17 Betta Fish Tank Mates

Welcome to the enchanting world of betta fish and their potential tank mates! As a betta fish enthusiast, I have always been intrigued by the challenge of finding suitable companions for my beloved aquatic pets.

betta fish tank mates

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In this article, we will embark on an expedition to discover the best tank mates for your betta fish, fully acknowledging that compatibility is key to a harmonious home under the water. So, strap on your diving gear and dive deep with me into this fascinating world of betta fish tank mates!

Choosing Tank Mates for Betta Fish

I’ve learned that picking the right tank mates for my Betta fish can be quite challenging. Over time, I’ve discovered several important factors that have helped me make the right choices.

Compatibility Matters

Betta fish, especially males, are territorial and may exhibit aggressive behavior. Considering this, it’s essential to choose compatible tank mates:

  • Non-aggressive species
  • Fast swimmers
  • No fin nippers

Some top choices include:

  • Corydoras Catfish
  • Harlequin Rasboras
  • Neon Tetras

Tank Size and Layout

To maintain harmony, consider the following:

  • A spacious tank (minimum 10 gallons)
  • Varied hiding spots (plants, caves)
  • Balanced layout

Keeping the Peace

Respect Betta fish preferences:

  • Don’t overcrowd the tank
  • Limit male Bettas to one per tank
  • Monitor and address issues early

Remember, the safety and well-being of your Betta fish and their tank mates is your responsibility. Choose wisely and enjoy your vibrant, harmonious aquarium!

Neon Tetras

Neon Tetras are a popular and colorful choice for betta fish tank mates. These small, vibrant fish light up the aquarium with their striking blue and red hues, creating a captivating underwater environment.

While Neon Tetras are usually compatible with betta fish, there’s always a chance the mighty betta might view this sparkling sight as a snack, rather than a tank mate. So, keep an eye on their interactions.

Neon Tetra

  • Compatibility: 4/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – both flake food and live food (e.g., brine shrimp or daphnia)
  • Max. Size: 1.5 inches

Give Neon Tetras a try, and marvel at how these luminous jewels transform your aquarium into a spectacular underwater scene.

White Cloud Minnows

White Cloud Minnows, often referred to as the “poor man’s Neon Tetra,” are an exceptional and economical option for betta fish tank mates.

These hardy little swimmers flaunt shimmering silver bodies adorned with radiant red fins, adding diversity and charm to your aquatic haven. Plus, their peaceful and friendly demeanor makes them a good match for the more feisty betta fish.

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

  • Compatibility: 4/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – small flakes, pellet food, and live food such as brine shrimp or daphnia
  • Max. Size: 1.5 inches

Consider adding White Cloud Minnows to your betta fish tank, and you’ll appreciate how these little gems contribute to a lively and delightful underwater community.

Harlequin Rasboras

Harlequin Rasboras, with their distinct triangular black markings, are another noteworthy betta fish tank mate option. Their adaptable and peaceful nature allows them to cohabitate harmoniously with bettas, making them an ideal choice for enriching your aquarium’s diversity.

An added bonus: their fascinating schooling behavior can make for mesmerizing observations and a dynamic underwater landscape.

harlequin rasboras

  • Compatibility: 5/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – high-quality flakes or pellets, along with live or frozen foods (e.g., daphnia, bloodworms)
  • Max. Size: 2 inches

Offer Harlequin Rasboras a home alongside your betta fish, and you’ll discover a captivating world of aquatic splendor, thriving within the peaceful coexistence of diverse species.

Zebra Danios

Zebra Danios are distinctive and visually appealing fish, boasting horizontal stripes that make them stand out among other tank mates.

These energetic swimmers are known for their lively presence, and while generally compatible with betta fish, their vivacity can ruffle some betta fins. As such, it’s essential to monitor their interactions and ensure your betta feels at ease.

zebra danio

  • Compatibility: 3.5/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – flake food or micro-pellets, supplemented with occasional live or frozen foods (e.g., brine shrimp)
  • Max. Size: 2.5 inches

When introducing Zebra Danios to your betta fish tank, keep an eye on their dynamic interactions and enjoy the unique visual appeal they bring to your underwater sanctuary.

Corydoras

Corydoras are enchanting little catfish that make endearing and compatible companions for your betta fish. Their distinctive, armored exterior—coupled with their ability to navigate the bottom substrates of the tank—makes these delightful fish a joy to observe.

Since they primarily dwell on the tank floor, they typically don’t interfere with the territory of the betta fish, ensuring a harmonious environment.

Corydoras Catfish

  • Compatibility: 5/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – sinking pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods (e.g., brine shrimp, bloodworms)
  • Max. Size: 2 inches

Bring home some Corydoras for your betta fish tank, and witness how their charming presence and unique features add a touch of magic to your underwater world.

Celestial Pearl Danio

Celestial Pearl Danios, also known as Galaxy Rasboras, are stunning little fish that captivate with their exquisite, starry patterns. These celestial wonders make excellent betta fish tank mates, as they are generally peaceful and share a similar temperament with bettas, coexisting without any hassle.

celestial pearl danio

  • Compatibility: 5/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy to Moderate
  • Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – small pellets or flake food, complemented with live or frozen foods (e.g., daphnia, micro worms)
  • Max. Size: 1 inch

Invite Celestial Pearl Danios to join your betta fish, and revel in the hypnotic beauty of their constellations, creating an aquarium environment that’s truly out of this world.

Rummy Nose Tetras

Rummy Nose Tetras, instantly recognizable by their red noses and pixellated patterns, add a striking visual element to any betta fish tank.

Known for their peaceful nature, these fish are quite compatible with bettas and their peculiar nose markings often serve as an indicator of water conditions, as the intensity of the red color will change accordingly.

Rummy Nose Tetra

  • Compatibility: 4.5/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy to Moderate
  • Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – high-quality flake food, enriched with live or frozen foods (e.g., bloodworms, brine shrimp)
  • Max. Size: 2 inches

Introduce Rummy Nose Tetras into your betta fish tank and admire the one-of-a-kind aesthetic they bring to your underwater oasis, while coexisting serenely with your betta fish.

Rosy Tetras

Rosy Tetras are intriguing fish with rosy cheeks and silver bodies, creating a delightful visual blend for your betta fish tank. These affable fish are known for their gentle demeanor, making them well-suited to cohabitate with betta fish.

In addition, their preference for a slow-paced environment with plenty of hideouts aligns perfectly with the betta’s natural habitat.

rosy barb

  • Compatibility: 5/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 15 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – tropical flake food, as well as live or frozen foods (e.g., bloodworms, daphnia)
  • Max. Size: 1.5 inches

Add Rosy Tetras to your betta fish tank and enjoy the harmonious union of these kindred spirits, as they peacefully share the same underwater home.

Cherry Barb

Cherry Barbs, characterized by their radiant red bodies, are a colorful delight that complements your betta fish tank. Their mellow and pleasant disposition ensures harmonious coexistence with betta fish, allowing both species to thrive in a community setting.

As an added benefit, the dazzling red of the Cherry Barbs adds a striking contrast to the tank’s visual display.

Cherry Barb

  • Compatibility: 5/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 15 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – flake food or micro-pellets, alongside live or frozen foods (e.g., brine shrimp, daphnia)
  • Max. Size: 2 inches

Introduce Cherry Barbs to your betta fish tank and savor the sight of their colorful presence, as their tranquility promotes a serene and welcoming underwater environment.

Platy Fish

Platy Fish, boasting a wide range of colors and patterns, are a lively and attractive option for your betta fish tank. These dynamic swimmers are generally peaceful in nature, which allows for an amicable coexistence with betta fish.

Keep in mind, though, that their vivacious behavior may occasionally provoke the betta, so it’s wise to monitor their interactions closely.

platy fish

  • Compatibility: 4/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – flake food, micro-pellets, and live or frozen foods (e.g., brine shrimp, bloodworms)
  • Max. Size: 2.5 inches

Consider adding Platy Fish to your betta fish tank for a splendid array of colors and a burst of lively energy that brings your underwater kingdom to life.

Molly Fish

Molly Fish are versatile species known for their distinctive sail-like dorsal fins, making them an exciting addition to your betta fish tank. Generally, these mild-mannered fish get along well with bettas, though it’s essential to ensure both fish have ample space to prevent territorial disputes.

black molly fish

  • Compatibility: 4/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – flake food, sinking pellets, and live or frozen foods (e.g., bloodworms, brine shrimp)
  • Max. Size: 4.5 inches

Introduce Molly Fish into your betta fish tank and appreciate the unique aesthetic they offer, as their harmonious nature creates a thriving and dynamic underwater environment for all to enjoy.

Swordtail Fish

Swordtail Fish, instantly recognizable by their distinct elongated tails, are an enticing addition to any betta fish tank. Their amiable temperament and adaptability make them suitable companions for bettas.

However, monitor their interactions, as males of both species may display territorial behavior, which can affect the peaceful dynamic of your aquarium.

red swordtail fish

  • Compatibility: 3.5/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 15 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – flake food, sinking pellets, and live or frozen foods (e.g., brine shrimp, bloodworms)
  • Max. Size: 5.5 inches

By adding Swordtail Fish to your betta fish tank, you’re guaranteed to turn heads with the striking appearance of these aquatic wonders while fostering a lively underwater community.

Bristlenose Pleco

Bristlenose Plecos, with their intriguing bristle-like growths on their faces, make fascinating tank mates for betta fish. These gentle giants scavenge the bottom of the tank, primarily consuming algae and keeping your aquarium clean.

As they usually keep to themselves, they don’t bother betta fish, allowing for a harmonious living environment.

bristlenose pleco

  • Compatibility: 5/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Diet & Feeding: Herbivorous – algae wafers, supplemented with occasional vegetables (e.g., zucchini, spinach)
  • Max. Size: 5 inches

Introduce a Bristlenose Pleco to your betta fish tank and enjoy the valuable services it provides while watching it peacefully coexist with your betta in a compelling underwater world.

Gourami Fish

Gourami Fish, a close relative of betta fish, come in various dazzling colors and patterns that enhance your aquarium’s visual appeal.

The compatibility between the two species can sometimes be challenging, as both fish exhibit territorial behaviors. However, with careful monitoring and sufficient space, they may coexist peacefully in the same tank.

pearl gourami

  • Compatibility: 3/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
  • Care Level: Moderate
  • Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – high-quality flake food or pellets, complemented with live or frozen foods (e.g., daphnia, bloodworms)
  • Max. Size: 6 inches

When introducing Gourami Fish to your betta fish tank, take necessary precautions and observe their interactions to maintain peace and equilibrium within your underwater sanctuary.

Otocinclus Fish

Otocinclus Fish, often referred to as “Otos,” are charming and petite catfish perfect for mitigating algae growth in your betta fish tank.

With their amicable nature and affinity for dwelling on the tank floor, Otos rarely interfere with bettas, promoting a serene and cohesive underwater environment.

Otocinclus Catfish

  • Compatibility: 5/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
  • Care Level: Moderate
  • Diet & Feeding: Herbivorous – algae, supplemented with algae wafers and vegetables (e.g., cucumber, spinach)
  • Max. Size: 2 inches

Incorporate Otocinclus Fish in your betta fish tank and take pleasure in their subtle charm while witnessing a peaceful and harmonious underwater realm unfold before your eyes.

Kuhli Loach

Kuhli Loaches, with their elongated, eel-like bodies and distinctive banded patterns, offer a unique presence in your betta fish tank.

These nocturnal bottom dwellers shy away from confrontation, making them a suitable companion for betta fish. Their natural tendency to hide during the day reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

Kuhli Loach

  • Compatibility: 4.5/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
  • Care Level: Moderate
  • Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – sinking pellets or wafers, along with live or frozen foods (e.g., bloodworms, daphnia)
  • Max. Size: 4 inches

Introduce Kuhli Loaches to your betta fish tank and observe the intriguing behaviors and features they bring to the underwater landscape, fostering harmony among all inhabitants.

Siamese Algae Eaters

Siamese Algae Eaters, as their name suggests, are beneficial additions to your betta fish tank due to their excellent algae-consuming skills.

Their peaceable nature and focus on consuming algae typically mean they won’t trouble your betta fish, allowing for a harmonious aquatic community.

Siamese Algae Eaters

  • Compatibility: 4/5
  • Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
  • Care Level: Moderate
  • Diet & Feeding: Herbivorous – primarily algae, with supplemental algae wafers or vegetables (e.g., spinach, potato)
  • Max. Size: 6 inches

By adding Siamese Algae Eaters to your betta fish tank, you’ll not only benefit from a healthier aquatic environment, but also encourage harmony among your diverse underwater companions.

Tank Mates to Avoid Keeping with Bettas

In my experience as an aquarist, I’ve discovered that certain species are incompatible with Betta fish. It’s crucial to avoid housing these species with your Betta to prevent conflicts and stress.

Aggressive and Territorial Fish

Bettas are prone to aggression, so it’s wise to avoid tank mates that can trigger hostility:

  • Other male Bettas
  • Cichlids
  • Tiger Barbs

Fish that Resemble Bettas

Bettas can mistake fish with similar appearances for rivals, causing unnecessary strife:

  • Fancy Guppies
  • Angelfish
  • Killifish

Slow Swimmers and Fin Nippers

Bettas’ flowing fins can attract unwanted attention from nippy tank mates, leading to injury:

  • Serpae Tetras
  • Red-Eye Tetras
  • Goldfish
Species to Avoid Reason
Male Bettas Aggression, Territorial
Cichlids Aggression, Territorial
Tiger Barbs Aggression, Fin Nippers
Fancy Guppies Resemble Bettas
Angelfish Resemble Bettas
Killifish Resemble Bettas
Serpae Tetras Fin Nippers
Red-Eye Tetras Fin Nippers
Goldfish Slow Swimmer

By avoiding these species, you can help maintain a harmonious and stress-free environment for your Betta fish and their suitable tank mates.

Conclusion

Choosing the ideal tank mates for your betta fish can be an enriching and enjoyable endeavor. By carefully considering each species’ compatibility, care requirements, and individual characteristics, you can cultivate a harmonious, diverse, and visually stunning underwater ecosystem.

As you embark on this aquatic adventure, always keep the well-being of your betta fish and its tank mates in mind, and relish the tranquility and beauty of your shared underwater haven.

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