Some of the fish that can live with betta are harlequin rasboras, neon tetras, corydoras catfish, kuhli loaches, and snails. These fish are compatible with betta because they are peaceful, small, and have different colors and shapes than betta. They also have different water requirements and dietary needs than betta, so they will not compete for resources or cause stress to each other.
Betta fish are popular aquarium pets because of their vibrant colors, flowing fins, and unique personalities. However, betta fish are also known to be aggressive and territorial, especially towards other fish that look similar to them or invade their space. This makes it challenging to find suitable tank mates for betta fish, as they may attack or harass other fish in the same tank.
However, this does not mean that betta fish have to live alone. There are some fish that can coexist with betta fish peacefully, as long as they meet certain criteria. In this article, we will explore some of the best fish that can live with betta fish, and how to set up a community tank that is safe and comfortable for all the inhabitants.
Criteria for Choosing Fish That Can Live With Betta
Before introducing any fish to a betta tank, it is important to consider the following factors:
Size: The fish should be small enough that the betta cannot swallow them, but not so small that they will be seen as prey. Ideally, the fish should be around 1 to 2 inches in length, and have a slim or round body shape.
Temperament: The fish should be peaceful and non-aggressive, and not prone to nipping or chasing other fish. They should also be able to tolerate the occasional flare or chase from the betta, and not retaliate or stress out.
Appearance: The fish should have a different color and fin shape than the betta, to avoid triggering the betta’s territorial instincts. Bright colors, long fins, and flashy patterns are likely to attract the betta’s attention and aggression. Instead, the fish should have dull or neutral colors, short fins, and simple patterns.
Water Parameters: The fish should have similar water requirements as the betta, such as temperature, pH, hardness, and ammonia levels. Betta fish prefer warm water between 76 and 82°F, slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.5 and 7.5, soft to moderately hard water between 5 and 15 dGH, and ammonia levels below 0.25 ppm.
Diet: The fish should have different dietary needs than the betta, so they will not compete for food or overeat. Betta fish are carnivorous and need a high-protein diet, such as pellets, flakes, frozen, or live foods. The fish should be omnivorous or herbivorous, and eat algae, plants, or bottom-dwelling foods.
Based on the criteria above, here are some examples of fish that can live with betta fish:
Harlequin Rasboras: These are small, schooling fish that have a silver body with a black triangular patch on the tail. They are peaceful, active, and easy to care for. They prefer slightly acidic water with a pH of 6 to 6.5, and a temperature of 74 to 80°F. They are omnivorous and will eat flakes, pellets, or live foods.
Neon Tetras: These are small, schooling fish that have a bright blue and red stripe along their body. They are peaceful, lively, and hardy. They prefer slightly acidic water with a pH of 6 to 7, and a temperature of 70 to 81°F. They are omnivorous and will eat flakes, pellets, or live foods.
Corydoras Catfish: These are small, bottom-dwelling fish that have a variety of colors and patterns. They are peaceful, social, and helpful. They will scavenge the tank for leftover food and algae, and keep the substrate clean. They prefer neutral to slightly alkaline water with a pH of 7 to 8, and a temperature of 72 to 82°F. They are omnivorous and will eat sinking pellets, wafers, or live foods.
Kuhli Loaches: These are small, eel-like fish that have a brown body with black stripes. They are peaceful, shy, and nocturnal. They will hide under rocks, plants, or driftwood during the day, and come out at night to forage for food. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH of 6 to 7, and a temperature of 75 to 86°F. They are omnivorous and will eat sinking pellets, wafers, or live foods.
Snails: These are not fish, but they can also be good tank mates for betta fish. Snails are peaceful, slow, and beneficial. They will eat algae, plants, and detritus, and help maintain the water quality. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, such as nerite snails, mystery snails, or ramshorn snails. They prefer neutral to slightly alkaline water with a pH of 7 to 8, and a temperature of 68 to 82°F. They are herbivorous and will eat algae wafers, vegetables, or live plants.
How to Set Up a Community Tank for Betta and Other Fish
To ensure a successful and harmonious community tank for betta and other fish, here are some tips to follow:
Choose a large enough tank: The tank size will depend on the number and type of fish you want to keep, but generally, a 10-gallon tank is the minimum for a betta and a few other fish. A larger tank will provide more space, stability, and filtration, and reduce the chances of overcrowding, aggression, and disease.
Cycle the tank before adding any fish: Cycling the tank means establishing a colony of beneficial bacteria that will break down the ammonia and nitrite produced by the fish waste. This will prevent ammonia poisoning, which can be fatal for fish. Cycling the tank can take several weeks, and requires testing the water parameters regularly and adding a source of ammonia, such as fish food or pure ammonia.
Add the betta fish last: To avoid territorial issues, it is best to add the betta fish after the other fish have settled in the tank. This way, the betta will not see the other fish as intruders, and will be less likely to attack them. Alternatively, you can temporarily remove the betta from the tank, rearrange the decorations, and then reintroduce the betta with the other fish. This will disrupt the betta’s established territory, and make it more tolerant of the new fish.
Provide plenty of plants and hiding places: Plants and hiding places will provide shelter, security, and enrichment for the fish, and reduce stress and aggression. Live plants are especially beneficial, as they will also oxygenate the water, absorb excess nutrients, and create a natural-looking environment. You can also use artificial plants, rocks, driftwood, caves, or ornaments to create hiding places.
Feed the fish appropriately: Feeding the fish appropriately means giving them the right amount, type, and frequency of food. Overfeeding can cause water pollution, obesity, and disease, while underfeeding can cause starvation, stress, and aggression. You should feed the fish only as much as they can eat in a few minutes, once or twice a day, and vary their diet with different foods. You should also make sure that the food reaches all the fish, and that the betta does not hog or steal the food from the other fish.
Betta fish are beautiful and fascinating aquarium pets, but they can also be aggressive and territorial towards other fish. However, this does not mean that they have to live alone. There are some fish that can live with betta fish peacefully, as long as they meet certain criteria, such as size, temperament, appearance, water parameters, and diet. Some of the fish that can live with betta are harlequin rasboras, neon tetras, corydoras catfish, kuhli loaches, and snails. By following the tips above, you can set up a community tank that is safe and comfortable for your betta and other fish, and enjoy watching them interact and thrive.
