Are you looking for Betta fish community tank inspiration? Then you’ve come to the right place! I have compiled a list of the top 10 tank mates for Betta community tank fishes. These tank mates are sure to add color, activity, and excitement to your tank.
Welcome to my post! Betta fish are known for their vibrant colors and flowing fins, and while they are often kept alone, they can actually live happily with other fish. In this post, we’ll explore the best tank mates for Betta fish and how to create a healthy community tank.
Number 10: Neon and Ember Tetras. – Community tank fishes
Neon Tetras are relatively small, growing only to about 1-2 inches in length. This makes them an excellent choice for small Betta fish tanks. You’ll also have a lot of action and interest in your tank because they love swimming in schools. They should be kept in schools of at least six to ensure they feel secure, and they prefer a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots and caves to retreat to when they feel threatened. They also require a well-maintained tank with stable water parameters to thrive. Overall, if you’re looking for a peaceful and colorful tank mate for your Betta fish, neon Tetras can be an excellent choice.
Another option is Ember Tetras. Ember Tetras are similar to Betta fish in that they also prefer heavily planted tanks and enjoy eating brine shrimp. They are also compatible with neon Tetras and will even school with them in the middle of the tank. This helps to reduce any territorial issues that may arise with your Betta fish. Ember Tetras can live for up to four years, which makes them great for community tanks. They are surface feeders, just like Betta fish, making it easy and convenient to feed them both at the same time. While many tetras can coexist peacefully with Betta fish, some species should be avoided, including Serpae tetras, Black skirt tetras, and Silvertip tetras.
Number 9: Corydoras Catfish.
Corydoras Catfish, favored for Betta aquariums, coexist peacefully, not contending for food or space. Their bottom-dwelling nature aids tank hygiene by consuming leftovers. These playful, multicolored fish add visual allure. However, groups of three or more prevent stress, and sandy substrate safeguards their barbels. Thriving in well-planted setups with hideaways, they evade threats. For added care, pygmy corydoras, dull-hued and 1-inch long, offer a better choice against Betta fish.
Number 8: Kuhli Loaches. – Community tank fishes
Kuhli loaches are peaceful, look amazing, and are helpful for cleaning up uneaten food from the bottom of the tank. Kuhli loaches are nocturnal, which means they are most active during the night when your Betta fish is sleeping. They have a docile temperament and will get along well with your Betta fish. They are shaped like eels and love to disappear into tiny crevices, which can add some interest and movement to your tank. Keep them happy with at least 20 gallons of water, and sand is their favorite substrate since they burrow deep. It’s important to note that other loaches, such as the clown loach, can grow over a foot in length and should be avoided in a Betta fish tank.
Some other suitable loach options to consider are Hillstream loaches, Zebra loaches, and dwarf loaches. Hillstream loaches are often found in fast-moving streams and prefer well-oxygenated water, so they may need a current or air pump in the tank. Zebra loaches are known for their distinctive black and white stripes, and they are active swimmers who enjoy hiding in caves and under decorations. Dwarf loaches are small and peaceful, and they tend to stay close to the bottom of the tank.
Number 7: Cherry and ghost shrimp.
Cherry shrimp are a fantastic addition to any Betta tank. These tiny and colorful crustaceans add a splash of variety to your aquarium and can be a delight to watch as they scuttle around. Thankfully, they’re also peaceful and won’t bother your Betta fish. These shrimp also help keep the water clear by picking up algae and leftover food waste. It’s important to note that your betta may occasionally try to eat them. Therefore, be sure to provide plenty of hiding places and plants for the shrimp to take cover in.
Ghost shrimp are another option for Betta tank mates. These shrimp have translucent bodies, making them harder for your Betta to spot. Like cherry shrimp, they also do a great job of keeping the tank clean by eating algae and waste.
One thing to keep in mind with shrimp is that they tend to breed quickly. If you start with a small group of shrimp, you may find yourself with an abundance of them in just a few weeks. But this can be a positive thing if you have a market for them or want to sell them to other aquarium enthusiasts.
Number 6: Harlequin Rasboras – Community tank fishes
Harlequin rasboras are a popular choice for planted aquariums due to their distinctive appearance and peaceful temperament. This little fish stands out in any aquarium because it has a black triangle on its sides and a golden-orange body. They prefer to live in schools of 5 to 6, making them an excellent choice for a community tank with Betta fish. They are also very fast swimmers, so even if a betta were to become aggressive, the rasboras would be able to outswim them and avoid harm. In addition, larger schools of rasboras will require at least a 10-gallon tank to accommodate their activity.
One potential downside to keeping harlequin rasboras with betta fish is that they swim in the same areas as the betta fish. This can be managed by providing plenty of hiding places and plants in the tank to give each fish its own space.
Chili rasbora is another fantastic option. These tiny fish feel right at home for small tanks and can live happily with a single Betta fish. However, it’s important to note that chili rasboras are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups to prevent shyness and stress. A school of chili rasboras, along with your Betta, can create a stunning display in a heavily planted nano tank.
Make sure you’re not making the same mistake as this guy who crammed too many fish in a small tank. If you’re committed to providing your fish with the best possible home.
Number 5: Aquarium snails.
Introducing snails to your Betta tank is a fantastic approach to elevating both the visual appeal and cleanliness of your aquarium. There are several snail options suitable for Betta fish tanks.
Mystery snails are gentle creatures with resilient shells that shield them from curious or playful Betta fish. Displaying a calm demeanor, they aid in tank hygiene by consuming leftover food and algae. These snails can reach a size of up to 2 inches and live for about a year. Being compatible with live plants, they are fitting for community tanks.
Zebra snails present another appealing choice. These non-aggressive snails require minimal care and contribute to cleanliness by devouring debris. Without posing a threat to Betta fish, they grow to about 1 inch and have a lifespan of roughly two years.
Apple snails, while larger with a potential 6-inch diameter, exhibit docility and peace. Their notable appetite for algae makes them an asset to maintaining tank hygiene. Available in an array of colors, they offer vibrant hues to your setup.
Nerite snails are smaller, around 1 inch, and boast various patterns and colors. Exceptional algae eaters, contribute to a clean environment. Their adaptability to diverse water conditions makes them ideal for beginners.
It’s crucial to note that snails are sensitive to copper, commonly found in Betta medications. If your Betta requires medication, consider moving them to a separate tank while keeping your snails in the main aquarium. This strategy ensures the health of both your Betta and the snails.
Number 4: African Dwarf Frogs – Community tank fishes
African dwarf frogs can be great tank mates for Betta fish, as they typically coexist without any issues. They generally ignore each other’s presence. African dwarf frogs are known for producing minimal waste, which can help prevent water parameters from becoming unbalanced.
The main concern when keeping African dwarf frogs and Betta fish together is feeding time. Betta fish are fast swimmers and tend to finish their food before the frogs have a chance to find their own. It’s critical to watch the frogs during feeding time and ensure they are getting their fair share of food. While bettas tend to eat anything they can, it’s important to make sure your frog is getting adequate nutrition as well.
Number 3: Guppy fish – Community tank fishes
Keeping guppy fish in a betta tank can be a suitable option as they are peaceful and non-aggressive fish. Guppies are also livebearers, which means that they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs like some other fish species. This trait makes them a good option for adding some diversity to your Betta tank. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a great option for beginners. Guppies prefer a water temperature of around 75-82°F and a pH level of 7.0-8.0. These conditions are similar to what Betta fish require, so they can coexist comfortably in the same tank.
One potential issue when keeping guppy in a Betta tank is that Bettas may mistake guppy fins for another Betta’s fins and become aggressive towards them. This can be avoided by choosing guppy breeds with shorter fins like feeder guppy or keeping both species in a large enough tank where they can establish their territories.
I have compiled this list based on my experience with community tank fish for betta fish. I also believe there are different opinions. Please tell me your most and least favorite community tank fish options in the comments below.
Number 2: Platyfish – Community tank fishes
Vibrant and lively Platyfish are wonderful companions for Bettas. Their peaceful nature and non-nipping behavior add vitality to your tank. Easy care suits beginners, tolerating a broad pH range, and favoring neutral to alkaline conditions. Similar to mollies, Platyfish are schooling fish with inconspicuous tails, evading Betta’s interest. This trait makes them a perfect match for Betta tanks, coexisting without fin-related conflicts. Yet, their shared habitat can lead to spatial competition. For a serene and colorful tank partner, Platyfish harmonizes well with Bettas, offering an ideal choice.
Number 1: Otocinclus catfish – Community tank fishes
Otocinclus catfish could be a great option. They don’t bother betta fish and also keep the tank clean. These small catfish grow to just 2 inches and have a big appetite for algae, making them the perfect algae eaters for mature aquariums. However, it’s important to note that they should not be added to very small or new aquariums where there won’t be enough food for them. Otos are peaceful fish and won’t compete with your Betta for food. They’re perfect tank mates for many of the same reasons as cory cats. They remain on the bottom of the tank, keeping the substrate clean, and travel in groups, making it harder for betta to bother them. However, Otos do need plenty of plants to hide in and must be in groups, which can be challenging to accommodate in smaller tanks.
There are also other community fish options to consider, such as Bamboo Shrimp, Molly Fish, Amano Shrimp, and Minnows. No matter what fish you choose, you have to make sure they’re relaxed and non-territorial. If they fight with your Betta often, you’ll need to remove them. It’s crucial to ensure that you have the appropriate tank size when you are building a community fish tank. A general rule of thumb is that each inch of fish requires a gallon of water. It’s important to figure out how many fish you’re going to keep based on the size of your tank. Overall, you’ll have plenty of options to build a stunning community tank where your Betta fish can take center stage!
