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Abrine+shrimp&linkCode=ll2&tag=bettafish027-
20&linkId=0cb0096e31517ddc9889266fd43a0a79) just like the betta.

If you decide to introduce your betta into a tank with the harlequin rasbora
(http://aquariumtidings.com/harlequin-rasbora/), you can expect rasbora’s to grow
to around 1.5 inches in length and live on average 5 years. This species is also very
peaceful, adding an additional quality to coexistence with the betta splenden.
6. African Dwarf Frog

Photo by Lotzman Katzman

Scientific Name: Hymenochirus Boettgeri


Color: Grey or Brown and Spotted
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 10-Gallons or More

African dwarf frogs are excellent betta tank mates too because of their peaceful
personalities. They are also relatively easy to care for. Dwarf frogs
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_dwarf_frog) can grow up to 2.5 inches in
length and live on average 5 years. Males tend to be slightly smaller than females
and the species also enjoys at least 2 per tank.

They are very active and like to explore their surroundings. The frogs come to the
surface to get air since they have lungs and not gills. If you’re lucky you’ll even wit-
ness them shed their skin, (every 1-2 weeks) which is a speedy process that ends
with the frog eating it. As for eating, you’ll also love watching them stuff their
mouths with food using their little webbed feet!

7. Neon Tetras
Photo by Motohide Miwa

Scientific Name: Paracheirodon Innesi


Color: Neon Silver-Blue with a Red Neon Stripe
Level: Beginner-Advanced
Tank Size: 10-Gallons or More

Despite advising betta fish owners to avoid tank mates with bright colors, the neon
tetra can do well with betta fish because of their speed. In your community tank
you will need to add more than one, as neon tetras prefer to school in packs of 6 to
10. A long narrow tank is recommended for plenty of horizontal swimming space.

Typical lifespan is 5 years in captivity, and they can grow up to 4 centimeters in


length. In prolonged periods of darkness, you may witness their red stripe fade or
disappear completely. Neon tetras are fascinating
(http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/tetrafish/neontetra.php) to watch as they
swim together and navigate about the tank looking for food or safety. Neon tetras
also like heavily planted tanks with lots of places to hide, just like the betta.

8. Ember Tetras
Photo by Tropical Fish Forums

Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon Amandae


Color: Orange-Red
Level: Beginner-Advanced
Tank Size: 10-Gallons or More

Embers are another species of the tetra and will even school with neon tetras. They
grow to just under 1 inch and require groups of 4-6 tetras for adequate schooling.
Much like the betta fish, they also prefer heavily planted tanks and tasty brine
shrimp.

With average lifespans around 4 years, they will also bring years of joy to a commu-
nity tank. They prefer the middle of a tank, whereas betta fish tend to prefer the
top-half, helping with compatibility and territory issues. They are both, however,
surface feeders.

9. Clown Plecos

Photo by Plantedtank.net
Scientific Name: Panaque Maccus, Dwarf Loricariid
Color: Light Brown to Black Body with Orange to White Stripe Coloration
Level: Beginner-Advanced
Tank Size: 15-Gallons or More

Another algae eater that can be compatible with the betta is the clown pleco
(http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/pleco/clown.php). Make sure to avoid the
Common Pleco however, because it has the ability to grow up to two feet long! The
Clown Pleco is the dwarf member of the species making it a suitable tank mate at a
maximum length of around 4 inches.

It’s a hardy and easy to care for fish, enjoying an average lifespan around 10 years
in captivity. They like to explore and have tough skin in the event a betta fish does
get curious.

10. Kuhli Loach

Photo by AJ Cann (http://alancann.blogspot.co.uk/)

Scientific Name: Pangio Kuhlii


Color: Pink to Yellow Body with Dark Stripes
Level: Beginner-Medium*
Tank Size: 20-Gallons or More

Another cool fish that can live with a betta is the Kuhli Loach
(http://www.fishchannel.com/fish-species/freshwater-profiles/kuhli-loach-2.aspx)
because of their docile temperament. They are long, shaped like eels, and love to
disappear into tiny crevices. Kuhli loaches mind their own business, love to eat
brine shrimp and need at least 20-gallons to be happy.

Other loaches, such as the clown loach* can grow over a foot so make sure to
avoid this variant! If you have sand as your substrate loaches may burrow deep
into it.

11. (BONUS) Marimo Moss Ball


Scientific Name: Aegagropila Linnaei
Color: Green
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 5-Gallons or More

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The marimo moss ball (https://bettafish.org/plants/marimo-moss-ball/) is a really


cool living plant, and living plants can make awesome tankmates for betta fish too.
They’re almost indestructible (you don’t need a green-thumb), making them espe-
cially good for beginners. Marimo moss balls can also live for over 100 years, grow-
ing at only 5 millimeters in diameter per year. That’s wild!

A marimos key benefits include: low cost, longevity, little maintenance, algae
eaters, nitrate eaters, and oxygen production. If you’re not quite ready for another
fish species, the marimo moss ball is an excellent addition to any tank.

Female Betta Tank Mates – Sororities


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20.3K followers

Females can coexist together as tank companions in a sorority. A sorority is a com-


munity tank of female betta fish with 5 or more members. The minimum recom-
mended tank size is 10-gallons (long horizontal tanks are better than tall vertical
tanks).

Female bettas are also aggressive, territorial, and unpredictable at times so it’s im-
portant to monitor behavior and provide plenty of hiding spots. Younger females
tend to react better than elders who are used to seclusion.

Betta Tank Mate Checklist

It’s better to add a betta to an established community


tank.
Purchase the correct minimum tank size for your
community tank.
Community tanks should be filtered and heated
accordingly.
Quarantine all new fish in a separate tank for 4-6
weeks.
Always acclimate tank mates to reduce stress and
shock.
Have an exile tank and net ready should anything go
wrong.
Monitor tank mates closely for at least 72 hours or
more.
Add lots of plants and other decorations for hideouts.
All new tank mates must require similar water
parameters.
Many species listed above require different food than
a betta.
Avoid tank mates with bright coloring and long fins.
Never add other aggressive fish species.

Recap

Despite common misconceptions that betta fish can only live alone, all of the
species listed above can be suitable betta fish tank mates. Due diligence must be
exercised, however, because of the varying temperaments across the betta splen-
den species in both males and females. Even if you do everything right, there’s no
guarantee your betta won’t become an aggressor or a victim.

After adding a companion to the same tank, monitor for signs of stress in your
betta and the other companions over several days. This may include lack of ap-
petite, visible wounds (e.g. fin tearing), nonstop chases, and extended periods of
quarreling.

Prolonged stress and fighting will only lead to sick or dead fish. Make sure you fol-
low the checklist above, especially for ample hiding spots and tank size recommen-
dations. In situations where the environment appears unsafe, be ready with a sec-
ondary tank or container to remove your betta.

If your betta fish doesn’t get along with a tank mate, don’t worry, they’re not a
schooling fish and will be just fine on their own. Aquascaping with live plants and
decor can be equally pleasing and fun.

Have any helpful advice or questions? Add them in the comments below!

107 RESPONSES

bhhvx
August 7, 2016 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-421)

yes omg lol thanks


Karen
January 31, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-5116)

Please check your facts. Nerite snails do not reproduce asexually. They
also need brackish water for viable offspring.

Bryan
January 31, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-5120)

Thank you.

Joseph Bishop
June 5, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-6048)

That wont stop them from laying eggs all over everything

Anonymous
August 27, 2016 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-496)

How about zebra danios? Would think they would be fine with a Betta, and would
certainly liven up a tank.

Bryan
August 28, 2016 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-499)

Zebra danios are a shoaling fish meaning they do best in groups of 5 or


6 or more, and are very active and top feeders like bettas. Bettas also
need to get to the surface for air, creating potential territorial issues.
They would need a minimum of 15 gallons or larger to accommodate
them and the betta with lots of hiding spaces for the betta. They can co-
exist together depending on your individual betta’s aggressiveness and
temperament, but aren’t necessarily the best tank mates for a betta fish.
In short, yes they can, but be prepared to monitor closely how they react
together.

Anonymous
March 19, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2532)

The danios might nip at the betta tail.

katie
August 14, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3680)

I have regular and long fin zebras, they get along great with my beta and
have no nipping problems

Anonymous
March 8, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-5424)

My betta is really docile and leaves my fish alone. I have 6 danios and
they are fine together although one of them is a bit of a bully. I think it
depends on their personalities.

Yee
April 13, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-5729)

I currently have a female rose tail living with a zebra danio and two ze-
bra loaches, although the danio is a schooling fish he doesn’t seem to
mind whatsoever, and my female Betta only ignores him. They have a
mutual relationship most of the time but sometimes they will rest on the
same leaf together! It’s so cute, but again every fish is different and have
different personalities, you could try it but make sure to watch them and
be prepared for any aggression they might show.

JOHN M CROXTON
May 19, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-5955)

I had two zebra danio fish and one betta in my first 5 gallon aquarium
and they got along just fine and still do in my 35 gallon aquarium. I just
added 3 koi fish today and monitoring them to see if they will also co
exist.

Hi
September 4, 2016 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-537)

Are fancy guppies good

Bryan
September 6, 2016 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-552)

Fancy guppies are not a good tank mate because of their long fins and
coloring. Betta fish can easily mistake them as another betta species and
will become very aggressive and nip at their fins and fight with them.

N (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/)
December 31, 2016 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1076)

It all depends on the personality of the Betta and the size of the tank. My
Male Veil Tail Betta is housed in a 55 gallon community tank with many
different fish, including fancy guppies, and everyone lives together
peacefully. If you have a large enough space and a Betta that is not ag-
gressive, Betta’s can live with many different types of fish in perfect
harmony.

April
April 23, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-5798)

I had a 50 gallon community tank that housed my beta and several other
fish including fancy guppies, the bubble eyed goldfish, etc and they all
lived very peacefully. I wouldn’t suggest a frog though. I got one for the
tank and it ate every fish I had overnight.

Anonymous
July 9, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3338)

What female fish can be with a male betta fish and make love?

katie
August 14, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3681)

My betta flared at my fancy guppies at first but after a day they were
fine. There is no nipping and they are very peaceful.

Daniel
March 11, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1254)

I have a Crown Tail Male Betta. Would he get along ok with a Fiddler/Red Claw
crab? I’m setting up a Crabitat (air pocket) in the tank for it and want to make sure
the Betta wont mess with it. The tank is 10 gallons
Bryan
March 13, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1262)

I wouldn’t recommend them for co-existence because the crab if it got


the betta would do some serious damage and betta fish are very curi-
ous. Since your tank is 10 gallons, why not divide the tank in half with a
tank divider? Fiddler crabs need aquarium or marine salt too and like to
climb out of tanks a lot, not to mention they need shallow water and the
ability to get onto land surfaces too.

Eric
November 7, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-4304)

Yes, they can, as long as you provide the right environment for both. I
have a male Crowntail Betta and a male Gold Claw Fiddler living harmo-
niously in a 5 gallon filtered tank for over 7 months now. Another impor-
tant key is to introduce the Betta a few days AFTER the crab has already
been living in your tank. My tank environment is setup for both of them,
with the left side (where filter is) being deep for the Betta while the right
side gravel slopes up to create shallower water (it’s about 4″ from gravel
to water surface) along with a rock formation/cave-type thing I made to
stick up halfway above the water for the Fiddler to dry out on. The Betta
is still able to swim completely around the tank, even on the shallow
end, so he’s not losing any swim space. I’ve incorporated some live
plants and grasses into the tank along with my rock cave, so both of my
guys have a few different spots to hide or chill out in. During the day
they encounter each other often, but there has never been any issue of
fighting, pinching, or fin-picking. Both eat the same food too. As for the
marine salt, you can still add some for the Fiddler just not nearly the rec-
ommended amount or the Betta will die. Remember, this is just my opin-
ion and experience so do some research, maybe I’m just lucky… My
Betta has been building a bubble nest for awhile now, so at least I know
that he’s happy in there!
Emily
May 23, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-5977)

Building a bubble nest doesn’t necessarily mean they are happy they do
it for breeding. A good way to tell if they are happy is by how much they
swim. If they swim often but still rest and hide thats normal and happy
behavior. If they don’t swim often like the ones in the little pet store cups
that’s not good.

Bryan
May 28, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-6002)

If the male is building a nest it’s a sign that they are healthy enough to
mate. When you are healthy you are generally happy right? That’s the
correlation there but you are correct in that activity level can be a sign of
health and happiness too. The caveat here is when the water is too cold
from not being heated or as a betta gets older they will become more
lethargic in their activity levels.

Jeane (http://www.greenjeane.blogspot.com)
March 25, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1295)

Personally I don’t think white cloud mountain minnows are good tankmates for
betta fish. WCMM are coolwater fish and bettas are tropical. My betta tank is at 78
degrees, some people keep them at 80. If I had WCMM I would keep them in an un-
heated, room-temperature tank. If you have the WCMM at the upper end of their
temperature range, and the bettas at the lower tolerance of theirs, neither of the
fishes are going to be at their best.

Katie
April 1, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1320)

I had recently gotten 4 females. Would a pectus catfish be a good companion till
more can be added I lost two of my female bettas out of illness they had from the
store I got them from (they had been in the same water for over a month) they
won’t get a new shipment till Thursday and Marhion is picking on Ilisia tearing her
back fin apart but I don’t have another tank to keep them separated.
Bryan
April 1, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1322)

For now, I would recommend separating the two females instead of


placing another tank mate in there. Place one of your females in another
tank or temporary container (even a plastic Tupperware container can
work temporarily). With only 2 females, one will continue to pick on and
dominate the other until they eventually cause significant damage or kill
them. For a female sorority, you need to have at least 4-5 females to
combat this problem so I would wait until you can replace the one’s who
died. Sometimes sororities are hard to establish if you have particularly
aggressive females.

David V
May 6, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1407)

Hi Bryan.

RE: Corys, there are dozens of different species and variants available, and al-
though they are great tank mates for pretty much any aquarium, they should defi-
nitely not be kept alone. Keeping them in groups ( even 3 of them ) really makes a
change in activity level, and just makes for happier fish imo.

If space is an issue, Panda Corys are very small ( and adorable ), and if you’re will-
ing to try something a bit more colorful, Emerald Corys would make a great con-
trast to a darker Betta ( but these do get quite big ).

Thanks for the info, and congrats on the site.

Bryan
May 6, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1412)

Thank you, David, for the additional information. Very helpful!

Siri
May 16, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1447)

Hi, I own a 60L tank with 1 male betta, 4 female bettas, 4 albino corydoras and
1pleco, not sure if it is clown or common, but I’ve had it for 5months now and its
not bigger than 2inches. I have a lot of live plants, which is mostly placed in the
background and two of the plants are of the type that grow very long and fast, so
they stretches up to the surface. I have gravel bottom, a small area with sand, and
3moss balls and several hiding spots / caves. And what I was wondering about is,
would it be okay to add some (4) ghost shrimps?

Bryan
May 16, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1451)

For a 60L/15Gallon tank, I’d say you are already well-over the maximum
bioload of inhabitants that I’d recommend.

Mike
November 10, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2037)

Only 10 fish in a 60 gal aquarium….if you want shrimp go for it. I have
way more than that in a 50 gal and have maintained it for 20 years.
Never a problem. At one point there were probably 200 guppies. I finally
just got bored with them and gave them all away, now have 10 cichlids, 4
parrot fish, 4 loaches, several Cory cats, 2 plecos and a ton of snails. Not
a problem.

Mike
November 10, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2038)

I misread 60L…thought he said 60g. Disregard my response.

kreay
January 12, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2251)
I tend to concur about the already heavy population in your 15 gal
aquarium, but I also know that over-stocked tanks can be fine, well man-
aged & healthy, in the hands of a highly motivated, conscientious and
committed owner. Whatever the case, 4 Ghost shrimp aren’t going to
add a whole lot to the bioload, ime. A few Red Cherries would be even
better but will have to be smart, keen, good hiders and fast movers to
survive long with your existing tank inhabitants. Some will, many will not.

Cat
June 1, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1492)

Would cherry barbs be okay? I plan to set up a betta tank in the future its 10 gal-
lons and i do want to plant it. Im trying to get as much research as possible before
getting fish which wont be for awhile. Also any filter recommendations?

Bryan
June 1, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1496)

I would steer clear of barbs, they are also aggressive. For filter recom-
mendations check out the article in the FAQ section.

Ian
July 30, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1657)

Hi , just reading through these post and going by these my tank should
be a disaster! Lol, but I have a male Betta in a jewel 240 tank, along with
5 cherry barbs , 6 wcmm, 8 chilli rasboras, 3 celestial pearl danio,
6japanese daisy rice fish,4 Dario dario, 3 sucking loach and a mixture of
around 30 shrimp ie reds blacks ghost yellow blue, temp at 24′ tank is
well planted ,also moss balls ,java moss bog wood and lots of caves and
hiding places the only problem i get is my shrimp are multiplying, but
this keeps my betta busy being a predatory fish weaving in and out of
plants caves and moss, never seen him eat any , but all in all its a happy
tank!!

Adrian Dockerty
January 19, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2269)

I have cherry barbs and they’re fine with my Betta, they are a shoaling
fish so 6 ARE needed at least. As Bryan said most barbs are aggressive,
but these seem to be the exception

Michelle Beno
June 3, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1501)

Hi! Currently my ten gallon tank is cycling (no fish yet, but soon!) I’ve never had a
betta but have always wanted one. I’m afraid a ten gallon tank will look empty with
just one fish but don’t want to risk other fish mates. What snails, plants, and possi-
bly shrimp do you recommend? Thanks!

Bryan
June 4, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1505)

Mystery snails or black racer snails are ideal, and ghost or cherry shrimp
(10+ of them). Also, read the plant page (https://bettafish.org/plants/) for
recommendations there, and that would make a nice 10 gallon.

Sariel Kage
July 28, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1646)

I’m planning on having a fairly small community tank with a single betta and sev-
eral tankmates, but I’ve never been able to find a lot of the fish listed here and on
other lists for betta tankmates (WCM minnows, ember tetras, harlequin rasboras)
and I’m iffy on neon tetras since I’ve had terrible luck with them in the past (I’ve
bought a total of 10 and most of them died within a few days. I’ve never had this
problem with any other fish in my large tank). Are there other types of
rasboras/tetras that bettas can get along with? What about danios, platies, or fe-
male swordtails? I find mixed answers on the latter. Thank you in advance!

Bryan
July 30, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1659)

It’s hard to give a definite yes/no as some have had bright colored long
finned fish with their bettas with no problems, while others report ex-
treme aggression and fighting (each situation can be unique and tem-
peraments). It’s best to err on the side of caution, staying away from
other territorial fish, bright colored, or top/surface feeders and dwellers.
You could try the platy’s and monitor closely, and obviously you’d need a
fairly medium-large sized tank.

Thomas
September 2, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1779)

Great post! Have nice day ! spnaj

Sue
September 14, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-1841)

As a teenager, my dad used to keep several fish tanks with several fish species, so I
guess I have the instinct for caring for fish. A few years ago, I had two “bookend”
tanks. I had a male betta in each. As I had many house plants, to “clean” the tanks, I
would use a turkey baster to suck water and yuck from each tank and water the
plants with it .. the plants loved it. To replenish the water I would use a gallon jug of
fresh water that I had filled when I cleaned the tanks the week before, thus tem-
pering the water. It worked for several years and both fish and plants were happy
and healthy.

Anonymous
November 14, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2056)

How about the food/live food and some other stuff for betta is it ok for the other
fish?
Kabello
November 19, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2082)

Bloodworms are a great SNACK for many different species. Bettas usu-
ally need Betta food, so just buying flakes for the other fish is a good
idea.

kreay
January 12, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2252)

I have a 20 gal Long that houses an Axolotl salamander, a 5.5 gal with a
Crowntail Betta & to maintain a constant (& affordable) food supply for
the Axolotl, I also keep a worm farm. The Betta gets 1/2 a baby earth-
worm 3-4 times/wk. He also gets commercial Betta flakes but obviously
prefers the worms, and, jerking that little wiggly thing from my fingers
makes him feel all macho & “flarey”…..little fishy-BIG STUFF!! (Earth-
worms are easy keepers, cost little to maintain [once set up] & an estab-
lished population should have worms of every age — a size to suit most
any carnivorous tank inhabitant.)

Kabello
November 19, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2081)

I have a five-gallon tank that is established and planted. I am going to get a mystery
snail but wanted other tank mates. I was concerned with the welfare of other fish
that they could not live in a tank that small, or that they like schooling. Any tank-
mates you recommend? (It is a male Velitail Betta.)

Anonymous
December 10, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2149)

I would like to share my experience regarding neon tetras. They’re not really good
tank mates for bettas because I’ve got my halfmoon’s fin nipped by them. Best not
to house them together regardless of the tank size.
Fishnana
January 1, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2220)

I have had my female Betta in a 20 gallon tank with 4 neon tetras and 2
black neon tetras for 9 months now and everyone gets along fine. I do
have lots of hiding places and everyone has their favorite hangout
space. It all depends on the fish.

Adrian Dockerty
January 19, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2270)

same here, my male Betta and neon are fine together

Ella
December 21, 2017 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2187)

Can a female betta be tankmates with mollies and platies?

:3
February 17, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2385)

Hello! I currently have my male Betta in a 3.5 gallon tank with an otocinclus. (I know
I shouldn’t really have him in there, but he seems really happy, and he’s very lively.)
But, my Betta will sometimes nip at my oto. Not often, but every now and then he
will. Do you think he would be okay with some other fish in a 10 gallon? I’m not
sure if he would be considered aggressive or not….

Bryan
February 20, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2401)

It’s hard for me to give you an answer to that. You obviously know your
betta better than I do. A larger tank 10+ gallons will change a lot, how-
ever, especially if you have enough hiding spaces and plants (live or
fake).

Anonymous
July 18, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3420)

I only have a 3 gal tank with one female betta and am planning to get
one blue or pink tankmate for it… I don’t know what to get. what do you
recommend?

Bryan
July 19, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3431)

The only tank mate I can recommend for that size tank is a snail. The
tank is too small for a tank mate.

Misty
February 20, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2395)

Hello,
I have really enjoyed learning from your site. I used to keep fish and have found
myself wanting to get back to it. I just recently won, but have not yet received, an
aquaponic & hydroponic 3 gallon betta tank. I am intrigued by the marimo moss
balls and Mystery snails. Would either or both be appropriate for this small of a
tank? If so how many of each would you recommend? If not, what would you sug-
gest?
Thank you for your time,
Misty

Bryan
February 20, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2403)

Thank you Misty! I would recommend the Marimo Moss Ball – one large
one or a couple smaller ones. You’ll get more enjoyment out of them
too, as they are a vibrant green. Snails like to hide and can create a big
mess too in smaller tanks.
Misty
February 20, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2406)

Bryan,
Thanks so much! I just didn’t know if I something to control the algae on
the tank. I’ve never had a tank this small and I’m not sure what to expect.
Have a wonderful week,
Misty

Buddy Garriott
February 20, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2397)

I read and hear a lot about how many fish are to be kept in a home tank depending
on the size of tank. In the pet stores their tanks hold quite a lot of fish at one time
and they seem to do fine. Is there really a limit or is that just subjective?

Bryan
February 20, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2404)

There is definitely a limit if you want your fish to be happy, healthy and
not stressed or sick. Everything in a pet store should be considered tem-
porary housing until it finds a good home. I won’t get into the further im-
plications or opinions I have on some of the ways that pet stores care for
animals or fish, but while you see a lot of fish in one tank, you also aren’t
being told how many are sickly, dying per week or stressed out.

Noucky
March 8, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2477)

Hello Bryan, great information and nice site. I have a betta in my 20 gallons long. I
want to add the tetra neon and ember. Can the loach be good with all of those
fish? My tank has substrate not sand, can that be an issue? And how many loach
should I get? I have also, in other tanks, bettas with ottos and one albino corycat. I
was planning on relocating my Ottos and albino corycat until I found your site. My
other tanks are smaller since I got sold male plakat for female betta. I didn’t know
much about female betta… Feel so stupid. I couldn’t return them since I’m one
hour away from pet store. I have a 9 gallons, 5 gallons and 3.4 gallons. What can be
added in those small aquarium? I have plants in all and some has merimo ball and
carpet. I had amano shrimp but lost them…

Bryan
March 12, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2496)

Sand substrate is fine. I would start with a school of neon tetras and the
embers, see how they do before adding a loach which needs a minimum
of 20 gallons. Remember, you don’t want to overcrowd the tank either.
For a 3.4 gallon tank, I wouldn’t add anything except for one betta fish,
the 5 gallons should only house a betta fish and maybe a snail or ma-
rimo moss ball. The 9 gallon could house a betta and some other tank
mates like feeder guppies or a snail.

Kayte
April 3, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2626)

Hey ive had a male beta fish for about two months. He is in a 10 gallon tank with
three bottom feeders. There use to be 4-5 neon tetras and one extra bottom
feeder (green cory) but those died when I clean the tank a week ago. When they
were still there my betta (Taz) was happy swimming around but recently ive no-
ticed the ends of his fins clumping together. I’ve tried putting a mirror in front of
him but they didn’t unclump. He has a heater and filter with plenty of fake plants
and props to swim in and out of and rest on. The power on the filter creates a lot
of current and down force which in return makes him only swim in the front area
and his food to be constantly pushed down and stuck to the plants which he wont
eat. I’ve tried to put a barrier up or float an upside down cup with his food under
but it would all float away or fail. I’m not sure if I should just unplug the filter
overnight and see if it helps or what. Do you have any suggestions?

Bryan
April 7, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2639)

Did the other tank mates die from illness? If so, the water in your tank
could contain a disease. Taz is definitely stressed or sick (clamping). I
would also look into getting an adjustable flow filter where you can slow
it down. It sounds like your betta is being stressed a lot and forced to
stay in one area. Yes, you can turn off the filter while you feed Taz.

Kayte
April 7, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2640)

i believe they did die from the water or just pure stress. We had to
switch them around a lot when we were trying to get the water right.
Right now i have him and two of the corys (one of the three died) in a 2
and half gallon bowl. All he does is stay at the top of the water and
doesn’t swim around. Even when feeding he kinda sits there then occa-
sionally eats. His back fin is split in two now. I have a female beta too
with two neon tetras in a separate 2 gallon tank with filter. They are do-
ing well, along with the corys in Taz’s bowl. I tried to put the female in a
cup and let her float around on the surface in his bowl to see if he will
perk up and his fen unclamp but it didn’t work. He would just flare up
and swim around it but not like he use to. So I put her back in her tank. I
know the filter cartridge need to be replaced in the big tank but I don’t
have the money atm to get one yet, so he has to stay in the bowl till
then. Should I clean the big tank completely, including the props, and
put him in there or leave him in the bowl? Also, what medicine would
you recommend for him (preferably something cheap but effective)?

Bryan
April 8, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2644)

Thanks for the additional information. That is way too many fish in such
a small tank (minimum: 1 inch of fish per 1 gallon of water), he needs to
be on his own in his own quarantine/hospital tank right now. I would
start with trying the aquarium salt, clean water, and the proper tempera-
ture by himself in that 2.5-gallon tank and move the other to the big
tank, and yes, I would rinse everything in the big tank with hot hot water.
Kayte
April 9, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2652)

Thanks so much for the advice. The other places I would ask would give me infor-
mation but everything they would suggest was way too expensive and I’m on a
tight budget. I didn’t do everything you said to do yet, due to no money yet. I was
able to remove the bottom feeders from the bowl and fill the bowl up with distilled
water. Right now he is in the bowl by himself and swimming a bit more. The bot-
tom feeders are in the tank with the female betta and tetras. They are doing well
too. Once I get the new sponge filter for the small and 10g tank set up and running
for about a week or a half with distilled water and the medication I will put the
ones in the tank into the big one and have him in the small one instead of the
bowl. Do you recommend putting a snail into his tank?

Bryan
April 11, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2658)

Kayte, please don’t use distilled water as it has been stripped of all of the
valuable nutrients and minerals that are healthy for a betta fish. Spring
water with a pH of around 7 is much better, or conditioned tap water.
Please read the water page (https://bettafish.org/faq/what-kind-of-wa-
ter-for-betta-fish/) if you’d like more information on that. You can add a
snail if you’d like once his health has recovered if it’s in the 10-gallon.

Kayte
April 13, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2662)

I have him in distilled right now… and just now finished filling the 10 gal-
lon tank with distilled too…. He is still by himself right now and is swim-
ming a lot more but his fins are getting worse and he isn’t eating much
at all. I have to wait at least a week or less till anything i need to stabilize
the water comes in. I’m already going to order melafix and aquarium
salt. What exactly do I need for the water?
Also could we talk through email?
Bryan
April 16, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2671)

Yes, we can, bryan@bettafish.org (mailto:bryan@bettafish.org)

Gerald
April 14, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2665)

While fancy guppy’s aren’t good tankmates because of their colorful fins, can we
use a black moscow guppy as a betta tank mate? (due to its dark colour)

Bryan
April 16, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2672)

They still have large flowing fins, therefore it’s not recommended. All
betta fish are different though. If yours is very aggressive with its reflec-
tion and food etc then I wouldn’t risk it. I can’t make the decision to test
it out for you, but I don’t recommend it when there are other suitable
tank mate options. Also, guppies prefer to be in schools to feel most safe
which would require you to have a large tank.

John
May 12, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2805)

Hi. I’m thinking to get a male Betta for my community tank, great article you got
here, however, I have not seen information regarding Discuss or ghost catfish or
Siamese eater flying fox. I have that plus tetras, kuhlis, catfish and corys. My tanks
is a 4 ft but due to moving place I’ve lost a lot of fishes and was thinking to get a
Betta. What is your advice? I also have two blue rams. Thanks

Bryan
May 22, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2860)
It sounds like you have a large enough tank, so depending on how many
inhabitants and if all that checks out, you should be fine with the
Siamese Algae Eater, and catfish since they’re both docile and bottom
dwellers. The Discus and the blue rams would be the only thing I would
keep an eye on (and wouldn’t recommend), as well as the betta’s tem-
perament – at least during the first few days. Blue rams might need to
be relocated because they are bright and can be aggressive too. Make
sure you have a lot of hiding places (plants, decor) and monitor closely.
Just know, all bettas and tank mates can react differently.

Joe
May 15, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2822)

So I have a 10-gallon and I’m looking into getting my koi female Betta some tank-
mates what are some suggestions for her that won’t fight with her or vice-versa
and still be easy to maintain the tank

Kelli
May 26, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-2878)

My husband has a double tail male Betta fish and an asst md koi fish together in
the same tank and they get along perfect. The tank is a 10 gallon. I couldn’t find
anything online that said male Bettas and koi fish couldn’t be together. This is an
experiment that male Betta fish do get along with other male fish however they eat
at different time periods. Make sure if you do try these 2 fish that you put your
Betta in a small breading net during the koi feeding because the Betta fish will eat
all of the food and get sick.

Brianne
July 1, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3251)

What a fantastic site! Thank you very much for the information. I was chastised for
keeping a sorority recently after asking for advice on treating fin rot. I’m grateful
for the good information and informed dialog on this site!!

Carolyn Stoffels
July 2, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3262)
Hi, I have a fish tank, 2 & 1/2 gallons with one male betta in it. Does anyone here
think just one ghost shrimp would be happy living in a tank that size with my male
betta as a tank mate? Please answer soon as possible. Thanks.

Bryan
July 3, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3269)

Ghost shrimp should be kept in pairs of 2-4 or more. 2.5-gallons is the


recommended minimum size for just a betta fish by his or herself.
Therefore, no I would recommend upgrading to a larger habitat if you
were going to introduce any tank mates.

Carolyn
July 3, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3274)

Thanks.

Carolyn.
July 3, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3276)

Bryan. Your site provides a wealth of information about bettas. Am glad I found it
online. From the second I carried Casper out of the pet store & took him home, he
deserved the best life I can afford to give him. However, I cannot afford to upgrade
his tank to a larger size so he’ll have to solo for good from now on.

Katelyn
July 6, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3296)

Hello, I have a beautiful male betta named Cas who is getting a tank upgrade. I am
moving him from 1 gallon to 10 gallons, so it’s a large step up. I was looking
through the fish on this site to give Cas some friends and I wanted to put in a mys-
tery snail, 2-3 ghost shrimp, and 6-8 tetras (I haven’t decided which type yet), is this
too much? I don’t want to overcrowd the tank, and I have only worked with 1-2 gal-
lons before, so I don’t really want to mess this up. I was also planning on finding
some live plants to add in later when I have everything under control. If anyone
could help me that would be wonderful, thank you!
Bryan
July 8, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3331)

The rule of thumb is 1-gallon per 1-inch of fish. Therefore, you may be
okay with 6 tetras, the snail, and the betta.

Rena
August 24, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3788)

Is a 5 gallon tank big enough to put more than my betta in?

Bryan
August 25, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3805)

I would recommend a snail or another compatible tank mate that isn’t a


schooling fish and doesn’t grow very large.

Dianna
July 18, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3416)

Hi,
I just read all of the comments on your site, and I am REALLY wanting a male betta
I was gonna put the tank on my desk that is right in front of a big window and I was
wondering about a few things:
1. If it is in from of a window do I still need a light for the tank?
2. What size of tank do you recommend for a beginner aquarium enthusiast, I do
plan on getting some tank mates!
3. Bloodworms are seen as a betta fish snack and they also prefer betta food how-
ever if I were to get other tank mates should I also get regular fish flakes and would
that make the betta sick?
4. Depending on the tank size you suggest how often should I clean it and what
methods do you recommend?

BTW I love you site it is really educational and inspirational!

Bryan
July 19, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3430)

Thanks for the compliments Dianna, and that’s great you’re looking into
getting a betta.
1. I wouldn’t place the tank anywhere near direct sunlight. It can heat the
tank up and produce algae with too much sunlight.
2. If you plan on getting some tank mates, I would go with a 10 or 20-gal-
lon tank. The larger the tank the less the maintenance for water quality.
3. Yes, you need to purchase each specific fish’s food, and no it won’t
make your betta sick.
4. Cleaning frequency depends on the size of the tank you eventually
get.

dillan W
July 18, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3425)

I have a ten-gallon tank and I want to get some buddies for my male betta fish. So
my girlfriend and I bought some neon tetras (3) and our betta fish killed one of the
tetras in the first five minutes of being together in the tank. We want our betta fish
to have friends but we don’t know if the tetras were just too small and the only
other fish in the tank, or if he’s just plain mean and needs his own separate tank!
Right now I have them separated with the tetras in the 10 gallons and the betta fish
in a small half gallon which makes me feel bad please help… thanks!

Bryan
July 19, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3433)

You’ve done the right thing by separating them, but you cannot keep
your betta fish in that small of a habitat for extended periods. It’s possi-
ble, yes, that your betta fish is too territorial for tank mates. You could
see if where you purchased the tetras if you can return them in ex-
change for a different type of tank mate, or try adding more than 3
tetras and see how they fair again with a very close examination before
you make a final decision.
jacob
July 21, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3448)

why does a ghost shrimp need a 10 gallon tank they’re only 1 inch and I’ve seen
two live in a 1.5 gallon tank, with two female bettas

Bryan
July 23, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3474)

They do best in larger groups of 5 or 6, and that’s what their official rec-
ommend care guidelines are. You could realistically keep some in a 5-
gallon tank, but too many in a small tank will lead to bioload issues and
even aggressiveness towards their own kind if overstocked.

ESR
September 2, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3859)

Out of necessity, we currently have my daughter’s female Crowntail Betta (Eliza-


beth) in a 30 gallon planted tank with several blue Platys, a Scissortail, a Dojo
Loach, a Clown Loach, a Moonlight Gourami and 2 Bristlenose Plecos. I was a little
apprehensive at first, especially since the Gourami likes to give chase, but
Elizabeth’s fins are still perfectly intact and everybody seems to have settled in
nicely.

Anonymous
September 6, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-3891)

Ghost shrimp is terrible tank mate. I lost 4 Betta fish until I saw the shrimp was
preying Betta.

Camilla
September 22, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-4010)

Hi!
Thank you for a giving me so much good information! Some of it would have made
a big difference when I had my betta several years ago.

My aquarium has been unused for too long and I’m thinking of starting it up again
and getting some new fish. I don’t remember the exact measurements but it is
somewhere between 30 and 40 gallons. The plan would be to get a male betta,
some panda cory, coolie loaches and some sort of suitable schooling fish. All de-
pending on what is available where I live.

I will not be able to breed any betta food in another tank, so I’m wondering if it is
possible to keep some kind of shrimp or similar (as food) in the same tank as the
betta. The idea would be that they breed in the vegetation and the betta (and other
fish) would eat them and keep the numbers down. Obviously, this would not be
their only food.

Bryan
September 24, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-4027)

You won’t be able to effectively create that level of an ecosystem in my


opinion. The betta and/or other fish would eat any source of food to ex-
haustion before any level of decent breeding was allowed. You would
have to keep a separate breeding/food tank.

Eric
November 7, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-4306)

I appreciate the informative site here for bettas, thank you and well done. I cur-
rently have a 5 gallon filtered & heated tank with a male Crowntail betta (name is
Tatsu) and a male Gold Claw Fiddler and am looking to start a second 5 gal tank for
another male betta but different tank mate. I initially wanted a crawfish until I did
the research about one, yikes, nothing is going to be safe around those! Your site
and info has me leaning towards a snail now, they sound pretty cool, but I’ve read
that snails can multiply out of control and I want to avoid that headache if possible!
Are snails able to produce offspring all on their own or is that only certain types of
snails? Maybe they’re pregnant when bought? Also, is the Mystery Snail the only
type of snail that’s safe to be with the betta? Thanks again for all the other great
betta info you have here, I like to learn as much as I can! Bookmarked…

Bryan
November 12, 2018 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-4343)

Thanks Eric, and there are many different variations of snails that are
okay to live with a betta. As for the reproduction, avoid any snails that
reproduce on their own (don’t need a mate – asexually). Another snail I
really like is the black racer snail. They are faster than apple/mystery
snails and tend to be hardier and live longer.
Arielle
January 29, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-5088)

We have a 10 gallon tank with a male veiltail betta and two African dwarf frogs. We
are looking to add a few more fish to the tank, and I have a few questions:
1. How many more fish can we safely add?
2. Would a Mickey Mouse Platy be an ok tankmate?
3. I have gotten conflicting information about neon tetras.
A. Can they live with Bettas? Or do they nip the tails?
B. Do they need a full gallon per fish? I’ve been told they need 1/2 a gallon per fish.

Thank you! I am fininding this site incredibly helpful. I really appreciate all the infor-
mation here.

Bryan
February 4, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-5148)

Hi Arielle. The 1-gallon per 1-inch of fish is a general rule of thumb, and
is very helpful for beginners to not overcrowd their habitats and induce
stress and dirty water. You’d be best suited adding a diversity of bottom,
mid-level and surface dwellers in order to provide ample space for each
to live a quality life. For a 10-gallon I wouldn’t add any more than 5 adult
fish. Platies should be fine, but just a reminder that all situations are
unique and so are the personalities of bettas. Same goes with tetras, but
they are compatible.

Mary Smith
April 10, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-5702)

I have a Half Moon Red and Blue Betta named Mory, and one small very active
white snail named Flash. Mory seems very happy, keeps building bubble nests. I
enjoyed reading all the comments and answers! Its answered some of my ques-
tions. I currently have a 3 gallon plastic bowl. Hoping to eventually move to 10
Gallon,when budget allows.

Kevin
April 27, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-5835)
I was thinking 1 male 1 female and some snails in a 3 gal. To start then moving
them to my community tank 55 gal. ( has 2 mollies, 5 swordtails, 2 platies, 10 + or –
neons, 4 red eye tetras, 4 Cory cats, an algae eater and a large pleco that’s around
a foot long) can I put them together or do I need to start another tank?

Bryan
May 4, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-5870)

Males and females should not be housed together

Maria
April 28, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-5843)

We added two ghost shrimp in the tank with our female Beta, and she ripped them
to shreds. We then added 4-5 Feeder Guppies in there with her, and while she
chases them around to no end, doesn’t appear to be interested in eating them.

Humberto
June 10, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-6077)

If I have a 10 gallon tank (oval shaped) can I accommodate 1 Betta, a snail and 2
ghost shrimp?

Bryan
June 20, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-6128)

Plenty of room, however I would add more than 2 ghost shrimp as they
do better in larger groups. Try out 4-5 of them.

Anonymous
June 25, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-6178)

Quick question, but what is the # of female Bettas with the greatest success rate?
Thanks!
Bryan
July 1, 2019 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-6233)

The answer depends on the size of the habitat and how it is set up.

anonymous (http://anonymous)
October 12, 2020 (https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/#comment-8343)

hi

YOU LOVE BETTA FISH RIGHT?

BETTA FAQ

Why Do Betta Fish Make Bubbles?


(https://bettafish.org/faq/why-do-
betta-fish-make-bubbles/)

 Bryan
(https://bettafish.org/author/bconte45
 November 26, 2017
 23 (https://bettafish.org/faq/why-
do-betta-fish-make-
bubbles/#comments)

(https://bettafish.org/faq/why-do-betta-fish-make-bubbles/)

How Long Do Betta Fish Live? Average


Lifespans (https://bettafish.org/faq/how-
long-do-betta-fish-live/)

 Bryan
(https://bettafish.org/author/bconte45/)
 May 12, 2017
 42 (https://bettafish.org/faq/how-long-
do-betta-fish-live/#comments)

(https://bettafish.org/faq/how-long-do-betta-fish-live/)

Why Do Betta Fish Fight?


(https://bettafish.org/faq/why-do-betta-fish-
fight/)

 Bryan
(https://bettafish.org/author/bconte45/)
 May 6, 2017
 12 (https://bettafish.org/faq/why-do-betta-
fish-fight/#comments)

(https://bettafish.org/faq/why-do-betta-fish-fight/)

(http://ibcbettas.org)

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