Can Betta Fish live with other fish?

Have you ever wondered “Can Betta fish live with other fish”? This is a frequently asked question. When answering this question, the three most important factors to consider are your Betta’s tank size and conditions, aggression level, and tank mates. PowerPAC plus will help you know more about it!

What is betta fish?
Betta fish (Betta Splendens), also known as Siamese fighting fish, are among the most sought-after aquarium fish. Don’t pass up this fantastic opportunity to learn everything there is to know about them.
- Betta fish character

The betta fish’s body, like that of 95 percent of fish, is covered in scales as well as a thin “adipose film” that protects it from the elements. Their fins keep them straight and provide them with power, speed, and direction while swimming. They use a swim bladder, which is located at the back of the head and extends about a third of the way down the body, to stay in certain positions. However, the most distinctive organ of the Betta Splendens is undoubtedly the so-called «labyrinth, which is an auxiliary respiratory organ located above the gills and made up of many very fine sheets with a lot of blood supply and through which they can take oxygen.
There’s a popular misconception that a Betta fish doesn’t require a filter and can live happily in a cup or a small fish bowl; you’ve probably seen this in a pet store (or a muddy puddle)… And that is simply not the case. You want your fish to thrive. Betta fish require some space to do so.
Are Betta fish good with other fish?
- What will happen If Betta lives with another fish?
Betta Splendens are highly territorial and aggressive fish. By exposing them to their own reflection in a mirror outside the aquarium, their aggressive responses can be observed. Males fight each other violently until one of them surrenders and hides, or until one of them dies. As a result, having two males in the same aquarium is not recommended.

If neither of the two males withdraws after a ritual dance in which they swim together, open the operculum, and unfold their tails, they will launch themselves against their adversary by tearing the fins and causing severely important wounds that usually weaken the fish and lead to death due to diseases. There have also been cases where a male detects that his opponent is much stronger and decides to surrender; in this case, the expired Betta will fade by immediately displaying the stress lines, and will quickly seek a hiding place, avoiding the fight. Females are territorial as well, but they are less violent and struggle to maintain their hierarchy. However, in their case, such fights consist only of bites and a spectacular dance similar to those performed by males prior to the final attack.
6 Best Betta Tank Mates
- Mystery Snails
Many betta keepers decide to investigate other fish that can coexist with bettas because their fish appears bored or because they want to liven up their tank. While companions are not required, they can enhance viewing pleasure and experience in the hobby.

Keeping betta fish with other types of fish can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. Always have an exile tank on hand during any new introductions in case you need to quickly remove your betta to safety. You should also closely monitor the introduction for at least 72 hours to determine compatibility.
- Ghost Shrimp

The ghost shrimp, also known as the glass shrimp, is an invertebrate with a transparent appearance. Without a close inspection with the naked eye, ghost shrimp are virtually invisible in tanks. They make excellent betta fish companions. It is best to introduce them in groups of 2-4, with 6 or more potentially leading to breeding.
Ghost shrimp are easy to care for, cheap, and scavengers who will scour your tank for leftover food to eat off the substrate. With proper care, they can grow to be 1.5 inches long and live for 1 to 1.5 years. These translucent critters are fascinating to watch, enjoy moss balls and other live plants, and contribute to the cleanliness of your tank.
- Feeder Guppies
Feeder guppies are bred for food for larger fish and lack the bright coloring and long fins of the fancy guppy. As a result, they are an excellent fish to keep alongside a betta. Guppies are also content to live on their own, so adding one as a tank mate is easier than schooling fish.

Feeder guppies, which have the same pH and temperature range as guppies, are also very resilient fish. Their temperament is relatively docile, so you won’t have to worry about them nipping at your betta.
- Cory Catfish
Corydoras (cory/cories) catfish make excellent additions to a betta community tank. They are simple to care for and thrive in the same conditions as bettas. Corydoras feed on the bottom of the tank and can live alone or in groups of four or more, depending on the size of your tank. They range in length from 1.0 to 2.5 inches.

Cory catfish live in captivity for an average of 2-3 years and have a non-aggressive temperament. As a result, they make excellent betta fish companions. They are generally very active and can liven up a tank. If you want to be extra cautious, look for pygmy corydoras, which are duller in color and grow to only 1 inch in length.
- Harlequin Rasbora
The rasbora is a shoaling fish that prefers to live in a tank with a school of 5 to 6. As long as your tank is 10 gallons or larger, they make excellent tank mates for bettas. This will provide them with plenty of room for necessary activity. Rasboras, like bettas, enjoy tasty brine shrimp.

If you put your betta in a tank with a harlequin rasbora, the rasbora will grow to be about 1.5 inches long and live for about 5 years on average. This species is also very peaceful, which adds another dimension to coexistence with the betta splenden.
- African Dwarf Frog
Because of their calm personalities, African dwarf frogs make excellent betta tank companions. They are also relatively simple to maintain. Dwarf frogs can grow to be 2.5 inches long and live for an average of 5 years. Males are slightly smaller than females, and the species prefers at least two per tank.

They are extremely active and enjoy exploring their surroundings. Because frogs have lungs rather than gills, they come to the surface to breathe. If you’re lucky, you might even see them shed their skin (every 1-2 weeks), which is a quick process that results in the frog eating it. When it comes to eating, you’ll enjoy watching them stuff their mouths with food while using their little webbed feet!
How to properly take care of a betta fish?
- Proper Tank Setup
How do you properly care for a betta fish? A popular pet is the betta fish, also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish. They are not only attractive with their long, flowing tails, but they also have pleasant personalities. Bettas are commonly referred to in the water as “scaly cats and dogs.” This article will teach you how to properly care for a betta fish.

They have wonderful personalities, but they are aggressive toward other bettas (both male and female), so they frequently live alone. In some cases, they may be suitable for tank mates. Still, the temperament of the betta, the size of the tank, and other factors all contribute to the situation’s effectiveness.
- Select a suitable location for your aquarium
Your fish tank should be kept in an area where your fish are not isolated and can communicate with you. Bettas appear to recognize their owners and have a high level of intelligence. When deciding where to place your tank, make sure it is not exposed to cold drafts or extreme heat.
You should never place your tank too close to a window or a radiator, for example, because your fish may become too hot or cold. Furthermore, direct sunlight can cause algae overgrowth.
Of course, if your betta is in a tank with an algae-eating tank mate, this won’t be an issue, and you’ll probably appreciate a little algae growth to feed your algae-eater.
- Place for betta’s aquarium
Install your betta aquarium on a level, stable surface that will not be knocked over. You could also keep your fish on a table against a wall or in your office. In any case, pick a location that will not be easily disturbed.
- Assemble a suitable and secure environment
Your fish may want to hide from time to time. As a result, you should provide a diverse selection of silk or real plants. Caves and other hiding places can also be made available.
Make certain that any decorations you use are suitable for fragile fins. One way to test this is to run a pair of pantyhose over the décor; if it tears the pantyhose, it’s far too harsh for your fish.
- Implement Proper Feeding Strategies to Take Care of Betta Fish
Bettas have a tendency to overeat, which can result in obesity, constipation, blockage, bloating, and even death. As a result, you must take the following steps immediately.
- Feed your betta the proper nutrition
Your betta should only consume what her eyeball can hold. In other words, 3-4 pellets or 1-2 blood words are frequently enough. It’s also a good idea to feed your fish one or two pellets or live food at a time.
This ensures that she eats it and that there isn’t too much food at the bottom of the tank for her to take. If she doesn’t eat it within 5 minutes, scoop it out to avoid contaminating the water in her tank.
- Feed Your Betta on a Daily Basis
Feed your fish once a day. Some people feed small amounts twice a day, while others skip one. If you need to go away, avoid the weekend feeders because they can contaminate the water and cause bacterial growth and fin rot.

Instead, have someone you trust come over to feed your fish every day or every other day. Make sure they don’t overfeed your fish while you’re gone.
- Change Up Your Betta’s Food
Bettas, like you, do not like eating the same thing every day. As a result, you should offer a variety of dishes to make it more enjoyable for them. Premium pellets or frozen flakes are both excellent choices. Live or dried bloodworms, fruit fly larvae or fruit flies without wings, and brine shrimp
Conclusion
Finally, instead of searching for information on how to care for betta fish, go out and get one – either through adoption or purchase. However, in order to keep your fish healthy and happy, you must follow the guidelines below. Best wishes on your new scaled betta fish companion. I hope you found this article on how to properly care for a Betta fish useful.