Bettas have a reputation for being unfrequented fish . They are often kept alone due to their territorial behavior and their tendency to push with other Pisces , especially those of the same specie . While you ca n’t add up a male betta to another male ’s tank car , there are other types of fish that can bestow more life story to your betta ’s aquarium .
1. Neon Tetras
Neon tetra are small , non - aggressive fish with spectacular , metallic low and red stripes . Their peaceful demeanor and diminutive size of it make them ideal tank car mates for betta fish . Neons are teachable enough to be kept with bettas , and their small size plus their absolved fins mean most bettas will impart them alone . Moreover , their schooling nature adds an animated dynamic to the tank .
bid a varied diet - including foods specifically made for bettas - to ensure both species are getting their required diet , as neon tetras are omnivorous and bettas are carnivorous .
2. Peppered Cory Catfish
hold on peppered cory mudcat in a betta tank can make for a proportionate environment due to the complementary nature of each species ' behaviors . Cory siluriform fish are passive , bottom - dwelling fish that are unconvincing to motivate the territorial inherent aptitude of a betta fish , which usually use up the middle and top sections of the tank .
However , to ensure a comfortable home ground for both , make certain your tank is a minimum of 20 gallons . This allows sufficient blank space for the cory catfish to school , which is crucial as they are societal fish and prefer to be in group of at least five .
Both betta Pisces the Fishes and cory catfish appreciate a well - decorate tank with quite a little of concealing spots . foliage bedding material , driftwood , and caves are great additions for cory catfish , while betta Pisces the Fishes apprize plants and floating logs . Cory wolf fish can help keep the tank clear by scavenging for uneaten food and algae , but you also need to provide them with a balanced diet suitable for bottom eater .
3. Harlequin Rasboras
These bright colored , small Pisces are excellent betta associate . Harlequin rasboras can make great companions in a apportion tank due to their peaceable nature . They ’re a school coinage , so it ’s recommended to have a group of at least six .
As for armoured combat vehicle conditions , a 20 - gallon tank is typically a suitable lower limit to provide enough room for both species . It ’s important to contain piles of plants and hiding places to create breaks in their phone line of sight , which can help prevent possible territorial disputes .
4. Kuhli Loaches
Kuhli loaches can be a ripe fit for a betta tank given their non - aggressive and bottom - dwelling habit . Being nocturnal , they come out mostly at night when your betta is less fighting , reducing the chance of territorial disputes .
Kuhli loaches are also school fish and should be kept in groups of at least three to six for their comfort . Kuhli loaches choose tanks with soft , sandy substrate , as they are known to burrow . add plenty of hiding spot like caves , driftwood , and leaf bedding material is also beneficial for these shy animal . Both betta Pisces and kuhli loach thrive in similar water conditions , make them compatible army tank mates .
As shortly as you begin considering tankmates for your betta , set off conceive swelled . A 20 - congius tank or larger is advisable to provide enough room for both species .
5. Ember Tetras
Ember tetra are a good all - around burst for betta tanks . For one thing , they ’re lowly than bettas , and they run to keep to themselvs . Due to their peaceable nature and the fact that they inhabit unlike country of the tank , they should n’t give your betta any problem .
Ember tetras tend to float in the middle areas of the tank , while bettas generally stay nearer to the surface . Being a school fish , ember tetras should be keep in grouping of at least six to ten , provide a beautiful spectacle as they move together . It ’s essential to have a appropriately large tank to bring home the bacon sizable space for both mintage .
Both coal tetras and betta Pisces treasure tank with spate of plants and hiding spaces . Almost all freshwater aquarium Pisces the Fishes do better in set setups .
6. Pygmy Corydoras
enclose pygmy corydoras to a betta armored combat vehicle can bring a new floor of dynamism and diversity to your aquarium setup . Pygmy corydoras are small , peaceable , non - fast-growing fish that drop most of their time in the bottom section of the tank , reducing the chance of call forth the betta ’s territorial instincts .
Because Pigmy corydoras are cultivate Pisces the Fishes , it ’s best to keep them in groups of at least six . Both coinage appreciate a well - implant tank with lots of hiding spots . A sandy substrate is especially good for pygmy corydoras , as they like to rummage through it for food .
Even though Pigmy corydoras can help keep the tank clean by eating leftover intellectual nourishment , it ’s crucial to feed them a right diet that meets their specific nutritionary needs .
7. Endler’s Livebearers
Endler ’s livebearers , with their vibrant colors and peaceful temperament , can make terrific tank better half for a betta fish , total a splash of brightness to your aquarium . These small , combat-ready fish are libertine swimmers . They are also hardy and adaptable , make them compatible with bettas in terms of weewee condition requirements .
While these Pisces are mostly plant - based feeder , they will appreciate a diverse diet that include both plant subject and small , live foods . It ’s authoritative to nearly supervise your betta ’s behaviour when acquaint Endler ’s livebearers , as the betta may display aggression , especially if the storage tank is too small or lacks enough hiding places .
8. Bristlenose Plecos
Bristlenose plecos fit aright in with bettas . Their peaceful nature and propensity to dwell at the bottom of the aquarium reduces likely territorial clashes with your betta . These singular - look creatures are known for their algae - eating use , helping keep the cooler neat . However , they also require a diet supplemented with vegetable and sinking pellets to fulfill their nutritional needs .
The water parameters suitable for betta fish are generally compatible with the needs of bristlenose plecos . Still , it ’s always important to monitor the interactions between your betta and its novel tank mate , as individual betta personalities can vary . With the right environment , bristlenose plecos can coexist peacefully with betta Pisces , adding an exciting component to your marine museum .
9. Otocinclus Catfish
Most bottom - dwelling fish are natural selection for betta tanks . Otocinclus wolffish can be an excellent option because they have peaceful temperaments , remain small , and live mostly on the bottom . As algae eaters , otocinclus catfish can help keep cleanliness in your cooler .
They are also relatively non - intrusive , pass most of their prison term sucking on plant leaves and aquarium glass , thereby avoiding any potential territorial disputes with your betta . Both species choose standardised H2O conditions , which makes them a ripe match .
Otocinclus are school fish and thrive best in grouping of three or more .
10. Guppies
Lebistes reticulatus are often brought up as suited tankmates for bettas . However , if you go for fancy guppies , be aware that their bright finnage can draw undesirable tending from your betta . Take forethought if you add brightly coloured male guppy in with your betta .
If your tank is turgid enough with plenty of concealing spots , and you sum up several guppies , include females or duller Male , the setup can work . Guppies are friendly and industrious , and enjoy the upper area of the tank car . Both rainbow fish and betta fish appreciate plenty of plants in their tanks , which can avail diffuse tension and create boundaries within the tank .
Be inclined to supervise your betta ’s behavior closely when introducing guppies , as some bettas may be more aggressive than others . Despite the likely challenges , with the right planning and on-going notice , it ’s possible for guppies and bettas to deal an marine museum .
Fancy guppies have flow fins that can attract betta aggressiveness . obviate adding a undivided , large male guppy , especially if it ’s a fancy variety with darker colored fins .
Never Keep These Fish With Bettas
Bettas are sensitive when it comes to what fish they will abide in their tank . Also , bettas do just hunky-dory on their own , so you do n’t have to add tankmates just to keep them glad . There are some fish they will perfectly never accept in their army tank :
Keep an Eye on the Tank
recall , not all bettas are alike , and what works for one may not work for another . Always monitor the tank cautiously when introducing new companions to ensure everyone gets along . Pick a tank car of the right size , provide plenty of hiding touch , and maintain safe water condition to aid ensure your Pisces the Fishes enjoy passive coexistence .
