Neon tetras are among the most peaceful fish in the freshwater aquarium industry. Betta fish, or “Siamese fighting fish,” are infamous for their aggressive behaviors.
Our first instinct would be that bettas and neon tetras can not live together. Surprisingly, the two distinctive species often do well in the same aquarium.
The neons’ small bodies and short fins pose no threat to bettas, and most bettas leave them alone. Neons are quick and can usually outrun a territorial betta if they decide to get bitey.
Many hobbyists have had success keeping the two species in the same aquarium. The bright, flashy colors of the tetras complement the usually darker shade of the betta.
Can Neon Tetras Live With A Betta Fish?
Neon tetras and bettas can live with one another because they don’t conflict.
Neons are one of the most peaceful tetra species, not prone to fin nipping. Fin nipping may occasionally occur, though it’s rare.
Bettas rarely bother neon tetras because they’re small and unimposing. Their tiny bodies and short fins make it clear they’re not a threat, despite their bright colors. Generally, bettas don’t like fish with bright colors or long fins. They see them as a threat because they look too much like another betta.
Neons and bettas have similar care needs, which makes them compatible.
A Brief Guide To Neon Tetras
Neon tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) are small fish. They have transparent fins and bright blue and red bodies. They are native to the warm waters of western South America.
They need these water parameters to stay healthy:
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrites: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: >40 ppm
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Temperature: 68-82°F (20-28°C)
- General Hardness: 0-10 dGH
A Brief Guide To Betta Fish
Betta fish (Betta splendens) are larger and more aggressive than neons. They are most aggressive toward other bettas.
Males have large flowing fins, while females have shorter ones. Most captive-bred bettas have a variety of bright colors on their bodies and fins.
Wild bettas are native to Southeast Asia, primarily the waters of Thailand. Like neon tetras, betta fish like warm, slightly acidic waters.
They need these water parameters to stay healthy:
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrites: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: >40 ppm
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- Temperature: 75-81°F (23.9-27.2°C)
- General Hardness: 3-12 dGH
Picking The Right Betta Fish
While most betta fish do okay in community tanks, not every betta is suitable. Some have more aggressive personalities than others. Be careful when picking a betta to get one that will do well with other fish.
Some tail types seem more aggressive than others. According to some hobbyists, plakats and crowntails are the most aggressive. Veiltails seem to be the most peaceful.
Watch how bettas interact with one another at the store. They usually live in small plastic containers sitting next to each other. Avoid bettas that are acting aggressively toward their neighbors. Aggressive behaviors include flaring, posturing, and biting.
Female betta fish are often better for community tanks, as they are less aggressive. They can be also territorial and aren’t afraid to defend themselves against nipping.
Overly aggressive females can cause much damage. They are faster than males with their short fins. Fortunately, super-aggressive females are uncommon.
How To Set Up An Aquarium For A Betta & Neon Tetras
Setting up an aquarium that works for both species is the key to success.
Water parameters must be suitable for both neon tetras and betta fish. Their care needs overlap, making this easy to do.
The right amount of space and decorations is necessary. Neons should have enough space to swim around while having somewhere to hide.
Use caution when feeding, as bettas and neon tetras have differing nutritional needs.
Tank Size
Hobbyists should have no less than 15 gallons to house neon tetras with a betta fish. It’s best to go with a larger tank when possible. The bigger the tank, the more room each fish has, and the more neon tetras can live there.
Keep At Least Six Neon Tetras With A Betta Fish
A 15-gallon aquarium can house a single betta fish and six neon tetras.
No fewer than six neons should live in a tank, as they are schooling fish. Neons experience stress when their school is not large enough. They spend more time hiding and are more likely to get sick.
The larger the school, the safer the fish feel and the more active they are likely to be.
Fish Need Space & Exercise
Both neon tetras and betta fish are active fish that need plenty of exercise. Any tank smaller than 15 gallons will prohibit their natural swimming patterns.
Bettas also need space to establish their territory. They become overly territorial in a tank that is too small and are more likely to attack.
Larger Tanks Prevent Waste Build-Up
A larger tank prevents the aquarium from accumulating too much waste. Ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates build up more quickly in smaller tanks. These toxins are hazardous for neon tetras and bettas.
The larger the tank, the healthier it will stay between water changes and cleanings. Larger tanks also need fewer water changes and cleanings than small ones. They tend to be less work for hobbyists.
Water Parameters & Temperature
Neon tetras and bettas have similar water needs.
Neither fish can have ammonia or nitrites in the tank, which is typical for most fish. They can handle some nitrates, though they should stay below 40 ppm.
Neon tetras like slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Bettas prefer slightly acidic to slightly basic pH between 6.5 and 7.5. To keep both species happy, hobbyists should aim for a pH between 6.5 and 7.0.
Both species prefer soft water, though they can handle slightly harder water. Very hard water is dangerous for both species and can cause illness.
Neon tetras prefer water below 10 dGH, while bettas like water between 3 and 12 dGH. Aim for a general water hardness between 3 and 10 dGH to keep both species happy.
Water temperature is the easiest thing to get right since all hobbyists need is a heater.
Neon tetras need temperatures between 68-82°F (20-28°C). Bettas prefer temperatures between 75-81°F (23.9-27.2°C). To keep each species happy, set the temperature between 75-81°F (23.9-27.2°C).
Filter
A filter is necessary for every aquarium that houses fish. Fortunately, neon tetras and bettas work well with the same kinds of filters.
A sponge filter is best for most tanks, as they produce little flow, making swimming easy for bettas.
Neon tetras come from streams with moving water. They like a bit of current to swim in, though too-strong currents are stressful for them. The amount of current a sponge filter creates is usually the ideal amount.
Hang-Over-Back (HOB) Filters
Hang-over-back (HOB) filters are good for those who want to give their neon tetras more current. These types of filters usually work best in 20+ gallon tanks.
Provide enough quiet space for the betta when using a HOB filter. Larger tanks allow one side of the tank to have current for the tetras while the other is gentle enough for bettas.
Some filters produce too much current; hobbyists may need a baffle to slow it down.
Hobbyists may need to place a sponge around the filter intake valve. The suction of many HOB filters is strong and may be enough to suck up tiny neon tetras.
HOB filters offer the benefit of chemical filtration that many sponge filters don’t have. Chemical media, like activated charcoal, help keep the tank cleaner longer.
Heater
Both species are tropical and need warm water. Most owners will need a heater to maintain the proper temperatures in their tank. Only a few hobbyists — like those living in tropical regions — may not need a heater.
Lighting
Both neon tetras and bettas come from areas with dense vegetation and low lighting. They feel more comfortable with low to moderate lighting rather than high lighting.
Decorations
Decorations offer hiding places when the fish feel threatened. They also offer visual distractions for the fish to avoid one another.
Live Plants
Live plants are the best decorations for neon tetras and betta fish. They are soft and gentle on their bodies, produce oxygen, and help keep the water clean.
Thick, submerged plants offer places for the fish to hide and rest when tired or fearful. Floating plants provide shade so the fish are not in direct light.
Plant Placement For Happy Fish
Set up one part of the tank to be heavily planted, offering an ideal territory for the betta fish. The rest of the tank should comprise open space with a few sparsely placed plants.
Bettas prefer having more hiding places. They prefer heavily planted areas as their territory.
Neon tetras need ample open space to swim and display their schooling behavior. They also need planted space away from the betta’s territory to hide.
Artificial Plants
Artificial plants work, though they aren’t as beneficial as live plants. Choose silk plants, which are easy on the bettas’ delicate fins. Avoid hard plastic plants that can cause injury.
Other Decorations
Rocks, driftwood, and artificial decor are beneficial. Pick decorations with soft, round edges that won’t hurt the fish.
Feeding
The primary problem with keeping bettas and neon tetras together is their differing diet needs.
Bettas are obligate carnivores. They cannot digest plant matter and need lots of protein. Tetras are omnivores. They consume less protein than bettas and glean some nutrients from vegetation.
As a staple, bettas should eat betta pellets, and tetras should eat tropical pellets or flakes.
How To Prevent Fish From Eating Each Other’s Food
The fish don’t know they aren’t supposed to eat each other’s food. Hobbyists can take steps to prevent the two species from eating each other’s food.
It won’t harm the fish to eat the wrong food occasionally. Bettas overeating tropical food, and vice versa, will develop health issues.
Try feeding the two species on separate sides of the tank when possible. Doing so limits how much food they can steal from each other.
Another option is to separate the betta fish for feeding. Scoop the betta inside a net or small breeder box, keeping it submerged at the top of the tank. Feed the betta inside the net or box where the tetras can’t reach the food.
Bettas benefit from a feeding schedule comprising a variety of foods. Both bettas and neon tetras enjoy the occasional live, frozen, or freeze-dried food. Their favorites include daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae.
How To Safely Introduce A Betta To Neon Tetras
Safely introducing neon tetras and bettas is the key to a successful tank. We recommend following the steps below.
1. Quarantine New Fish
Never place new fish into the main tank without going through a quarantine period.
Have a hospital tank set up and cycled before bringing neon tetras home. The tetras should live in the hospital tank for about four weeks before moving to the main tank.
The quarantine allows hobbyists to observe their new fish for signs of illness.
Treat problems before adding the fish to the main tank. Doing this prevents illness from spreading to the fish in the main tank.
The quarantine period is crucial for neon tetras. New environments cause stress, which lowers their immune system.
They are most likely to develop an illness or infection during quarantine. A hospital tank allows healing before moving to their permanent home.
2. Add The Neon Tetras To The Main Tank First
It’s best to add the neon tetras to the main tank before adding the betta. Adding the neons first gives them time to become familiar with the tank and scope out hiding spots.
The neons will already know where to go to escape attack once the betta is added.
Adding the betta last reduces aggression. They won’t have had time to establish their territory.
Adding the betta first can end badly for neon tetras. The betta becomes territorial and is not tolerant of any other fish. The neon tetras won’t know where to hide and will have trouble escaping an attack.
Adding the betta last doesn’t mean hobbyists must buy their betta last. Owners with a betta can keep it in its current tank until after adding the neons to the main tank.
What If The Betta Is Already Living In The “Main” Tank?
Moving the betta to a smaller, temporary home is best if they already live in the primary tank. Sometimes this isn’t possible. In these cases, transfer the betta to a temporary container for one to two hours.
Once the betta is in its temporary enclosure, rearrange the decorations. The tank should look completely different.
Rearranging the tank disrupts the betta’s territory. It turns it into something they don’t recognize. They will not be as territorial once they return to the tank since the tank is “new” to them.
After rearranging the tank, add the neon tetras and let them explore for one to two hours. A couple of hours should be enough time for the tetras to become familiar with their space.
After giving the tetras time to explore, it is safe to add the betta.
3. “Float” The Betta In The Main Tank
It’s unsafe to plop the betta fish in with the neon tetras. They should first become familiar with each other to reduce the betta’s aggression.
First, place the betta in a plastic container with water. Be sure to follow proper acclimation procedures. Bettas usually come in plastic containers at the store. Use these or any other clean plastic container.
Second, float the container at the surface of the main tank. The neon tetras and betta can get to know each other through the plastic. The betta’s initial aggression should subside once it gets used to the tinier fish.
Lastly, transfer the betta to the main tank after about half an hour.
What If The Betta Bullies The Neon Tetras?
Keep an eye on the betta and neons for the first day they are in the tank together. It’s normal for the betta to display some aggressive behaviors. They should become less aggressive over time.
There are many reasons why a betta may continue to be aggressive with the neons. Hobbyists can solve some issues so the fish may live together. Other times, they must separate the betta.
Not Enough Space
The tank may be too small if the betta is acting aggressively. Don’t overcrowd the tank. Buy a bigger tank and more decorations if the aquarium is too full.
Defensiveness
Bettas may bite at neon tetras out of defensiveness. Tetras are known for their nippiness. They like to go after tails, which can cause damage, especially to bettas.
Neons are one of the most peaceful tetra species. It’s rare for neon tetras to nip at bettas, though it can occur.
Overly Aggressive Personality
Some bettas are simply more aggressive by nature than others. In these cases, the betta will never be able to live in a community tank.
Be Prepared To Separate The Fish
Be ready to separate the fish if the living situation isn’t working out.
Set up a separate tank to move the betta fish or neons into if there is excessive bullying. The fish will be unable to live with each other and must inhabit different tanks forever.
Ensure the emergency tank is set up and cycled before introducing the neon tetras and betta.
Other Tank Mates That Work Well With Bettas
Many other species can safely live with betta fish. With a large enough tank, hobbyists may house several species together.
7 other tank mates safe for betta fish:
- Cardinal tetras
- Ember tetras
- Platies
- Harlequin rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Kuhli loaches
- Mollies
FAQs
Can One Neon Tetra Live With A Betta?
Neon tetras are schooling fish that should never live alone. At least six neon tetras are necessary for the fish to feel safe.
How Many Neon Tetras Can Live In A 5-Gallon Tank With A Betta?
No neon tetras should live in a five-gallon tank with a betta fish.
Five gallons is the smallest space a betta should live in alone. It does not offer any extra space for other fish or invertebrates.
Neon tetras are schooling fish that must live in schools of at least six individuals. A five-gallon tank with 11 fish would be overly crowded. The filter wouldn’t be able to keep up with the waste load, and the aquarium would quickly become toxic.
The fish would also become stressed from being too close together. The territorial betta would likely attack and kill the neon tetras.
Can Tetras Hurt Bettas?
Tetras are infamous for their nippy behavior. While neon tetras don’t nip often, other species will pick at a betta’s fins.
Serpae, silvertip, red eye, and black skirt tetras are some species that are nippy.
Female betta fish can usually handle some nipping. Their fins are short, and they are less likely to be injured. Their short fins also make them faster swimmers that can better defend themselves.
A male betta’s large fins get damaged easily. Fin-nipping fish can quickly shred them. They also make the fish slow and unable to get away.
