Can Betta Fish Live With Other Fish? (13 Possible Reasons)

Day by day, the number of aquarium pet lovers is increasing day by day. Similarly, the demand for keeping betta fish with other fish is skyrocketing.

Yesterday’s article was about male and female betta fish together. But if you’re an avid aquarium fish lover like me, you’ll want to add more different species of fish to the betta fish tank. You are still not sure that, can betta fish live with other fish?

Time changes, seasons change but you can’t find the answer to your question. Because no one has discussed this topic in detail before but today your answer is ready. All you have to do is read this article till the end.

can betta fish live with other fish?

A few months ago I bought an old fish life book at a fish book fair. When I started reading the chapter on betta fish I saw your question, can betta fish live with other fish?

The author answers yes, bettas can live with other fish, but the aquarium container should be large(a minimum of five gallons) and have plenty of hiding places for the betta. The book goes on to state that it’s better to keep just one betta per aquarium because they are territorial by nature and will often fight with other fish.

It is important to note that not all species of fish are used to living with betta fish. However, there are certain species of fish that can coexist with betta fish in the same aquarium. These species of fish include:

• Guppies
• Platies
• Mollies
• Swordtails
• Corydoras Catfish
• Kuhli Loaches
• Plecostomus Catfish

When choosing fish to put in the same aquarium as your betta, it is important to consider the size, temperament, and water requirements of the fish. You will also want to avoid fish that have long fins or are brightly colored, as these are often seen as a threat by bettas.

It is possible for betta fish to live with other fish, but it is important to do your research and choose the right tank mates. With a little bit of planning, you can create a happy and healthy home for your betta fish and their new friends.

How to keep betta fish with other fish in an aquarium tank?

You now know that betta fish can be kept with other fish. But you still don’t know the answer to how to keep betta fish with other fish in an aquarium tank.

USA Fish Research Institute conducts research on fish breeding (ichthyology), and they have discovered that when bettas are kept with other fish in an aquarium, the tank mates should not be bigger than the betta’s mouth. In other words, don’t put a betta in a tank with goldfish!

The reason for this is that when fish are together in a community tank, they compete for food. If the betta is smaller than the other fish, it won’t be able to compete and will go hungry.

The USA Fish Research Institute of Fish Breeding (Ichthyology) in their study suggests some scientific ways how to keep betta fish in the same aquarium tank as other fish.

1. Make sure the tank is big enough

When it comes to keeping betta fish with other fish, size does matter. In order for the betta fish to be happy and healthy, the tank needs to be big enough.

The general rule of thumb is that the tank should be at least ten gallons for one betta fish and two gallons for every additional fish. If the tank is too small, then there is a risk of the betta fish becoming stressed and sick.

2. Choose the right tank mates

Not all fish are compatible with betta fish. When choosing tank mates for betta fish, it is important to consider the temperament of the fish and the size of the tank.

Some good choices for betta fish tank mates include peaceful fish that are similar in size. Some examples of compatible fish include neon tetras, guppies, and plates.

3. Acclimate the fish slowly

When adding new fish to the tank, it is important to acclimate them slowly. This means adding the new fish to the tank a little bit at a time so that the betta fish can get used to them.

Start by adding the new fish to a separate container inside the tank. After an hour, release the new fish into the tank. Repeat this process for a few days until the new fish are fully acclimated.

4. Provide hiding spots

Betta fish are territorial by nature and can be aggressive towards other fish. To reduce the risk of aggression, it is important to provide hiding spots for the betta fish.

This can be done by adding plants or other decorations to the tank. The more hiding spots there are, the less likely the betta fish will be to act out.

5. Monitor the tank closely

It is important to monitor the tank closely when keeping betta fish with other fish. This is because betta fish can be aggressive and may try to harm or kill the other fish.

If you notice any aggression, remove the offending fish from the tank immediately. With proper care and supervision, it is possible for betta fish and other fish to live together peacefully.

Rules for Keeping Betta Fish with Other Fish

You may have already learned how to keep betta fish with other fish. But it has some secret rules which are still unknown to you.

I also didn’t know the rules of keeping betta fish with other fish in the beginning. Ever since I started reading Book Fair Betta Fish books, I slowly started to discover these secrets. I am sharing it with you today.

The rules are very simple. If you follow these, your betta fish will definitely live with other fish in an aquarium tank :

1. Do not keep male Bettas together

If you are thinking of keeping a betta fish (Betta splendens) as a pet, one of the most important things to remember is not to keep male Bettas together.

If they are kept in the same tank, they will likely fight to the death. Female Bettas can usually be kept safely with other fish, but it is still best to do your research before adding any fish to your tank.

2. Do not keep bettas with brightly colored fish

When choosing fish to live with your betta, it is important to avoid brightly colored fish. This is because bettas will see these fish as rivals and may attack them.

Instead, choose duller-colored fish as tank mates for your betta.

3. Avoid fish with flowing tails

In the same vein, bettas should not be kept with fish that have flowing tails. Fish with long, flowing tails are seen as a sign of aggression to bettas and may trigger a fight.

Choose tank mates with shorter tails instead.

4. Do not keep bettas with nippy fish

Betta fish are often quite docile and do not like to fight. However, there are some fish that are known to be nippy and may start fights with your betta.

To avoid this, avoid keeping any nippy fish in the same tank as your betta.

5. Do not keep more than one Betta per tank

As mentioned before, male Bettas should not be kept together in the same tank due to their tendency to fight. If you have more than one male Betta, they will likely end up killing each other.

It is also important not to keep more than one Betta per tank in order to avoid over-stocking.

6. Choose tank mates that are the same size or smaller than your Betta

When choosing other fish to live with your betta, it is important to make sure that they are of similar size or smaller than your betta.

This is because Bettas can be quite territorial and may attack larger fish. Choosing smaller tank mates will help to avoid this issue and create a more peaceful environment for all of your fish.

7. Do not overstock your tank

Finally, another key rule to keeping betta fish with other fish is not to overstock your tank. This means only adding a few additional fish to the tank in order to give your betta enough room to swim around without feeling threatened.

Overstocking can lead to increased aggression among the fish and can be harmful to their health.

Following these simple rules will help to ensure that your betta fish can live peacefully with other fish in the same tank. By providing them with the proper environment and tank mates, you can create a beautiful and peaceful aquarium for all of your fish to enjoy.

Benefits of keeping Betta fish with other fish

There are many benefits to keeping betta fish with other fish. One of the most obvious benefits is that it can help to make your betta fish feel less stressed and more relaxed.

Betta fish are often very territorial and can become stressed when they feel like they are being crowded. Keeping them with other fish can help to provide them with the space they need to feel comfortable and relaxed.

Another benefit of keeping betta fish with other fish is that it can help to keep them healthy. Betta fish are known to be very susceptible to diseases and can often become sick if they are kept in poor water conditions.

Keeping them with other fish can help to increase the water quality in the tank and keep your betta fish healthy.

Lastly, keeping betta fish with other fish can also be aesthetically pleasing. Betta fish come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, which can add beauty and interest to your aquarium.

What fish can live with my betta?

You may want to keep other fish with your betta fish. Already know all the rules but still don’t know for sure which species of fish can easily adapt to betta fish in a short time.

I put some special fish in my aquarium a month ago with betta fish and it has survived for a long month without any ailments. Here are some fish that can live with betta fish:

1. Corydoras catfish

Corydoras catfish is a species of freshwater catfish in the Corydoradiinae family. Corydoras catfish have a reputation for keeping well with betta fish in tropical aquariums. Six species of corydorus catfish are popular to live in the same fish tank with betta fish.

• Cory the bandit
• Bronze Corey
• Julie Corey
• Three Stripes Corey
• Panda Cory
• Chilli curry

Betta fish prefer to stay near the top of the water, while corries are decidedly bottom dwellers. As a result your betta will never show aggression with the fish. Keeping corydoras catfish and betta fish together is important to maintaining the pH level of the water in the aquarium tank.

The ideal pH level is 7.0, making both species highly compatible in that regard. Feed both fish bloodworms as food. Corydoras catfish will scavenge the aquarium for uneaten food, which helps to keep the water clean.

2. Endler livebearers

Endler’s livebearers are a small species of freshwater fish in the Poeciliidae family. The males have vibrant colors and patterns, while the females are less flashy. These fish are found in brackish and fresh water in South America.

Endlers’ livebearers are compatible with bettas because they prefer to stay at the bottom of the aquarium tank. The males are also less likely to show aggression towards each other. Feed your endlers livebearers a diet of brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.

3. Harlequin rasbora

The harlequin rasbora is a species of freshwater fish in the Cyprinidae family. These fish are found in Southeast Asia. They get their name from their distinct coloration, which is orange with black spots.

Harlequin rasboras are compatible with bettas because they are peaceful community fish. They prefer to stay in school, so it is best to keep at least six of them together. Feed your harlequin rasboras a diet of brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.

4. Kuhli loach

Kuhli loach is a species of tropical freshwater fish in the Cobitidae family. Kuhli loaches are long and slender, with a brown or black body covered in tiger-like stripes. Females tend to be larger than males and can grow up to 12 cm (4.7 in) in length.

Kuhli is peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. They are shy fish that prefer to hide among plants and rocks. Kuhl is nocturnal feeders and will come out at night to forage for food.

Kuhlis get along well with betta fish, as both species are peaceful and shy. Kuhlis will help to keep the aquarium clean by eating uneaten food and waste. The ideal pH level for kuhlis is 6.5-7.5. Feed them live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

5. Bristlenose pleco

Bristlenose plecos are a species of suckermouth catfish in the Loricariidae family. Bristlenose plecos are brown or tan, with dark spots and stripes. They get their name from the bristles that protrude from their heads.

Bristlenose plecos are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. They are good algae eaters and will help to keep the aquarium clean. Bristlenose plecos prefer to live in groups of 3 or more fish.

The ideal pH level for bristlenose plecos is 6.5-7.5. Feed them live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

6. Guppies

Guppies are a species of freshwater fish in the Poeciliidae family. Guppies are brightly colored, with long fins and tails. Males tend to be more colorful than females and can grow up to 5 cm (2 in) in length.

Guppies are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. They are good algae eaters and will help to keep the aquarium clean. Guppies prefer to live in groups of 3 or more fish.

The ideal pH level for guppies is 7.0-8.0. Feed them live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

7. Neon Tetras

Neon tetras are small freshwater fish that belong to the Characidae family. Neon tetras are one of the most popular fish in the aquarium trade. They are found in blackwater streams and rivers in South America.

Neon tetras prefer to live in schools, so it is best to keep at least six together. They are peaceful fish that get along well with other species of fish, making them good tank mates for bettas.

Neon tetras are omnivorous and will eat a variety of food, including live food, frozen food, and flakes. To keep your neon tetras healthy, it is important to vary their diet.

8. Rasboras

Rasboras are a family of freshwater fish that includes over 150 species. Rasboras are found in freshwater streams and rivers in Asia. They get their name from the rasp-like sound they make when they breathe.

Rasboras are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. They prefer to live in schools, so it is best to keep at least six together. Rasboras are good algae eaters and will help to keep the aquarium clean.

The ideal pH level for rasboras is 6.0-7.5. Feed them live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

9. White Cloud Mountain Minnows

White Cloud Mountain minnows are a species of freshwater fish in the Cyprinidae family. They are native to streams and rivers in China. White Cloud Mountain minnows get their name from the white clouds that form on their bodies.

White Cloud Mountain minnows are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. They prefer to live in schools, so it is best to keep at least six together. White Cloud Mountain minnows are good algae eaters and will help to keep the aquarium clean.

The ideal pH level for White Cloud Mountain minnows is 6.5-7.5. Feed them live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

Risks of keeping Betta fish with other fish

Betta fish are aggressive and territorial by nature, and they will often attack other fish that they perceive to be a threat. For this reason, it is important to choose tank mates for bettas carefully.

Some species of fish are more likely to be compatible with bettas than others. It is best to avoid keeping bettas with fish that are similar in size and shape, as these fish are more likely to be seen as a threat. It is also important to avoid keeping bettas with aggressive or territorial fish, as they may attack the betta.

Bettas are also known to be fin nippers, so it is important to avoid keeping them with fish that have long fins or tails. Fish that are known to be compatible with bettas include neon tetras, rasboras, and White Cloud Mountain minnows.

If you are considering keeping a betta fish with other fish, it is important to do your research to make sure that the fish you choose are compatible. It is also important to provide the betta with plenty of hiding places so that they can escape if they feel threatened.

Conclusion

Betta fish are beautiful and popular freshwater fish that are often kept as pets. Betta fish are aggressive and territorial by nature, and they will often attack other fish that they perceive to be a threat. For this reason, it is important to choose tank mates for bettas carefully.

Some species of fish are more likely to be compatible with bettas than others. It is best to avoid keeping bettas with fish that are similar in size and shape, as these fish are more likely to be seen as a threat. It is also important to avoid keeping bettas with aggressive or territorial fish, as they may attack the betta.

Bettas are also known to be fin nippers, so it is important to avoid keeping them with fish that have long fins or tails. Fish that are known to be compatible with bettas include neon tetras, rasboras, and White Cloud Mountain minnows.

If you are considering keeping a betta fish with other fish, it is important to do your research to make sure that the fish you choose are compatible. It is also important to provide the betta with plenty of hiding places so that they can escape if they feel threatened.