Best Betta Fish Tank Mates: What Companions are Compatible?

Betta fish are notorious for his or her attitudes in the direction of their very own sort; there’s a cause that they’re usually often called “Siamese Preventing Fish” in Europe. Two male bettas being stored collectively will inevitably finish in aggression.

However that doesn’t imply to say your betta fish has to reside alone…

Surprisingly, bettas can nevertheless be stored with different rigorously chosen tropical fish. On this article we’ll focus on one of the best betta fish tank mates, and take a look at precisely which different fish are most suitable with bettas.

Professionals & Cons of Tank Mates for Betta Fish

Earlier than we dive into the total record of potential betta fish tank mates its value taking a second to contemplate in case your fish even wants pals within the first place. In spite of everything, many fish keepers choose to maintain a single betta by itself: why do such a factor?

Professionals of Offering Tank Mates

Appearances: An aquarium with one solitary fish in it might not be essentially the most visually-appealing show doable.

That is notably so as a result of most betta fish are fairly shy, so could spend a good period of time hiding away from view. Together with different fish due to this fact can create higher curiosity in your tank, making certain there’s at all times one thing so that you can watch.

Social Interplay: Betta fish are gorgeous creatures at one of the best of occasions, however giving them tank mates to work together with can add a complete new degree of curiosity to your aquarium.

You’ll give you the chance observe fascinating conduct as your betta fish will get aware of the opposite animals of their setting.

Cons of Offering Tank Mates

Higher Threat to Your Betta Fish: Essentially the most noticeable factor about betta fish, in addition to their unimaginable colours, are their lengthy, fragile fins. Sadly, it’s not simply individuals who discover them; different fish can too.

Extra aggressive tank mates could nip at these fins, resulting in stress and even bodily harm to your betta.

Feeding Competitors: These lengthy fins also can imply that betta fish are fairly weak swimmers when in comparison with different tropical fish.

On the subject of feeding time, there’s a threat that different quicker or extra streamlined fish could beat your betta to the meals, resulting in your fish losing a few pounds over time.

Bigger Tank Might Be Required: Single betta fish are sometimes stored in fairly small aquariums – sometimes called “nano tanks”. For those who begin including tank mates to your betta fish tank, nevertheless, there might not be sufficient room.

Certain, the odd snail is unlikely to make a lot distinction, however in the event you determine so as to add a handful of very lively fish then you could have to improve to a bigger tank. This, in fact, provides to your bills.

Might Have an effect on Betta Fish Well being: In case your betta fish is commonly harassed by different fish and misses out on their share of meals, then there’s a threat that their well being could also be affected.

For those who discover that your betta is much less lively, that their colours aren’t as shiny or that their fins have been broken then you could have to separate them from their tank mates. After all, this additionally assumes that you just have a spare tank to convey into motion at brief discover.

Extra Upkeep Required: Extra fish means extra mess. And extra mess means extra cleansing for you. For those who’re commonly monitoring water chemistry in your betta fish tank then you definately’ll doubtless discover that bigger or extra common water adjustments turn into vital as you add tank mates to the aquarium.

Do Betta Fish Get Lonely?

One of the crucial frequent questions on the subject of one of the best betta fish tank mates is whether or not betta fish really even get lonely. The proof appears to counsel that they don’t.

As we’ve got seen above, there are literally way more cons of including tank mates than their are execs.

Subsequently, the most typical cause for including tank mates to your betta tank is solely that you really want extra fish, fairly than that they are going to enhance the lifetime of your betta.

I’d strongly advise, due to this fact, that you just think twice earlier than you really make the choice to start out including further animals to your betta tank.

Concerns Earlier than Including Tank Mates to Your Betta Tank

Earlier than you skip off right down to your native aquarium retailer bank card in hand there are a variety of components that must be thought of. Listed here are an important inquiries to ask your self:

Verify That Your Betta Fish Tank is Massive Sufficient

Overstocking an aquarium is related to all method of issues; from a scarcity of area, to issues with water chemistry and territorial disputes.

For those who’re attempting to determine on one of the best tank mates to your betta fish tank, the very first thing try to be asking is whether or not your present aquarium is definitely sufficiently big for extra inhabitants.

In case your betta fish lives in a generously-sized tank then that ought to make your resolution simpler. For those who’ve gone for a nano tank to your fish, it could be essential to improve their aquarium earlier than introducing tank mates.

Betta fish will be straightforward targets for aggressive or territorial fish, and the top result’s usually disagreeable. For those who choose so as to add further fish to your betta fish tank then one of the best tank mates are more likely to be peaceable tropical group fish, completely comfortable to let your betta keep it up as regular.

Measurement will also be a consideration; broadly talking small fish are more likely to pose far much less of a threat to your betta than bigger creatures. Which means angelfish, cichlids and a complete host of different “normal” pet fish are actually out of the query in a betta tank.

Guarantee Appropriate Hiding Locations are Supplied

One sensible strategy to improve your odds of success when preserving betta fish is to incorporate quite a lot of hiding locations. On this method, your betta fish can escape from any tankmates that aren’t taking part in good.

Take into account including further crops, rocks and caves to your betta fish tank to provide them the privateness they crave.

Keep away from Colourful Fish With Lengthy Fins

Everyone knows that male betta fish will be aggressive in the direction of each other, and will even combat to the dying.

Sadly, betta fish aren’t at all times the neatest, and any fish that broadly resembles one other betta could also be mistaken for competitors, with disastrous penalties.

When choosing tank mates to your betta fish it’s usually greatest to keep away from something brightly coloured or possessing lengthy, flowing fins, as they may simply be mistaken for a competing betta.

At all times Preserve a Again-Up Plan

In lots of circumstances, the tank mates outlined under will reside out a protracted and wholesome life along with your betta fish, every particular person residing collectively in concord. That stated, there’ll at all times be a threat when housing totally different fish collectively.

One remaining consideration is due to this fact what you’ll do in the event you discover that one creature is getting harrased, or is being overly aggressive in the direction of different tank mates?

In these circumstances you’ll in all probability need to pop them right into a separate tank, or to divide up the present tank to maintain them separate. Both method, have a plan in thoughts (and the tools at dwelling) so to take speedy motion whether it is ever wanted.

What are the Finest Tank Mates for Betta Fish Tanks?

Now we’ve coated the fundamentals of why you could or could not need to add tank mates to your betta tank, the subsequent apparent query is which species are literally appropriate?

Broadly talking one of the best tank mates for betta fish tanks are both small, peaceable group fish, catfish which can avoid your betta or a spread of thrilling invertebrates.

That stated, the introduction of some invertebrates does include the inherent threat that they may turn into dinner to your betta at any level sooner or later.

African Dwarf Frogs

African dwarf frogs are probably essentially the most sudden potential tank mate to your betta fish.

Rising to round 8 cm in size, these flattened frogs can actually make an attention-grabbing addition to your tank. They function an actual speaking level for friends!

In contrast to many different frogs stored as pets – resembling poison dart frogs – these are absolutely aquatic and don’t want a land space to crawl out on. They may spend a lot of their lives swimming throughout the floor of the gravel, trying to find meals.

From time to time they are going to be seen swimming as much as the floor to breathe.

The weight-reduction plan of African dwarf frogs is sort of just like that of betta fish, whereas they have a tendency to depart bettas nicely alone as they swim about.

Amano Shrimps

Typically going by their Latin title of Caridina multidentata, amano shrimps are translucent shrimps which can develop to 5-6cm – far too giant to be potential prey to your betta fish.

Native to Japan and Taiwan, amano shrimps aren’t simply fascinating pets in their very own proper, however also can assist to maintain your betta fish tank clear.

They are going to be seen gently choosing away at any algae within the tank, or working their method throughout the gravel choosing up waste meals particles. Because of this they’re usually clumped into a gaggle of aquarium pets often called “cleanup crews”.

Amano shrimps may even eat a spread of different meals – each crops matter and meat. Any leftover bloodworms that your betta fish misses, for instance, will likely be greedily accepted by your shrimps. Among the best meals varieties are vegetable matter like cucumber or spinach, or sinking pellets as offered for catfish.

Bristlenose Plecos

No prizes for guessing that the bristlenose catfish has a novel look. Alongside the bony plates discovered throughout their physique – which may also help to guard them from an overzealous betta fish – in addition they develop a peculiar assortment of bristles throughout their heads as adults.

This makes them fairly unique-looking, and a unbelievable tank mate for betta fish.

One other advantage of preserving bristlenose plecos is that these are a few of the smallest plecos generally obtainable. In actual fact, this species tends to succeed in not more than 5” in size; significantly lower than many extra frequent catfish species.

All the identical, 5” will not be small, so in the event you’re contemplating a bristlenose then you definately’ll need to make sure your betta fish tank is giant sufficient for them at maturity.

Just like the amano shrimp, plecos are well-known for his or her willingness to eat algae off your aquarium glass. This may also help to chop down your work, and helps to clarify their different frequent title of “sucker fish”.

All the identical, a properly-kept tank in all probability has little or no in the way in which of algae to your bristlenose to eat, so it’s a good suggestion to complement their weight-reduction plan with sinking catfish pellets.

Cardinal Tetras

The cardinal tetra is a very gorgeous species of tropical fish, with a vibrant blue and pink striped physique. Superficially these can initially resemble neon tetras.

Hailing from the recent, tropical waters of South America, these are peaceable group fish which may add much more coloration and visible enchantment to your betta fish tank.

Cardinal tetras are inclined to choose shady, well-planted areas, so guarantee that there’s appropriate cowl in your betta fish tank earlier than you contemplate introducing them. In contrast to lots of the fish on this record they’re additionally a naturally shoaling fish, so in the event you’re including some to your betta tank then goal to purchase at the least 4 or 5 if they’re to stay comfortable.

Cherry Shrimps

The cherry shrimp, Neocaridina davidi, hails from Taiwan similar to the amano shrimp. In distinction to the pale class of the amano shrimp’s translucent physique, cherry shrimps are extra usually a shiny pink/orange coloration.

The cherry shrimp is sort of a small crustacean on the whole, with even giant adults reaching solely 3-4 cm in complete. Purple cherry shrimps are identified for his or her peaceable method and shiny coloration, which may make them a cheerful addition to your betta fish tank.

Like most different shrimps, they respect a well-planted tank, the place they’ll conceal away to really feel secure, and gently decide by the crops on the lookout for strands of algae to eat.

Clown Plecos

The clown pleco has all the advantages of the aforementioned bristlenose pleco, however achieves an much more manageable most dimension of round 3-4”.

One other key distinction between clown plecos and bristlenose plecos is their look. Whereas the clown pleco could also be lacking the superb bristles of their cousin, that is greater than made up by their coloration. The standard clown pleco advantages from rings of black, white and orange proper throughout its physique, giving it a very distinctive look.

The clown pleco likes to graze on rotting wooden, so in the event you’re contemplating one as a tank mate to your betta fish then make sure you at all times have some driftwood current within the tank. All the identical, including a number of algae wafers or sinking catfish pellets can also be a good suggestion to maintain your clown pleco in prime situation.

Corydoras / Corydora Catfish

There are various various kinds of corydoras catfish that you could be stumble throughout in your native aquarium store, however all of them have a number of issues in frequent. Firstly, they are usually calm, peace-loving fish; hardly the type of tank mate that’s more likely to be aggressive in the direction of your betta fish.

Secondly, whereas the totally different species could fluctuate in dimension, the most typical varieties all stay very manageable in dimension, rising to round 2-5 cm in size as adults.

Thirdly corys will spend most of their time resting on the substrate of your betta tank, so received’t be bothering your betta fish which usually swims larger up within the water column.

With the intention to succeed with preserving your selection of corydora there are some things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, they require actually good water high quality, so be sure you solely place them right into a well-established tank.

Secondly, they are often fairly shy, so respect loads of locations to cover away. Properly-planted tanks are usually notably appropriate for these cute little catfish.

Ember Tetras

They might be one of many smallest species of tetra encountered in most aquarium retailers, however don’t let their diminutive dimension put you off. Hailing from South America, ember tetras derive their title from their shiny orange/pink coloration.

As these are shoaling fish goal to maintain at the least 4 or 5 collectively, at which level they’ll actually add some coloration and movement to your betta fish tank. Even higher, these tiny little tropical group fish solely develop to a most dimension of round one inch lengthy as adults, which means that even a decent-sized shoal shouldn’t take up an excessive amount of area in your aquarium.

If there’s a draw back to preserving ember tetras is that they are often barely tougher to take care of than a few of the different potential tank mates on this record. They have an inclination to do greatest in a heavily-planted aquarium with barely acidic, tender water. Your native aquarium store will be capable of take a look at your water to see whether it is appropriate.

Ghost Shrimps

Because the title suggests, ghost shrimps are nearly solely see-through. Whether or not that is an attention-grabbing novelty to your betta fish tank, or whether or not a just about invisible crustacean looks as if a waste of time is as much as you!

Ghost shrimps develop to a wholesome 1.5-3 inches in size, and will likely be seen all through the daylight rigorously choosing up any uneaten meals from round your betta fish tank.

For those who delight your self in a spotlessly clear aquarium then goal to complement their weight-reduction plan with some sinking algae pellets sometimes.

Harlequin Rasboras

Harlequin rasboras are, to many individuals’s minds, one of the best tank mate for betta fish of all. How come?

Of all the assorted tropical fish generally encountered within the pet commerce, it’s the harlequin rasbora that naturally co-exists with betta fish within the wild. Discuss a match made in heaven!

Now, this must be a adequate cause so that you can contemplate this species, but it surely actually isn’t the one cause. Whereas the colours of rasboras could be a little extra “delicate” than your common betta fish or cardinal tetra, they’re actually not what you’d name “boring” in look. Look ahead to mild oranges, reds, pinks and blues relying on the lighting.

Harlequin rasboras sometimes swim within the higher a part of the tank, which means that combining these fish with some bottom-dwellers like corydoras may also help so as to add curiosity all through your tank.

The adults attain round 1.5-2” in size, and that is one other shoaling species, which means you need to goal to maintain at the least 5 of those fish collectively if they’re to stay comfortable.

Kuhli Loaches

One among my private favorites, the kuhli loach is a protracted, skinny fish from Southeast Asia. The factor that makes it so interesting to me are the colours – rings of black/brown interspersed with yellow/orange giving them an actual “bumblebee” look.

Recognized typically as “eel loaches” due to their physique form, these are usually peaceable bottom-dwelling fish. Curiously they do even have spines which they’ll elevate in the event that they really feel at risk; this helps them to keep away from even a territorial betta fish.

Kuhli loaches are one of many larger potential tank mates to your betta fish, rising to round 4” (12cm) as adults. They have an inclination to take pleasure in burrowing within the tank substrate, so are notably appropriate in the event you use sand fairly than gravel on the underside of your betta tank.

Some fishkeepers report that kuhli loaches will be fairly shy when stored alone, and will spend a lot of their time hiding away in the back of the tank or behind crops. Evidently preserving quite a lot of these loaches collectively makes them really feel extra assured, and offers a greater show.

Thriller Snails

Many fish keepers have a love/hate relationship with snails. On the upside snails may also help to maintain your tank clear, regularly gnawing away on algae and waste supplies. Additionally they pose little or no threat to the one that you love betta fish; in any case even the slowest swimming betta can escape from a snail in loads of time!

On the draw back, snails can reproduce at an astonishing fee. For those who’re unfortunate your minimalist betta fish tank will be taken over by dozens and even a whole lot of child snails.

Thankfully the thriller snail has one thing distinctive to supply the betta fish tank; not solely do they not lay eggs within the aquarium water however you’ll additionally want each a male and a feminine if the eggs are to be fertile. Which means preserving a single thriller snail in your betta fish tank just about ensures no inhabitants explosion, and even a handful are unlikely to take over.

Rising to round 2 inches (5cm) in shell dimension, thriller snails due to this fact signify a low effort tank mate to your betta fish, with the added bonus of their cleansing duties. Simply pretty much as good, thriller snails additionally boast a extremely enticing yellow shell which will be very visually interesting; particularly when contrasted in opposition to shiny inexperienced plant materials or darkish gravel.

Nerite Snails

Second solely to thriller snails when it comes to recognition, nerite snails are one other potential tank mate to your betta fish. Nerite snails aren’t a single species of snail; as an alternative they’re a gaggle of comparable gastropods. There are over 200 species identified to science, they usually’ve developed to reside in all types of environments, from clear recent water by to saline swimming pools.

Typically nerite snails are about half the dimensions of thriller snails; some inch or so throughout. So in the event that they’re smaller than thriller snails then why contemplate preserving them along with your betta fish?

The reply is the looks of those snails, which will be actually breathtaking. Among the best examples if the zebra nerite with it’s shiny yellow and black stripes. Who wouldn’t discover a handful of these provides one thing to their betta tank?

Even higher, like thriller snails these little guys don’t are inclined to breed too rapidly in captivity, as the kids require salty water if they’re to thrive. Even when eggs are laid, due to this fact, you’re unlikely to be overrun with child snails.

Oh, and in the event you wished one remaining cause to contemplate nerite snails as a tank mate to your betta fish then in addition they don’t eat aquarium crops – so your rigorously tended planted tank received’t get destroyed in a single day.

Neon Tetras

Neon tetras are a detailed cousin on the cardinal tetra mentioned earlier on this information.

Superficially they’ve fairly an analogous look, although neons attain a a lot smaller grownup dimension. Hailing from the tropical rivers of South America these tiny fish gleam underneath first rate aquarium lights.

Like many different tetras, these are shoaling fish. Some authorities declare you need to goal for at the least 10 neons in a shoal, so make sure you’ve got appropriate area obtainable in your betta fish tank.

Rummy Nostril Tetras

There’s no good strategy to say this – the rummy nostril tetra seems fairly prefer it’s unintentionally swum into the aspect of their aquarium. Whereas their our bodies are a wealthy metallic silver, their heads in distinction are blood-red in coloration, trying like they’ve had some unlucky accident!

Rising to round 2” lengthy, in addition they have a black and white striped tail. They’re peaceable fish that may thrive in a community-type setup.

That stated, these are maybe not your best option for brand new betta fish keepers, as they’ve way more specialist necessities than lots of the different tank mates on this record.

Please do your analysis totally prematurely, so that you perceive their water chemistry necessities; they are usually far much less forgiving of poor water high quality than different entrants right here.

Brief-Finned Mollies

Mollies have at all times been a preferred group fish, reaching an honest dimension as adults, whereas showing in a bewildering array of various colours. They’re identified to be peaceable so ought to get alongside wonderful along with your betta fish, and may praise nearly any tank.

The essential level right here is to pick solely molly varieties which have brief fins. Many basic mollies have luxurious fins that, whereas not as spectacular as these of a male betta, could end in issues. Principally these with lengthy fins could also be misidentified as a competing betta by your individual fish, at which level fights can happen.

Notice that mollies are livebearers, and can breed routinely in an appropriate captive setting.

Whereas this may be tremendously pleasant to expertise, there’s a threat that the handful of mollies you add to your betta fish tank may quickly begin to balloon uncontrolled as ever extra infants are produced. Solely you possibly can determine if this can be a threat value taking.

Silver Tip Tetras

For those who’ve been cardinal tetras, kuhli loaches and extra then there’s a threat that silver tip tetras would possibly look somewhat “boring” to some folks. In spite of everything, they aren’t clothed in shiny reds, oranges and blues. As a substitute, the great thing about the Silvertip tetra is fairly extra subdued and delicate.

Because the title suggests, this small fish has white tricks to it’s fins, however the physique coloration will be fairly variable, from a pale yellow by to a wealthy, darkish gold. Males are usually extra brightly coloured than the extra subdued females.

Rising to round 2” in size the silvertip tetra is of course present in rivers in Brazil, although allegedly most specimens within the pet commerce at the moment are captive bred.

They’re extremely adaptable fish, and can get alongside in a betta fish tank fairly nicely. Additionally they thrive on the very same weight-reduction plan as your betta, and can fortunately decide off all method of livefood or frozen invertebrates.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows

White cloud mountain minnows are one other small shoaling species of fish which may make a perfect tank mate to your betta fish. Rising to round 4 cm in size they’re native to Southeast Asia, and profit from a shiny pink base to their tail.

White cloud minnows are low cost to purchase, and are very hardy certainly. Whereas most consultants advocate preserving them in tropical tanks, there are individuals who even efficiently stored them as coldwater fish previously.

Ideas for Introducing Tank Mates to Your Betta Tank

On the subject of including tankmates to your betta fish sadly issues aren’t fairly so simple as simply throwing them in.

If you would like your new “group” tank to face the absolute best probability of success then there are a number of further suggestions you need to know…

Introduce Tank Mates Slowly

Don’t simply exit and purchase ten new fish so as to add to your betta fish tank. Sudden explosions in inhabitants are fraught with issues. For instance, your betta fish will turn into outnumbered on the drop of a hat, and will battle to seek out their place within the new group.

New fish also can pose a threat when it comes to ailments or parasites; figuring out the problem and catching it early is loads simpler when there are just a few fish concerned.

Lastly, a number of new fish means far more waste. It will probably take time for the pleasant micro organism in your betta fish tank to react to this new supply of vitality. Within the meantime, water chemistry can fluctuate wildly, inflicting additional potential issues to your betta fish.

Except you’re introducing shoaling fish (resembling white cloud minnows) which actually must be added as a gaggle, one of the best wager is to introduce only one or two tankmates at a time. Depart them for a number of weeks to get established, after which add extra if that is your plan.

With betta fish tank mates, as in all of fish preserving, being affected person and methodical is much more efficient than a brief, sharp shock.   

Permit Water Temperatures to Equalize

While you’re including tank mates to your betta fish tank it’s essential that the brand new inhabitants are given appropriate time to acclimatize to their new environment. Merely tipping your new tank additions into the tank can result in shock, because the water temperature in your tank is more likely to be fairly totally different to that of their bag.

A greater wager is to softly float the bag of tank mates that you just’ve purchased within the aquarium. Over the course of some 30-60 minutes you will see that the heated aquarium water gently warms the water within the bag, till the water in each is of an analogous temperature. Solely at this level do you have to contemplate gently tipping the bag into your tank.

Make investments Extra Time in Remark

Even one of the best tank mates for betta fish include threat. Subsequently you’ll need to make investments extra time into watching your fish, at the least for the primary few weeks. Take note of any adjustments within the conduct or look of your betta fish, to make sure they’re dealing with the brand new introductions nicely.

If you’re in any doubt as to the well being of any of your creatures – whether or not this pertains to your betta fish itself or the brand new additions – then contemplate transferring the questionable occasion into a brand new tank to allow them to recuperate with out hassle.

Modify Your Feeding Regime

The addition of tank mates can imply extra meals is required. An absence of meals could even improve competitors within the tank, with the potential for extra aggression.

Simply as you discovered the way to feed your betta fish, now begin experimenting as soon as once more with feeding quantity and frequency, to make sure all of the fish in your tank get their fill.

Notice that betta fish will be gradual swimmers, and may typically be shy round different fish, so pay explicit consideration to make sure your betta is getting their justifiable share.

Carry Out Extra Common Water Exams

Extra tank mates can imply extra waste going into the water. For the primary few weeks after introduction which means the water chemistry in your betta fish tank is more likely to be all over.

This isn’t the time to go on trip or get too busy at work. As a substitute, perform common, routine water exams to observe the state of affairs, taking acceptable motion like water adjustments as vital.

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