Is keeping betta fish in an aquarium with other fish a good idea? The betta fish or Siamese fighting fish is known for the territorial aggression it shows. Keeping two male bettas in the same tank is not advisable as they will end up fighting with each other. But can a betta, male or female, be kept in a community aquarium with other fish? Yes, the betta is compatible with certain fish species. It can live peacefully with some kinds of fish. But keeping in mind the aggressive temperament of your betta fish, you need to be careful while choosing tank mates for it. You will have to make a list of fish that can live with bettas and then decide which other fish species you can choose as tank mates for your betta.
The ideal tank size for a single betta fish is 5 gallons or more. If you decide to keep other fish along with the betta, the tank size should definitely be more than 5 gallons, say 15 to 20 gallons or the issue of territorial aggression will come up. In a 10-gallon tank, you can house the betta with 3-4 other fish. So choose the tank mates depending on your tank size.
Best Tank Mates For Betta Fish
In A 2.5 Gallon Tank
If your tank size is just 2.5 gallons, Zebra Snails should be your preferred choice as a tank mate for your betta. Zebra Snails are peaceful, and they help to keep the tank clean by eating algae and debris. The betta, especially the male, will be compatible with the zebra snail.In A 3-Gallon Tank
The marimo moss ball is a living plant that eats algae and can be added to the tank. The cherry shrimp is unobtrusive. It will get along with the betta, and if the betta gets aggressive, the cherry shrimp can hide in some corner of the tank.In A 5-Gallon Tank
Mystery snails are docile and will stay away from the betta. They also eat algae and will keep the aquarium clean. They have a hard shell. So if the betta gets aggressive sometimes, you don't need to fear as the mystery snail can quickly get inside its hard shell.Feeder Guppies are usually bred to be given as food to large fish. They are good companions for your betta because, unlike Fancy Guppies, they do not have bright colors and have small fins. They are docile by temperament, so the betta will not feel threatened in any way.
In A 10-Gallon Tank
The White Cloud Minnow is a peaceful species of fish. The food and water pH of the white cloud minnow is similar to that of the betta. The betta will not feel threatened by it, and hence it is an ideal tank mate for the betta.
The Neon Tetra is a colorful species of fish. With both the betta and the neon tetra, your aquarium will be a riot of colors. The neon tetra is a peaceful species. It does not take up much space in the aquarium as it is small and will be a good companion for the betta.
Harlequin Rasboras are considered the best tank mates for the betta. They are small and can co-exist peacefully with the betta. They grow up to 2 inches in length and need the same diet and tank conditions as the betta.
The African Dwarf Frog can be a great companion for the male betta. It is peaceful in temperament and easy to take care of. It grows up to 2.5 inches and needs similar conditions to thrive as the betta.
Due to its translucent appearance, the Ghost Shrimp becomes almost invisible in the aquarium. It will eat the excess food and keep the tank clean.
The Cory Catfish is also an excellent companion for the betta because it is docile in temperament and needs the same tank conditions as the betta.
Other fish species that are compatible with the betta are Ember Tetra, Celestial Pearl Danio, Panda Cory, Albino Cory, Pygmy Cory, Silver Tip Tetra Kuhli Loach.
It is usually believed that the betta should be kept alone in the aquarium. But some fish species like the African Dwarf Frog, the Kuhli Loach, the Mystery Snail, etc., can co-exist peacefully with the betta. You can choose any of these species as tank mates for your betta.
