The 5 Best Tank Mates for Betta Fish (5 and 10 Gallon Tanks)

Betta fish, or Siamese fighting fish, are very popular aquatic pets. These fish come in a wide variety of colors and typically have beautiful, colorful dorsal and caudal fins. Although betta fish are solitary by nature, if you have one and want to expand your aquarium’s population, there are some things you should consider. Read on for information about betta fish and their potential tank mates.

Background

Origins

Betta fish have a fascinating origin rooted in Southeast Asia. They are native to the shallow rice paddies, canals, and floodplains of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. Betta fish have adaptations that allow them to survive in oxygen-poor environments. For example, they have a unique labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe atmospheric air. These vibrant and typically solitary fish are popular for their dazzling colors and flowing fins.

Betta fish first gained popularity as pets during the 19th century. The King of Siam (now Thailand) noticed their natural beauty during his travels and began breeding them for their vibrant colors and elaborate fins. Initially, bettas were kept and bred for their fighting abilities, which led to their name of Siamese fighting fish. However, their captivating appearance and territorial nature soon attracted attention as an ornamental species, making them increasingly popular as pets around the world.

As Pets

As pets, betta fish are known for their individualistic demeanor. They are relatively low-maintenance compared to other fish species, which contributes to their popularity. Betta fish are solitary by nature and prefer to live alone in their own aquariums. They exhibit territorial behavior, often flaring their fins and displaying vibrant colors to assert dominance. While some bettas may display aggression towards other fish, they can also recognize their owners and interact with them playfully. With proper care, a betta fish can live for several years, providing their owners with a visually striking and engaging pet.

Tank Size

5-Gallon Tanks

Betta fish can live in a 5-gallon tank alone. In fact, a 5-gallon tank is considered the minimum recommended size for keeping a betta fish. It provides enough space for the betta to swim and explore, and it allows for proper filtration and maintenance. Keeping a betta fish alone in a 5-gallon tank ensures that they have their own territory and reduces the chances of aggression or stress caused by sharing space with other fish. Tanks should also include hiding places and decorations to mimic their natural environment and give them a sense of security.

On the other hand, a 5-gallon tank is generally not suitable for keeping a betta fish with another fish. Betta fish have a territorial nature and can become aggressive towards tank mates, especially other male bettas or fish with similar fin shapes and colors. Keeping them with other fish in a small space like a 5-gallon tank may lead to stress, fin nipping, or even injury. It’s best to provide a separate tank for any potential tank mates if you wish to keep them with a betta fish. If you do want to have a community tank, consider a larger tank with more appropriate space, hiding spots, and compatible fish species.

10-Gallon Tanks

A 10-gallon tank is an ideal size for keeping a betta fish alone. It provides ample space for the betta to swim, explore, and establish its territory. A larger tank also allows for better water circulation, filtration, and maintenance, which helps create a consistently healthy environment for the fish. With proper decoration, hiding spots, and appropriate water parameters, a betta fish can thrive and display its natural behaviors in a 10-gallon tank.

A 10-gallon tank is also suitable for a betta fish and an additional friend. It is important to ensure that the second fish is a compatible species because being in a relatively small space can cause aggression and stress. Also, be sure to have multiple hiding places available to both fish.

1. Cory Catfish

The first potential tank mate for your betta is a Cory catfish. This can be a great pairing depending on specific circumstances and your betta fish’s individual demeanor. The ideal tank temperature for a Cory catfish is between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Betta fish prefer a slightly warmer environment in the 75 to 82°F range. Luckily, however, there is some overlap where both fish can be comfortable. Additionally, Cory catfish are peaceful bottom feeders and are less likely to elicit an aggressive response from a territorial betta.

A Cory catfish and a betta require a tank with a minimum size of 10 gallons. It is critical that there is sufficient space in the tank for both fish to swim around and that they have places to hide. A larger tank would be preferable, but if the other conditions are met, 10 gallons can be sufficient. If you witness aggressive behaviors like flaring fins or biting, try moving the fish into a larger tank with more hiding places or put them in separate adjacent tanks.

2. Guppies

Keeping betta fish with guppies can be a bit more challenging due to their differing water temperature preferences and behavioral tendencies. Guppies thrive in slightly cooler temperatures than bettas at around 72-78°F. Their upper temperature only exceeds the minimum temperature requirements for bettas by 2 degrees. Finding a suitable compromise temperature range can therefore be a delicate balance.

In terms of behavioral compatibility, male bettas may perceive the colorful and flashy fins of male guppies as a threat, leading to potential fin nipping or even fatal aggression. Female bettas, on the other hand, tend to be less aggressive and may be more tolerant of guppies. Individual temperament and the specific personalities of each fish can vary, so close observation is necessary when introducing bettas and guppies together. It’s important to have a backup plan in case aggression or stress occurs, such as providing plenty of hiding spots or having a separate tank available to separate the fish if needed.

Considering the number of fish, a 10-gallon tank is relatively small for housing both bettas and guppies together. It is generally recommended to have a larger tank when combining different species. In a 10-gallon tank, it would be best to keep either a single betta fish or a small group of guppies (preferably only male guppies to avoid overpopulation). This allows for adequate swimming space and reduces the chances of aggression due to territorial disputes. Providing plenty of hiding spots, plants, and decorations can help create separate territories and reduce stress among the fish, as well.

3. Neon Tetras

Betta fish and neon tetras can make excellent tank mates under the right conditions. They both have similar temperature requirements, which makes them compatible in terms of water parameters. Betta fish prefer temperatures between 75-82°F and neon tetras thrive in slightly cooler temperatures around 72-78°F. This makes it relatively easy to find a compromise temperature that falls within the acceptable range for both species.

In terms of compatibility, betta fish and neon tetras generally coexist peacefully. Neon tetras are small, schooling fish that tend to keep to the middle column and vegetation areas of the tank, while bettas occupy the middle and top areas. Their distinct swimming patterns and occupying different areas of the tank can help minimize aggression or territorial disputes. A responsible owner should introduce the fish properly and monitor their interactions at first to ensure that the betta does not display aggression towards the neon tetras. In rare cases, some bettas may still show aggression, especially towards fish with long, flowing fins. If you observe any signs of aggression, you may need to separate them.

A 10-gallon tank can accommodate a small group of neon tetras (around 6 individuals) along with a betta fish. This tank size provides sufficient swimming space for both species. Be sure to create hiding spots with plants, rocks, or decorations to offer retreats and break lines of sight to help reduce stress and minimize aggression. Regular monitoring of the tank and maintaining good water quality through proper filtration and regular water changes are essential for the well-being of both the betta and neon tetras.

4. Shrimp

Bettas and shrimp can be compatible tank mates in the right circumstances Although, one must note that bettas have a natural instinct to hunt and may view shrimp as prey, especially smaller shrimp species. Caution and careful consideration are necessary when keeping them together.

Regarding water temperature, both bettas and shrimp generally prefer similar temperature ranges. Specific requirements vary slightly between shrimp species, however. Additionally, maintaining stable water parameters, such as pH, is crucial for the well-being of both bettas and shrimp.

The nature of the interactions between bettas and shrimp can vary significantly. Some bettas may show little interest in shrimp, while others may actively hunt and nip at them. Choosing larger, more robust shrimp species and providing ample hiding places like dense plant cover or shrimp-specific structures, can help create safe spaces for the shrimp. Try introducing the shrimp to the tank before introducing the betta to allow the shrimp to establish their hiding spots and acclimate to the environment. Observe the aquarium after introducing the betta to ensure there is no aggression towards the shrimp. If the betta displays aggression or poses a threat to the shrimp, it may be necessary to separate them. In a 10-gallon tank, it is possible to keep a betta and a small group of shrimp.

5. Kuhli Loaches

Bettas and kuhli loaches can potentially be compatible tank mates, but certain considerations need to be taken into account. Both species have similar temperature preferences, with kuhli loaches preferring temperatures around 75-86 °F. This range overlaps significantly with bettas and will allow you to maintain a comfortable environment for both species.

Kuhli loaches are peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish known for their burrowing nature. They spend most of their time exploring the substrate and seeking hiding places. Bettas, however, are middle or high-level swimmers, so each species will occupy different levels of the tank. A key to successful cohabitation lies in providing ample hiding spots for the kuhli loaches and creating separate territories within the tank. Dense vegetation, caves, and tunnels can serve as safe retreats for the loaches, minimizing the chance of conflicts with the betta.

A 10-gallon tank may not be the most suitable size for housing both betta fish and kuhli loaches together long-term. Kuhli loaches are most comfortable in groups of at least three or more individuals, and they require ample space to explore and burrow. A tank that is 20 gallons or larger would be better for providing the necessary swimming space and accommodating the group dynamic of loaches.

Summary of 5 Best Tank Mates for Betta Fish

Here’s a recap of the five best aquatic species that can co-exist with betta fish.

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