Fish tank owners are always on the lookout for new and exciting fish species to add to their tanks. A common question that people ask is what types of fish can live peacefully with Betta fish?

This article will give you a definitive compatibility list of different types of fish that are compatible with Betta fish.

What Are Betta Fish

Betta fish are commonly known as Siamese fighting fish and they belong to the Osphronemidae family. They can be found throughout Southeast Asia in rice paddies, streams, ponds, and sometimes even flooded forests. The wild Bettas have less defined colors than their captive counterparts.

The people who own Bettas enjoy their unique personalities and behaviors. One of the most well-known facts about these fish is the cycling of a color change they go through; this happens when they are under high levels of stress from fighting or being bullied by other fish in the tank.

It is fascinating to watch them change colors from red to brownish red or blue to purple depending on how agitated they are during a fight. It’s very easy to fall in love with the fighting ability, as well as the personality of these beautiful and peaceful creatures.

Keeping Bettas is a lot like keeping saltwater fish in that you need a larger aquarium than you would for ordinary tropical fish. Because of their natural environment, they require at least 2 gallons per fish, and 30 gallons per male. This is something to keep in mind when deciding how many Bettas you are going to add to your tank.

If you decide to get a school of males, it’s recommended that they all be from the same source; meaning don’t buy 10 from various pet stores.

While Bettas can get along with other fish species if raised together, they are known to be territorial and aggressive towards other fish, especially when it comes to breeding. For this reason, they should not be kept with other male Bettas or even some species of fish that are commonly found in pet stores (such as Guppies).

Bettas can live for a few years so before you purchase one you should think about what type of tank you are going to keep it in. Bettas can survive in a bare-bones tank that doesn’t have any ornaments or plants, but that also means they don’t get much stimulation from the environment around them. Because of this they will be more likely to become aggressive and stressed out if they are kept alone in a bare tank for long periods of time.

It’s recommended that you keep your Betta in a tank that is at least 10 gallons or more with decorations and live plants; this will make them feel much more comfortable and allow them to explore the environment around them while giving you something to watch as they swim by.

If you decide on getting a Betta just keep in mind how much work it is going to take to provide it with the proper environment so both you and your fish will be happy.

Why Do People Want To Add Other Types Of Fish To Their Tanks With Betta Fish?

People may want to add other types of fish to their tanks because Bettas are migratory fish and need room to swim.

The tank must be large enough for the Betta to get plenty of exercise and still have enough space for the other fish to roam around, preferably one that is at least 10 gallons or more with decorations and live plants.

Are There Any Negative Effects When Adding Additional Types Of Fish

There could be some negative effects if you don’t have a lot of space for the Betta to swim. If you choose to get a school of males, it’s recommended that they all be from the same source; meaning don’t buy 10 from various pet stores.

This could result in fighting and injury because these fish are territorial and aggressive towards other fish when breeding

Types Of Compatible Fish That Can Live Peacefully With Betta

It’s hard to say what types of fish can live peacefully with a Betta because it depends on if they have been raised together. If you want your Bettas to get along well together then you shouldn’t place them in the tank at the same time but instead, do it gradually (one by one).

It’s very important to give them time to get familiar with each other and the tank.

It’s also a good idea to have two females for every male because they are less aggressive towards each other and it makes breeding that much easier (once you’ve established that your fish can live together).

Although Bettas can live alone in a tank, many people choose to keep more than one Betta so they can watch them swim and interact with each other. It’s important to remember that Bettas are very territorial fish and need a lot of room to exercise.

The Definitive List Of Compatible Fish For A Betta Fish Tank

The definitive list of compatible fish for a Betta fish tank:

1. Banded Loach – Banded Loaches are very peaceful, with little to no aggression and they can live in groups of up to six. They might occasionally eat plants but are generally an algae eater.
2. Red Tuxedo Catfish – Their colors can help them blend in with their environment. They are generally not aggressive, and they may eat plants if they’re hungry.
3. Cory Catfish – The Cory Catfish is a great choice for your Betta tank because it feeds on algae and will keep the tank clean without bothering the other fish. They do best when kept in schools if they are added to a tank with other fish, but they can be kept in groups of up to 6.
4. Tiger Barb – The Tiger Barb is an aggressive fish that prefers to be in schools. While they are known for being territorial and will attack other fish, betta fish can live with them just fine if there is enough room available. However, you should not keep a Tiger Barb of the opposite sex with your Betta because they may cause aggression towards one another while trying to breed.
5. Siamese Algae Eater Fish – Siamese Algae Eaters are peaceful fish that have no negative interactions with Bettas. They help keep your tank clean and will not harm the other fish directly.
6. Cherry Barbs – Cherry Barbs are a great option for a Betta tank because they don’t grow very large (4-6 inches), they prefer to live in groups, don’t have very large appetites (so they won’t eat your live plants), and they are generally not aggressive towards other fish.
7. Guppies – Guppies are a great option for a Betta tank if you are just looking to add some color without getting too creative with the fish selection. They can live in groups of up to 15 because they don’t grow very large, but make sure that all males are separated from females before adding them to your tank or there could be some trouble if the males start breeding.
8. White Cloud Mountain Minnows – These are a great option because they are peaceful fish that don’t grow very large. They like to live in groups so you can have as many as 4 of them happily swimming in your tank with your Bettas.
9. White Skirt Tetras – If you want a simple and cheap fish to add to your Betta tank, White Skirt Tetras are a great option. They have no negative interactions with other fish and they will keep the tank clean.
10. Plecostomus – Plecostomus are peaceful but voracious algae eaters that can grow quite large (up to 12 inches) if not fed properly. They can eat up to 30% of their body weight every day, so one is probably enough for your tank!
11. Mollie – Mollies are peaceful, schooling fish that can live with other fish without causing any problems. They also “garden” your tank by eating algae and keeping the tank clean.
12. Swordtail Fish – Swordtails are a shy species that can easily hide if they feel threatened by anything. They will also stay far away from fish that are more aggressive, so you won’t have to worry about them bothering your Bettas.
13. Zebra Danio – Zebra Danios are a great option if you want to add a bunch of fish that look very similar and are not too expensive. They also grow up to 4 inches, and they thrive in cooler water since they originate from the Himalayas.
14. Tetras – These small, schooling freshwater fishes come in many colors and shapes. They’re also very hardy and easy to care for, making them perfect for beginners or those who want an easygoing pet.
15. Neon Tetras – These ultrabright little fish come in a variety of colors and are active swimmers.
16. Halfbeaks- Halfbeaks are considered to be some of the most intelligent freshwater fishes around, making them perfect for residents of large tanks or those who want a quiet, interactive companion. They’re also easy to care for, so it’s no wonder they’re a popular choice for many.
17. Discus – These are not common in home tanks but make a great addition to the right environment. They require high temperatures and will need at least 20 gallons of water to swim happily.
18. Goldfish – Although Goldfish are usually seen as having a high level of maintenance due to their large size, this isn’t always the case. If you choose the right type of Goldfish they can be easy to care for and can live long, healthy lives in a small tank.
19. Guppy Plecs – These are very popular Plecs that are available in many different colors. They’re also known as ‘bottom walkers’, which means they’ll spend most of their time on the bottom of your Betta tank!
20. Silver Tip Tetras – These small, active fish are known to be intelligent and a great choice for those living in warmer environments.
21. Green Cory Cats – As well as eating algae these little guys will also eat worms! This means they’re one of the best tank mates for Bettas.
22. Angelfish – This is another popular fish that many people like to try out with their Bettas. They prefer warmer waters and can grow up to 12 inches.
23. Assorted Cory Cat Types – There are many different types of Cory Cats available, making them a great choice for those who want to add variety to their tank. They’re also known as ‘algae eaters’, so they’ll help keep your tank clean.
24. Black Neon Tetras – These active little fish are very hardy and will make a great choice to add to your tank.
25. Angelfish Plecs – These Plecs will help keep algae under control, although they can be lazy!
26. Ghost Shrimp – These are known as the ‘cleaners of the aquarium’ because they’ll help keep your tank clean. They’re also popular as feeders for many types of fish, so you may even enjoy watching them interact with your Betta fish!
27. Platys – These are fast, active fish that many owners like to include in their tanks.
28. Kenyi Loaches – This is a small, silver fish that is also known as the ‘Kenyi Zebra Loach’ and will make an excellent addition to many types of aquariums.
29. Australian Rainbowfish – One of the most popular fish among hobbyists, this makes a great choice for many different types of aquariums.
30. Rasboras – These livebearers are another popular choice that can be found in many pet stores. They’re known for being active in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
31. Golden Albino Cory Cats – These are definitely one of the most popular types of Cory Cats amongst hobbyists due to their breathtaking colors! They can also help keep your tank clean by eating algae.
32. Golden/Black Tetra – This is a very popular fish in many pet stores, and for a good reason! Many owners will choose them to go with their Betta’s due to how easy they are to care for.
33. Neon Tetras (Common) – These colorful little swimmers can be found in many different colors, which makes them a popular choice amongst hobbyists.
34. Dwarf Puffers – These little guys are perfect for those who have smaller tanks, due to their small size.
35. Rosy Barb – This is another popular Betta fish tank mate that can be found in many pet stores. They’re known for being very active swimmers and will keep your tank exciting!
36. Sunburst Platies – This is a beautiful type of platy that has bright colors and will keep your tank active! It’s also known to be very easy to take care of.
37. Three Spot Plecs – This type of Plec isn’t always as popular, and can grow up to 8 inches in length. They’re not ideal for beginners due to their size.
38. Cherry Barb – As well as eating algae, these little guys are also known for being a great snack for larger types of fish.
39. Pencilfish – These small, silver fish are known to be very active swimmers and can best be kept in groups.
40. Dwarf Shrimp – Although this doesn’t sound like the most exciting fish, they’re actually a great addition for many Betta tanks!
41. Bala Sharks – This is another fish that isn’t as popular amongst hobbyists, but it can make an excellent tank mate. It’s known to be peaceful and won’t cause any harm!
42. Pepper Cory Cat – These small fish can grow up to 5 inches long, so they’re not always the ideal tank mate for every Betta owner. That being said, they are very easy to take care of and will keep your tank clean!
43. Glass Catfish – This catfish is a great choice due to how easy it is to care for. It’s also known as the ‘thin line catfish’, so it’s a popular choice amongst many hobbyists.
44. Black Ghost Knife Fish – This is another great tank mate that can be found in most pet stores. Many beginners prefer this fish due to its small size and peaceful nature.
45. Harlequin Rasboras – These are a large type of rasbora that many owners like to include in their aquariums. This is a very popular fish in many pet stores, but it’s also known to grow up to 2 inches in size!

Which Fish Should You Avoid?

Bettas can live peacefully with most types of fish, but the rule is to avoid putting a Betta in a tank with other male Bettas. You should also be careful when pairing them with larger fish such as Siamese fighting fish and guppies because they can bully or eat your Betta.

Although there are lots of different types of fish that will happily co-exist with your Betta fish, there are also some that will cause harm to your beloved pet. We recommend avoiding the following:

1. Large Cichlids – Although these may be challenging to spot due to their small size they can often be found in large tank environments and will eat anything that comes into their path!
2. Angelfish – Although many people consider this a great choice in terms of fish for Bettas, it would be wise to avoid them. This is due to their likelihood of disease.
3. Gouramis – These are known for being ‘cannibalistic’ and will eat the fins and scales of other species, causing damage to your pet.
4. African Cichlids – Although many people love the look of brightly colored Cichlids, they’re not recommended as they can be aggressive towards other tank mates and are considered to be a little more difficult to care for.
5. Large Loaches – These aren’t recommended as they’ll grow to a large size and could easily eat smaller, more delicate species.
6. Oscars – Although these fish are known for being very friendly they can often be quite messy! If you’re looking for a cleaner in your tank then this may not be the best choice for you.
7. Discus Fish – These are known for being very friendly, but they do grow to a medium to large size which could be upsetting for those who want a smaller tank!

Betta Tank Mates Depending On Tank Size

There are lots of different species of fish that can live peacefully with your Betta, but you should always consider the size of the tank before adding any new fish. Although experts say that you should only house 1 Betta per gallon of water, we’ve found that there are many people who have multiple Bettas in a 2.5-gallon tank.

Up To 10 Gallons

With this being said, most beginners opt for something smaller like a 5 to 10-gallon fish tank as they’re better suited to living with other fish. If you do choose to house your Betta fish in a smaller tank then we recommend adding the following species of fish:

• Bala Shark – We mentioned these earlier, but they’re great for small tanks. They grow to around 3 inches long, so there’s no need to worry about them being too big for your tank!
• Harlequin Rasbora – These are a great choice for small tanks as they grow to around 1 inch long. They’re also known for being peaceful and shy, so they won’t be overbearing on your Betta!
• Black Ghost Knife Fish – These will only grow to around 2 inches long which means they’ll be able to live peacefully with your Betta in a 2-5 gallon tank.
• Guppy – Although your Betta will be able to outgrow them, they’re known for living with other fish so you can enjoy their company throughout the growth period!
• Fancy Guppies – Just like their smaller counterparts, these are known for being peaceful and won’t cause any harm to your Betta fish.
• Zebra Danio – Although they do grow fairly large, they’re known for being very peaceful towards other species and can live happily in a smaller tank!

Over 10 Gallons

If you do have a larger tank available then it’s always best to house multiple Bettas. With this being said, there are some species of fish that we’d recommend adding to your tank in order to create the most enjoyable environment for your pet.

If you have a tank that’s over 10 gallons then we recommend adding the following species of fish:

• Endlers Livebearer – These are known for being able to live happily with multiple Bettas and will only grow to around 3 inches long!
• Cardinal Tetras – Although they’re lively in nature, once they’re used to their new surroundings they’ll be able to live peacefully with your Betta.
• Zebra Cichlid – This species of fish is known for being an all-around great choice for a Betta tank! They’re easy to take care of and will only grow to around 4 inches long, so there’s no need to worry about them causing too much trouble for your Betta.
• Fancy Guppies – Just like their smaller counterparts, these are known for being peaceful and won’t cause any harm to your Betta fish.

Over 20 Gallons

If you have a larger tank available then you’ll want to get as many species of fish that can live peacefully together! When it comes to larger tanks, you can’t go wrong with the following species of fish:

• Angelfish – Although they’re known for being territorial they’ll be able to live happily with your Betta in a tank that’s over 20 gallons! They grow quite large so it’s important that you provide them ample space.
• Discus Fish – These beautiful, colorful fish are a great addition to any large tank and will grow quite quickly so you’ll have to keep an eye on them!
• Cory Catfish – These are the perfect option if you’re looking for a medium-sized tank as they won’t get too big or cause any trouble for your Betta. They also work well in pairs!
• Zebra Cichlid – As we mentioned earlier, this species of fish is known for being an all-around great choice for a Betta tank! They’re easy to take care of and will only grow to around 4 inches long.

Betta Sorority Tank Mates

If you have a larger tank available then the following species of fish will thrive in a sorority tank environment:

• Neon Tetra
• Peppermint Fish
• Ghost Fish
• Zebra Cichlid
• Cardinal Tetra

Male Betta Tank Mates

If you do decide to keep multiple males together, the following species of fish work well as long as they have ample space!

• Cardinal Tetra
• Platy Fish
• Guppy
• Black Ghost Knife Fish
• Zebra Danio
• Cory Catfish
• Female Betta Tank Mates

Female Betta Tank Mates

If you plan on keeping multiple female Bettas together then the following species of fish work well as long as there’s ample space in your tank!

• Cardinal Tetra
• Peppermint Fish
• Zebra Danio
• Guppy
• Black Ghost Knife Fish

Common mistakes when choosing new species for your Betta tank

It’s important to know that not all fish are good for your Betta. Sometimes new tank mates can be more aggressive and may bully your pet or even eat it! It’s also important to avoid putting a Betta with other male Bettas because the males will often fight. Be sure to read up on compatibility lists, such as this one, before you add new species to your tank.

Conclusion

Overall, there is a vast range of fish species that can live happily with your Betta. It’s important to research the difference between some of the more common tank mates and decide which is best for your needs. You’ll be able to keep your betta happy while providing hours of entertainment by adding new friends into his environment. Many beginners have come a long way by choosing simple, easy-to-care-for tank mates in order to make the process fun and enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a fish that can keep your Betta company and won’t cause harm, then there are lots of excellent choices out there! These species will all work well with your betta and offer him some great companionship. Now you can let out your creative side and get to work on building the perfect tank for your new fishy friends!