Betta fish are aggressive by nature, which is why they are called Siamese fighting fish because they love a good fight. Therefore, most aggressive Bettas can’t be housed with other fish, even if they are peaceful. In some rare instances, some Bettas have calmer personalities and tend to enjoy tankmates. However, owners need to be careful when choosing the perfect tankmates for their Bettas. Here are a few types of fish that may live a peaceful coexistence with your Betta.
Neon and ember tetra fish – These fish are fast swimmers and do best in schools of five or six. They typically prefer to stay away from aggressive Bettas and mostly swim around the center of the aquarium. However, some ember tetras have been known to be fin nippers, and thus, buyers should be careful about choosing this fish if they have long-finned Bettas.
Bristlenose plecos – This is a shy-natured fish that prefers to stay secluded from other aquarium mates. These fish typically avoid Betta fish and are usually found feeding on algae at the bottom of the water tank. Therefore, these fish can typically help keep your tank clean for a long time. However, you should keep in mind that these fish typically grow to a large size, so it is advised to keep this fish in a bigger tank, like 20 gallons or more.
Cory catfish – This freshwater fish is available in many varieties in all pet shops. These are typically peaceful and loving creatures that can get along with Betta fish. However, like ember tetras, they prefer to have other like fish near them. So, it is best to get 2-3 at a time. Additionally, catfish move in a group and typically prefer to swim around the bottom of the tank and hide among plants there. Thus, Betta fish do not face any threat from this fish while staying together in the same tank.
Kuhli loach – This is another popular fish that can be kept together with Betta fish because they are typically very peaceful. They resemble eels, have a very slender shape and are relatively tiny. They also act as scavengers and feed off excess food particles in the water tank, and thus, they help keep the tank clean for a longer time.
Blue Gourami – This fish needs a large-sized tank that is at least 20-gallons or more. However, with the right sized tank, they can live peacefully with Betta fish and won’t typically disturb the other. Additionally, the lifestyle and food preferences of this fish are almost the same as the Betta, making it an ideal companion for an even aggressive Betta.
Guppy – This is a popular tank partner of Betta fish, as this tropical freshwater fish needs the same environment for living as the Betta fish. However, it is better to add only female guppy fish with a Betta fish, as females have a less bright body color compared to the males, so they create less attraction for a Betta fish. It is also best to avoid long-finned guppies that resemble Bettas, as those might be seen as a threat and can spark aggressive behavior.
Zebra danios – These fish can live happily in all temperatures and other water conditions. However, they typically prefer to remain hidden within plants at the bottom of the tank. Therefore, depending on where your Betta hangs out, it may make a perfect companion for a Betta.
In conclusion, Bettas are typically aggressive, but some can live peacefully in a community tank. By knowing the temperament of your Betta, providing them with adequate space and trying to match their temperament with another fish, you may just find that your Betta makes a great tankmate. However, be careful, as, in some instances, the match may not be so perfect, and you may have to separate the tankmates, so have a cycled tank ready, just in case you need it.
More varieties of fishes can be added to an aquarium with a Betta fish without fearing any harm to any of them.