What Fish Can Live with Bettas? A Comprehensive Guide to Peaceful Tank Mates
Introduction: The Delicate Art of Betta Tank Mates
Betta fish, with their vibrant colors and flowing fins, are a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts. But their beauty comes with a reputation—bettas are often labeled as aggressive and territorial. So, if you’re thinking about adding other fish to your betta’s tank, you might be wondering: What fish can live with bettas?
The good news is, with the right setup and careful selection, bettas can coexist peacefully with other fish. In this guide, we’ll explore the best tank mates for bettas, tips for creating a harmonious environment, and how to avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, this post will help you build a thriving community tank.
Why Bettas Can Be Challenging Tank Mates

Before listing compatible fish, one must understand why betta fish can be quite tricky to pair with other species. A betta, otherwise known as a Siamese fighting fish, is naturally territorial. In the wild, they reside in shallow waters and are fiercely protective of their space. This trait becomes more pronounced in captivity, especially in small tanks.
They are generally very aggressive, especially males, towards other male betta fish and any other fish that resembles them in shape, such as having long fins or bright colors. Female betta fish are less aggressive but still need caution when it comes to selecting the right tankmates.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Tank Mates
Since picking tankmates for a betta requires consideration to ensure a harmonious atmosphere that avoids much stress and aggression, here are the key points explained in full for clarity:
Tank Size
- Why it matters: Betta fish can be territorial, and being in a cramped tank leads to stress, aggression, and poor health of your betta and its tank mates.
- Recommendation: A minimum of 10 gallons is ideal to have a betta with some tank mates. Even better would be larger tanks of 20 gallons or larger, allowing all fish ample territories and space with no confrontational interactions.
- Tip: Avoid overstocking the tank as this will also contribute to poor water conditions and therefore increase stress.
Temperament
Why it matters: Some bettas are ultra-aggressive, whereas others can be very complacent. Choosing the right companions will ensure that there are no nipping of fins, chasing, or outright attacks.
Recommendation: Select only non-aggressive fish that in no way disturb your betta. Avoid known fin-nippers, such as tiger barbs, or even too rowdy fish that would stress your betta out.
Some examples of good tank mates:
Community peaceful fish: Neon tetras, ember tetras, and harlequin rasboras.
Sandas: Corydoras catfish and kuhli loaches.
Middle swimmers: Guppies-in particular avoid the males with long fins-and platies.
Tips: Always watch interactions closely with new additions. Isolate fish in case of aggression being observed.
Water Parameters
- Why it matters: Bettas and their tank mates must thrive in similar water conditions to ensure their health and well-being.
- Key parameters:
- Temperature: Bettas prefer warm water (78-80°F or 25-27°C). Choose tank mates that can tolerate this range.
- pH: It should be moderately acidic to neutral, from pH 6.5-7.5, for Betta, but make sure to research the compatibility with other fish.
- Hardness: They prefer soft to moderately hard water. Avoid mixing them with those fish which like very hard or very soft water.
- Tip: Get a good water testing kit to regularly check parameters and keep them as stable as possible.
- Why it matters: Mostly, betta fish occupy the middle and top levels of their tank. With tankmates that tend to live deeper in the water, there could be less competition in both space and food.
- Recommendation:
- Top-level swimmers: Stay away from bottom-dwelling fish that will somehow compete with them at the top, such as gouramis and other labyrinth fishes.
- Mid-level swimmers: Choose small, passive fish that will not intrude into the betta’s space, such as tetras or rasboras.
- Bottom-dwellers: Suitable species can be corydoras, kuhli loaches, or small plecos. Large plecos should be avoided, as they may grow too big and cause trouble in the tank.
- Hint: A well-ornamented tank with plants, caves, and places to hide can visually separate territories and reduce stress.
Dietary Needs
- Why it matters: Bettas are carnivorous and require a high-protein diet. Their tank mates should have similar feeding requirements to avoid competition for food.
- Recommendations: Choose similar feeding habits fishes or those kinds of fish which can be provided with the same space without tussling to feed themselves. The above-given example used bottom-swimmers like corydoras and could be fed sinking pellets while betas would eat up floating pellets/flakes.
- Tips: Feed the tankmates at the same time in different parts so that there can be no aggresion and fighting at dinner time.
- Why it matters: Male bettas are extremely territorial and can never be housed with other male bettas. Female bettas-sororities-can sometimes work but do always call for close monitoring.
- Recommendation:
- Male Betta fishes: Stock one male betta per tank. Avoid fish with bright color or long fins since they may be mistaken for rivals.
- Female bettas: In a sorority, with 5+ females, select tank mates that won’t interfere with the sisterhood.
- Hint: Always have a backup plan in case of aggression, such as a separate tank.
Tank Setup and Decor
- Why it matters: Properly planning your tank setup can prevent a lot of stress and aggression by creating places to hide and break visual lines.
Recommendations:
Use live or silk plants to block the line of sight and give them places to hide.
Add caves, driftwood, or rock to give them places to hide from their tankmates.
Avoid sharp decorations that may tear a betta’s delicate fins. - Tip: Ensure there’s enough open swimming space for all fish while maintaining a balanced, natural environment.
Species-Specific Behavior
- Why it matters: Some fish have unique behaviors that may not mesh well with bettas. For example, fast-moving fish can stress bettas, while slow-moving fish may become targets.
- Recommendation:
- Avoid rapid, darting fish like danios or barbs.
- Fin-nippers: with long, flowing fins, like fancy guppies, might be seen as a threat from the bettas.
- Tips: Before adding any other species into your aquarium, find out about its nature.
Best Fish to Live with Bettas
Now, let’s dive into the top fish that can coexist peacefully with bettas. These species have been tried and tested by aquarists worldwide and are known for their compatibility.
1. Corydoras Catfish

- Why They Work: Corydoras are peaceful bottom-dwellers that stay out of the betta’s way. They’re also hardy and easy to care for.
- Tips: Keep them in groups of at least 5 to ensure they feel secure.
2. Neon Tetras

- Why They Work: These small, colorful fish are fast swimmers and tend to stay in schools, making them less likely to be targeted by bettas.
- Tips: Provide plenty of plants and hiding spots to reduce stress.
3. Harlequin Rasboras

- Why They Work: Harlequin rasboras are calm, mid-level swimmers that don’t compete with bettas for space or attention.
- Tips: They thrive in groups of 6 or more.
4. Kuhli Loaches

- Why They Work: These quirky, eel-like fish are nocturnal and spend most of their time hiding, making them unlikely to bother your betta.
- Tips: Use a sandy substrate to protect their delicate bodies.
5. Ghost Shrimp

- Why They Work: Ghost shrimp are excellent tank cleaners and are generally ignored by bettas.
- Tips: Monitor your betta’s behavior, as some may see shrimp as a snack.
6. Snails (Nerite or Mystery)
- Why They Work: Snails are slow-moving and pose no threat to bettas. They also help keep the tank clean.
- Tips: Avoid small snails, as bettas may mistake them for food.
Fish to Avoid with Bettas
Fish to Avoid with Bettas
While betta fish can coexist with certain fish, there are several species that should never be housed with them. Such fish may provoke aggressiveness, stress, or even create an unhealthy environment for your betta. Knowing which fish to avoid will keep your tank both peaceful and healthy.
Other Bettas are a complete no for being tankmates. In particular, male bettas are highly territorial and will often fight to the death if housed together. Even female bettas, which can sometimes live in groups called sororities, require careful monitoring and a large, well-planned setup to minimize aggression. Generally speaking, it is best to house a male betta in solitude or with non-aggressive tankmates.
Gouramis are another fish to avoid. Gouramis are a very close relative of bettas, and they also relate to territory. They can stir up aggression in the betta and cause them to fight, and also create stress. Even some of the least aggressive gouramis, such as dwarf or pearl gouramis, can be problematic, and it’s just best to avoid them altogether.
Bars are also in the group of fish to be avoided. Many types of barbs, like tiger barbs and cherry barbs, are notorious for being nippy. They may try nibbling on your betta’s long, flowing fins, leading to stress, injury, or even infection. While some of the more diminutive, less aggressive species may work in some instances, it’s best to avoid them to make sure no problems arise.
Cichlids can never be suitable tankmates for bettas. Most cichlids are aggressive, territorial, and grow much larger than bettas. They may look upon them as prey or competition and attack them, or simply keep them in constant stress. Some species, like African cichlids, Jack Dempsey cichlids, and Oscar cichlids, are just too problematic and should never be housed with bettas.
Goldfish are incompatible with betta because of several factors: comfort temperature differences, whereby goldfish prefer cooler water and betta likes it warmer; and primarily due to the high amount of feces from goldfish which can cause bad conditions of water and stress to the betta. This care incompatibility difference makes them not suitable for being betta buddies.
The other class of fish to avoid are the fin-nippers. Species like serpae tetras, black skirt tetras, and zebra danios will usually nip at the fins of other species, something that is painful for your betta and might lead to torn fins, stress, infection, or even fin rot. You could add tetras in your tank in peaceful species such as neon tetras or ember tetras, but you will have to monitor them.
Fast-swimming or rowdy fish will also upset a betta. Examples include zebra danios, giant danios, and rainbowfish, which can be too much for a quiet-loving fish like a betta. In addition to disturbing your betta, they may also chase the food intended for it.
Larger or predatory fish should not be housed with him. Larger fish may see bettas as a potential meal, while others may simply outcompete them for food and other resources. Larger predatory fish, including angelfish and arowanas, can injure or kill a betta. Even larger plecos, which usually are passive fish, may also harass the betta or cause problems in the environment.
Fish that are brightly colored or have long fins tend to incite aggression in betta. Furthermore, the male betta might mistake the flashy-colored or long-finned fish for a rival. More fancy guppies and particularly those males of the endlers have brilliant colors with flowing tails, hence most unsuitable to live together with betta. Colorful fish you may keep include fish with short fins and dull color, like the female guppies or platies.
Shrimp and snails may or may not work with a betta. Some betta fish are able to live side by side without incident, whereas others may perceive them as an appetizer and snack on shrimp and snails alike. Small types of shrimp, such as cherry shrimp or ghost shrimp, are likely to be eaten, while slow-moving snails may end up having their antennae nipped.
Introduce the shrimp or snails cautiously, and provide them with plenty of hideaways. Among the less likely to be bothered by the tiny snails or small shrimp will be the Amano shrimp.
Tips for Introducing Tank Mates to Your Betta
Introducing new tank mates into your betta’s environment is a big deal and must be done just right. The process, even with compatible species, is quite stressful for your betta, as well as the new fish. Follow these steps to ease them through this transition with a minimal chance of aggression or conflict.
1. Quarantine New Fish

- Why it’s important: New fish can carry diseases or parasites that could kill your betta or other fish in your tank. Quarantining will prevent the risk of them getting sick.
- How to do it:
- Set up a separate quarantine tank-a simple 5 to 10-gallon tank will do with a filter and a heater.
- Quarantine new fish for at least two weeks.
- Observe them for sickly symptoms, such as lethargy, spots, or other strange behaviors.
- Tip: The quarantine tank should be treated with a light antifungal and antibacterial medication for precautionary measures.
2. Rearrange the Tank Decor
- Why it’s important: Bettas are territorial and may become aggressive if they feel their space is being invaded. Rearranging the tank disrupts their established territory and reduces the likelihood of aggression.
- How to do it:
- Move plants, decorations, and hiding spots to new locations.
Add new decor to create additional hiding spots and break lines of sight.
- Move plants, decorations, and hiding spots to new locations.
- Tip: Perform the rearrangement a day or two before introducing new fish, to get your betta used to it.
3. Observe Behaviour Carefully
- **Why It’s Important: The first few days will be very critical as you begin to observe the interaction between your betta and the new fish. Early signs of aggression can help you address issues before they escalate. What to Look For: Betta Aggression includes but is not limited to, flaring, chasing, nipping at the new fish.
- New fish behavior: Hiding excessively, showing signs of stress, or being harassed by the betta.
- Tip: Keep the tank lights dim for the first few hours to reduce stress for all fish.
4. Provide Hiding Spots
- Why it’s important: Hiding places allow new fish to retreat when they may feel threatened or scared, reducing stressors that can lead to potential conflicts.
- How to do it:
- Utilize live or silk plants, caves, driftwood, and decorations to provide places for them to hide and secure themselves.
- Ensure there are adequate hiding spots for the number of fish in the tank.
- Tip: Some dense plants such as java fern, anubias, or hornwort will work amazingly to block the line of sight.
5. Feed Separately
- Why it’s important: Competition for food can be a source of aggression and may lead one to think his space is being invaded.
- How to do it:
- Feed your betta as well as the new fish in separate parts of the tank.
- Give the bottom-dwellers sinking pellets while giving floating pellets or flakes to your betta.
- Hint: Let all the fish have full stomachs before introducing companions for the first time to avoid aggressive behavior caused by hunger.
Step | Why It’s Important | How to Do It |
---|---|---|
Quarantine New Fish | This will prevent diseases from spreading. | Quarantine new fish in a separate tank for 2 weeks and observe for disease. |
Rearrange the Tank | Disrupts your betta’s territory, reducing aggression. | Move decor and add new hiding places a day or two before introducing the new fish. |
Monitor Behavior | Allows for early signs of aggression or stress to be found. | Look for excessive flaring, chasing, or hiding during the first days. |
Provide Hiding Spots | Provides new fish with a place to feel safe, and to retreat from immediate harassment and stress. | Offers several places to hide using plants, caves, and decorations. |
Feed Separately | Reduces competition for food and minimizes aggression. | Feed betta and new fish in different areas of the tank, making sure all fish are well-fed. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most seasoned aquarists can commit errors in setting up a community tank with bettas. Here are some of the pitfalls to avoid:
- Overcrowding: Too many fish in a small tank can cause stress and aggression.
- Ignoring Water Quality: Bad water conditions will increase stress and health problems. Regularly change the water and check the parameters.
- Mixing Incompatible Species: Always research a fish’s temperament and requirements before adding it to your tank.
- Quarantine Skipped: Introducing sick fish can put in jeopardy the health of your entire tank.
Conclusion: Building a Happy Betta Community Tank
What fish, then, can coexist with bettas? Again, everything depends on your betta’s personality, on how you will be setting up your tank, and, of course, the species you pick. Choose passive, compatible companions for your tank, house them in a well-kept environment, and have that lovely community tank which displays your betta’s beauty without sacrificing its well-being.
Ready to take the plunge? Start with upgrading into a larger tank, if needed, and add one or two compatible species. Always keep a close eye on the behavior of your betta, and do not hesitate to make changes where necessary. With time and TLC, you will have one beautiful aquarium to enjoy for yourself and your fish.
Have you kept bettas with other fish successfully? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with fellow aquarists. Happy fishkeeping!