18+ Great Tank Mates For Betta Fish

At some point, most betta fish owners have wondered if they could keep their betta with other fish. Bettas are famous for their aggression, but so are other fish, like cichlids. Is it really true that bettas must live alone?

Bettas are happy to live alone. They also do well with some species of peaceful fish and invertebrates.

The trick is picking animals that are not a real or perceived threat to the betta. Bettas see some peaceful fish as threats simply because of their appearance. The misconception is dangerous for those fish. Conversely, large, aggressive species may target bettas, who have delicate fins.

A few good betta tank mates include rasboras, platies, Corydoras catfish, and snails.

Can Betta Fish Have Tank Mates?

Betta fish can have tank mates, despite common belief. Bettas have aggressive personalities, but are mostly aggressive toward members of their species.

Both male and female bettas usually do well with dull fish with short fins. Avoid fish that have bright colors or long fins, as they resemble bettas and appear as a threat.

Females often do better with tank mates than males. They have more friendly personalities. Females are also better able to defend themselves against nippy fish. Their short fins make them quicker and less likely to get injured.

Water Parameters

Temperament isn’t the only thing hobbyists must consider when choosing fish. They must also consider the water parameters.

The betta fish and its tank mates must have similar water parameter needs. They will not be happy and healthy if their needs are too different.

These are the necessary water parameters of betta fish:

• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrites: 0 ppm
• Nitrates: >40 ppm
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Temperature: 75-81°F (23.9-27.2°C)
• Aquarium Size: 5+ gallons

Here’s How Much Space You’ll Need

A single betta needs at least five gallons of space to remain happy and healthy. Hobbyists must set up a larger tank to keep their betta in a community tank.

How much space a hobbyist needs depends on the type of fish they’re keeping and how many. We recommend having no less than 15 gallons for a community tank with a betta.

To determine how much space is necessary, hobbyists should consider these factors:

• Waste load
• Needed swimming space
• Cleaning frequency
• Filter size
• Number of plants
• Aggressiveness

The Best Tank Mates For Betta Fish

Many smaller, peaceful fish and inverts work well with betta fish. Hobbyists simply need to know what to look for.

Besides being peaceful, tank mates must share similar care requirements with bettas.

1. Platies (Xiphophorus maculatus)

• Compatibility Rank: 9/10
• Care Level: Easy
• Size: 2-3 in (5-7 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 70-82°F (21-28°C)
• pH Requirements: 6.8-8.5
• Swimming Level: Middle to top

Platies come in bright colors and patterns that bettas don’t seem to mind. They have short fins and round, robust bodies that don’t seem like a threat.

Some of the most famous varieties of platies include:

• Mickey Mouse
• Green lantern
• Red wag
• Bumblebee

Platies aren’t schooling fish, though they do better in small groups. Try to keep at least three platies in a group.

Keep two to three females for every one male. Having more females than males prevents harassment. The males constantly want to mate and will chase a lone female to death.

Platies are livebearers — they give birth to live young rahter than laying eggs. Hobbyists must remove pregnant females from the main tank if they don’t want the fry to become a betta snack.

2. Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)

Compatibility Rank: 10/10

• Care Level: Easy
• Size: Up to 2 in (5 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 73-82°F (23-28°C)
• pH Requirements: 6.0-7.5
• Swimming Level: Middle to top

Harlequin rasboras are fun little fish with black triangles on their bodies’. The rest of their body is a light orange that isn’t intimidating to betta fish.

As peaceful schooling fish, their colors are striking when they swim together.

These rasboras are hardy and don’t need much space, making them easy to care for. They also have similar lifespans to bettas, up to 6 years.

3. Chili Rasboras (Boraras brigittae)

• Compatibility Rank: 8/10
• Care Level: Moderate
• Size: 0.6-0.8 in (1.5-2.0 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• pH Requirements: 4.0-7.0
• Swimming Level: Middle to top

The chili rasbora, also known as the mosquito rasbora, is a small, peaceful species. In the wild, they live in freshwater swamps in Asia, preferring soft and slightly acidic water.

Like harlequins, chili rasboras are schooling fish that must live in groups of at least six. Schools make these fish feel safer and allow their subdued colors to stand out.

They have a red and black line that runs horizontally down their bodies. Their fins are transparent with mild orange spotting.

4. Mollies (Poecilia sphenops)

• Compatibility Rank: 8/10
• Care Level: Moderate
• Size: 4-4.5 in (10.2-11.4 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 72-78°F (22-25.6°C)
• pH Requirements: 7.5-8.5
• Swimming Level: Mid to top

Mollies are similar to platies, though most have longer bodies and different colors. Some varieties, like the balloon molly, are shorter and have round abdomens.

Mollies often have yellow to orange bodies, making them look like miniature goldfish. Other mollies may be white, black, or have spots.

Their heads are triangular, and their bodies are wide at the center. They thin out near the base of the tail while the tail fans out behind them.

Like platies, mollies are livebearers that produce a seemingly constant stream of young. Move pregnant mollies to a separate tank to prevent bettas from eating the fry.

Mollies are happiest in groups of three or more. Keep two to three females for every male so the females don’t experience too much harassment.

5. Honey Gouramis (Trichogaster chuna)

• Compatibility Rank: 10/10
• Care Level: Easy
• Size: Up to 2 in (5 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
• pH Requirements: 6.0-8.0
• Swimming Level: Middle to top

Honey gouramis get their name from their yellow-gold color. Their bright color stands out beautifully in any aquarium setting. Since many betta fish are darkly colored, honey gouramis contrast nicely.

Wild-type honey gouramis have duller colors, though they still look good alongside bettas.

Red honey gouramis have yellow and orange hues combined with their red. Their colors look like a sunset or sunrise.

Honey gouramis experience wide water parameter fluctuations in the wild. They are one of the hardiest freshwater aquarium fish since they are used to change.

Males tend to be territorial with other males of their species; only keep one per tank. Several females can live together. Gouramis also do well alone.

Gouramis are like bettas in that they have labyrinth organs that allow them to breathe air. Like bettas, they live in slow-moving waters with little oxygen — getting oxygen from the air is a must.

6. Feeder Guppies (Poecilia reticulata)

• Compatibility Rank: 9/10
• Care Level: Easy
• Size: Up to 2.5 in (6.4 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 62-82°F (17-28°C)
• pH Requirements: 6.5-7.5
• Swimming Level: Middle to top

Feeder guppies are safe to house with bettas because their bodies are dull gray or brown. Their fins are shorter than that of fancy guppies.

Fancy guppies have bright colors and patterns with large, wavy fins. Bettas do not like fancy guppies’ appearance and will attack them. Since fancy guppies are small and peaceful, they are no match for a territorial betta.

Feeder guppies may not be the prettiest fish. Their shoaling behavior makes them interesting to watch.

Feeder guppies are far hardier than fancy guppies. They can handle various temperatures and pH, and sudden changes rarely kill them.

7. Small & Peaceful Tetras

• Compatibility Rank: 10/10
• Care Level: Easy
• Size: Varies by species
• Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: Varies by species
• pH Requirements: Varies by species
• Swimming Level: Middle to top

Smaller, peaceful species of tetras work well with bettas and won’t nip at fins. Their beautifully subtle colors stand out next to a betta’s more vibrant colors. Tetras also display schooling behavior, which makes their colors and habits more noticeable.

Larger, semi-aggressive tetra species are not suitable for living with male bettas. They are likely to nip at the males’ fins and cause injury that can lead to infection.

Tetras that are suitable for living with betta fish include:

• Cardinal tetras
• Ember Tetras
• Neon tetras
• Rummy Nose Tetras

8. Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus)

• Compatibility Rank: 8/10
• Care Level: Moderate
• Size: 5 in (12.7 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 30+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
• pH Requirements: 6.5-7.0
• Swimming Level: Middle

Glass catfish are one of the most interesting-looking fish without having any color. Their bodies are transparent, making their skeletons visible.

Despite being catfish, these animals are not bottom-dwellers. They swim in schools around the middle to the top of the tank alongside bettas.

Glass catfish are peaceful fish that will not bother bettas. The only concern is the long barbels that protrude from their faces. Bettas may try to nip at the barbels if the catfish get too close.

9. Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras spp.)

• Compatibility Rank: 10/10
• Care Level: Easy
• Size: 1-5 in (2.5-12.7 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
• pH Requirements: 6.0-8.0
• Swimming Level: Bottom

Corydoras are adorable little catfish. They live at the bottom of the tank, constantly sifting around the substrate. Not only are they fun to watch, but they help keep the tank clean by eating leftover fish food and algae.

There are many varieties of Corydoras catfish. Most of their bodies have a base color of gray to brown. Most have black spots or blotches in varying shapes and sizes. These blotches give them interesting patterns.

Some varieties of Corydoras catfish include:

• Panda corydoras
• Bronze corydoras
• Sterba’s corydoras
• Pygmy corydoras
• Albino corydoras
• Green corydoras

Bettas are not likely to bother these peaceful bottom-dwellers. Cory cats have rigid, bony plates to keep them safe if a betta does decide to attack.

10. Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus spp.)

• Compatibility Rank: 10/10
• Care Level: Easy
• Size: Up to 2 in (5.1 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
• pH Requirements: 6.8-7.5
• Swimming Level: Bottom

Otocinclus catfish are tiny fish that are skittish and timid.

They have small, slender bodies with short fins. Most have nearly transparent fins with a white belly and brown upper bodies. Their upper bodies may be blotchy or contain darker stripes.

These catfish are suckermouths. They attach themselves to the aquarium’s glass sides to eat the algae. They are an excellent alternative to plecos, which are often too large for betta tanks.

11. Kuhli Loaches (Pangio kuhlii)

• Compatibility Rank: 10/10
• Care Level: Moderate
• Size: 3-5 in (7.6-12.7 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 73-86°F (23-30°C)
• pH Requirements: 5.5-6.5
• Swimming Level: Bottom

Kuhli loaches are adorable eel-like fish that have long, slender bodies. They live at the bottom of the tank. They spend most of their time hiding amongst the substrate and other decorations.

They are timid, though they feel more comfortable in groups of five or more. They are likely to be more active the more loaches are living together.

Kuhli loaches are nocturnal — hobbyists are most likley to see them at night.

Besides being peaceful bottom-dwellers, kuhli loaches help keep the tank clean. They eat leftover food hidden in the substrate and pest snails that overwhelm the tank.

The downside to kuhli loaches is that their scales are thin and frail. They have no scales on their heads. Scales offer protection from injury, illness, and parasites. The kuhli loaches’ fine scales don’t protect against these things.

12. Bristlenose Plecos (Ancistrus cirrhosus)

• Compatibility Rank: 9/10
• Care Level: Moderate
• Size: 3-5 in (7.6-12.7 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 30+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 60-80°F (16-27°C)
• pH Requirements: 6.5-7.5
• Swimming Level: Bottom

Bristlenose plecos are passive fish that help rid fish tanks of algae.

They stay on the smaller side unlike many of their relatives. Bristlenose plecos have dark brown to black bodies with light yellowish-brown spots. There are some other varieties, like the albino bristlenose pleco, which is all white.

These plecos are unique for the bushy bristles on their snouts, which are larger on males. They also have bony plates that cover their bodies to offer protection.

Plecos produce a significant amount of waste. Hobbyists must take care to clean their tank more often.

13. Clown Plecos (Panaqolus maccus)

• Compatibility Rank: 9/10
• Care Level: Easy
• Size: Up to 3-4 in (7.6-10.2 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 73-82°F (23-28°C)
• pH Requirements: 6.8-7.6
• Swimming Level: Bottom

Like bristlenose plecos, clown plecos stay on the small side and are peaceful fish. Their bodies are dark brown to black. They have bright whitish-yellow bands that run down their bodies.

They are one of the best pleco species for beginners due to their hardiness.

Like other plecos, they produce a lot of waste, which may be difficult for a betta.

14. Bamboo Shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis)

• Compatibility Rank: 8/10
• Care Level: Easy
• Size: 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 10+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 75-81°F (24-27°C)
• pH Requirements: 7.0-7.5
• Swimming Level: Bottom

Bamboo shrimp get their name for their dark-colored bodies. The base of their bodies is light brown. They have many thin, dark brown lines running horizontally along their bodies.

Keeping any shrimp with bettas is a risk since bettas like to pick at them. Many hobbyists have success with larger species.

Bamboo shrimp are filter feeders. They have fan-like appendages to catch food on the current. Bettas may try to go after these delicate appendages.

15. Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

• Compatibility Rank: 9/10
• Care Level: Moderate
• Size: 2 in (5.1 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 10+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 72-78°F (22-25°C)
• pH Requirements: 7.2-7.5
• Swimming Level: Bottom

Amano shrimp are larger invertebrates that are usually safe from picky bettas.

Their greenish-gray, almost transparent bodies make for easy hiding. Small brown dots cover their bodies, helping the inverts to blend in with their habitat.

16. Ghost Shrimp — With Caution (Palaemonetes paludosus)

• Compatibility Rank: 7/10
• Care Level: Easy
• Size: Up to 1.5 in (3.8 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 5+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• pH Requirements: 7.0-8.0
• Swimming Level: Bottom

Ghost shrimp are not as large as bamboo or amano shrimp, and their bodies are more frail. Many times, bettas turn ghost shrimp into a snack.

Some hobbyists have success keeping them because their translucent bodies help them hide.

Some betta owners take their chances with ghost shrimp. They are excellent cleaners and are cheap. Pet stores sell them as feeders for about $0.25 a piece.

17. African Dwarf Frogs (Hymenochirus Boulenger)

• Compatibility Rank: 8/10
• Care Level: Moderate
• Size: Up to 3 in (7.6 cm)
• Aquarium Size: 10+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• pH Requirements: 6.5-7.8
• Swimming Level: Bottom — Mostly

For something more unique, betta owners can opt for a couple of African dwarf frogs. They are active critters that are fun to watch.

African dwarf frogs are peaceful, unlike their larger relatives, the African clawed frog.

These aquatic frogs spend most of their time on the substrate. They use their muddy greenish-brown bodies to blend in. Their bodies are covered in black spots that further help them to hide.

18. Snails

• Compatibility Rank: 10/10
• Care Level: Easy
• Size: Varies by species
• Aquarium Size: 5+ gallons
• Temperature Requirements: Varies by species
• pH Requirements: Varies by species
• Swimming Level: Climbs all over the aquarium

Many snails work well with bettas — their hard shells protect them from picky bettas. Besides being fun to watch, snails help keep the tank clean.

These snails are safe with bettas:

• Apple Snails
• Nerite Snails
• Mystery Snails
• Rabbit Snails

These Animals Make Bad Tank Mates For Betta Fish

Many fish are unsuitable for living with bettas, and it’s not all due to bettas’ aggression. Some fish are far more aggressive than bettas and can bully or kill them.

1. Other Bettas

Male bettas should never live with other bettas, male or female. Males are highly territorial and attack and kill one another if placed in the same tank.

Male bettas are aggressive toward females outside of mating. Breeding does not take long. Immediately separate the male and female after mating.

Females can sometimes live together in groups of five or more called “sororities.” Sororities are challenging to maintain. Only those with prior betta-care experience should attempt a sorority.

Two females should never live together. The stronger female will attack the weaker one until she dies.

2. Cherry Shrimp

Bettas make quick work of these tiny, colorful shrimp. Unlike larger shrimp species, cherry shrimp easily fit inside bettas’ mouths. Their vibrant colors make it difficult for the shrimp to hide from greedy bettas.

Some hobbyists have had success keeping cherry shrimp and bettas together. We don’t recommend it, as cherry shrimp are expensive and defenseless. It’s better to go with larger, duller shrimp that can better survive against a betta.

3. Cichlids

Cichlids do not work well with bettas because of their aggressive personalities. Most cichlids are far larger and aggressive than betta fish.

Even peaceful cichlids, like rams, won’t work with bettas. Cichlids come from vastly different habitats than bettas; they need water with a basic pH.

4. Fancy Guppies

Like bettas, fancy guppies have long tails and brightly colored scales. Bettas see these fish as a threat and will eagerly attack them. Guppies are small, peaceful fish. They cannot hold their own against an attacking betta.

5. Swordtails

Swordtails get their name from the long, pointy tail that the males have. These tails are delicate, like a betta’s tail, though bettas see them as a threat.

Swordtails are peaceful, like platies and mollies. They would make good tank mates for bettas if it weren’t for their long tails. Female swordtails don’t get the long swordtail and may do well with bettas.

6. Goldfish

Goldfish grow far larger than bettas and are opportunistic omnivores. A slow betta can make an easy snack for a bigger, faster goldfish.

Goldfish prefer colder waters, where they remain healthier and live longer. Bettas are tropical fish that must live in warmer water.

7. Fin-Nipping Tetras

Many tetras are prone to nipping at other fishes’ fins.

Fin nippers are dangerous for male bettas because their long fins damage easily. Their fan-like fins make them slow swimmers. They cannot always avoid aggressive fish.

Female bettas often do okay with fin-nipping species. Their feisty personalities and short fins allow them to better defend themselves.

Avoid placing these tetras in with male bettas:

• Serpae tetras
• Silvertip tetras
• Black skirt tetras

8. Red Tail Sharks

These fish are not actual sharks, though they have a similar aggressive personality. They get their name from their long, streamlined bodies, which resemble sharks.

Red tail “sharks” are highly territorial and chase other fish around the tank. They grow much larger than bettas (up to 6 in (15.2 cm) ) and are faster swimmers.

9. Aggressive Barbs

Like tetras, some barbs are aggressive and will go after slow bettas. Some species are only semi-aggressive, though they tend to be fin-nippers. Never place barbs with male bettas.

Always avoid these barbs:

• Black Ruby barbs
• Green barbs
• Tiger barbs