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Betta or Siamese Fighting Fish is famous for its gorgeous appearance. With a wide caudal fin (approx. 2-3 times its body height) shimmering each time it moves, it is really hard for one to resist that beauty.
However, this is not the only reason why Betta is well-known. If you learn about them, you may find that what lies beneath the beauty is an aggressive temperament. Indeed, Betta Fish are too aggressive to the extent that they earn them the title Fighting Fish. You also find out here and there the recommendations of keeping only one Betta in a tank for its benefit.
That said, you still can find friends for them. Considering their characteristics, we list below 5 best tank mates for your Betta.
(To learn more about how to care for your Betta properly, read our article Care Guide For Your Betta Fish
1. Kuhli Loach
This Loach is really a perfect candidate for Betta’s friend. They are peaceful, nocturnal, love hiding most of the time, bottom dwellers, great scavengers (the best combination since Kuhli Loach can pick up any excess food your Betta drops). What makes them even the best choice is that their living conditions quite match Betta’s.
Generally, Betta fish show more aggression toward those fish that have similar appearances. This cannot happen to Kuhli Loaches, as they are best known for their unique eel-like body. Further, Kuhli Loach has no long fins. So even if your Bettas want to nip Kuhli Loach’s fins, they will have nothing to nip at.
Look for more information about our article Care Guide For Your Kuhli Loach if you go for it.
2. Ember Tetra
Another potential roommate for your Betta is Ember Tetra. Only an inch long with an orangish-red coloration, this Tetra fish is a burst of colour to your aquarium community, especially when they are kept with bright blue or solid white Betta fish. Ember Tetras are schooling fish, so make sure you keep them in groups of at least five to six. This also makes it harder for Betta if it wants to single anyone out. Further, Ember Tetra’s diet is similar to Betta’s. Such an advantage makes your feeding task much easier if you are going to keep them together.
Visit here to see more information about How to Care for Tetras.
3. Malaysian Trumpet Snail
Mentioning Kuhli Loach without Malaysian Trumpet Snail in this list is a big mistake. Like Kuhli Loach, Malaysian Trumpet Snail is nominated for its peaceful, bottom-dwelling, and active at night. Moreover, these freshwater snails are not intermediary-to-hard-to-care-for ‘pets’. This means you do not need to prepare many things to start with. Their living conditions are quite compatible with Betta’s, pH level of 7.0-7.5, and water temperature of around 70°F to 78°F. Further, their diet is not hard to find since they can feed on any popular kind of fish food, such as fish flakes, bottom feeder tablets, pellets, algae wafers, etc. One can say there is no other friend who could be better than the Malaysian Trumpet Snail.
4. Harlequin Rasbora
Another fish that shares the shimmering appearance with the Betta is the Harlequin Rasbora. Such a feature with iconic markings on its body makes this Rasbora fish really stand out in the aquarium community.
Unlike Betta, the beauty of Harlequin Rasbora comes with an easy-going temperament. That explains why they can be kept with a Betta.
Harlequin Rasboras are shoaling fish, which means you need to keep them in groups of at least six Rasboras. It is not a big deal since they are quite small (around 2 inches). If you keep them with a Betta, you may need a tank of 10 gallons or more. For parameters, you can refer to the below:
- Water temperature: 72°F to 80°F
- pH level: 6.0 to 7.8
- Water hardness: 2 to 15 KH
Regarding their diet, you can consider brine shrimp, Daphnia, tiny pellets, or flakes. They are all acceptable to Harlequin Rasbora. To explore more about them, visit our article Ultimate Care Guide for Harlequin Rasbora here.
5. Cory Catfish
Last but not least, the very common name when speaking of peaceful fish, Cory Catfish. The easy-going catfish is not picky about diet or living conditions, and prefers crawling on the bottom of an aquarium most of the time. They are also comfortable with the parameters that are similar to those of Betta. Further, there are dozens of commonly available Corydoras species, such as the Albino Cory, Panda Cory, and Pygmy Cory, for you to choose to keep with the Betta. Like Harlequin Rasbora, Cory prefers living in groups, so make sure you have a tank large enough for both groups of Cory and Betta. For more information about the care guide for Cory, you can find it in the Care Guide for Corydoras.
Conclusion
Betta fish, with their striking colors and flowing fins, are often seen as solitary fighters, but with careful planning, they can thrive in a peaceful community setup. The best Betta tank mates, such as Kuhli Loaches, Ember Tetras, Malaysian Trumpet Snails, Harlequin Rasboras, and Cory Catfish, complement Betta’s unique temperament and share compatible water conditions. By avoiding species with long fins or overly aggressive personalities, you can create a balanced aquarium where your Betta remains the star without feeling stressed or territorial. With the right companions, your Betta tank becomes not only more vibrant but also healthier and more dynamic.
Betta Fish Tank Mates Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What fish can I keep with Bettas?
Bettas can live with a variety of peaceful, non-aggressive fish that don’t resemble them in color or fin shape. Good tank mates include Kuhli Loaches, Ember Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, Corydoras Catfish, and certain small snails like Malaysian Trumpet Snails or Nerite Snails. These species generally occupy different levels of the aquarium, reducing conflict. Avoid pairing Bettas with fin-nippers or brightly colored fish with long fins, as Bettas may see them as rivals.
Can Goldfish and Betta fish live together?
No, Betta fish and Goldfish are not compatible tank mates. Goldfish are cold-water fish that thrive in 65–72°F, while Bettas require tropical conditions of 76–82°F. Goldfish also produce heavy waste, which can harm Bettas in smaller tanks, and their larger size makes them capable of injuring or stressing Bettas. For the health and safety of both fish, it’s best to keep them in separate aquariums with setups tailored to their unique needs.
Can shrimp live with Betta fish?
Yes, shrimp can live with Betta fish under the right conditions. Species like Amano Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp, and larger Cherry Shrimp often coexist peacefully with Bettas, provided the tank has plenty of hiding places like plants and caves. However, Bettas may see very small shrimp or baby shrimp as food. To improve survival rates, ensure the tank is heavily planted and provides cover. When managed properly, shrimp not only make great companions but also help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food and algae.
