Can Guppies Live With Bettas? (FAQs Answered)

Most betta owners get highly confused on one common topic which is finding the perfect tank mate for their bettas. Even after selecting the tank mate, there are other factors that need to be looked at so that both fish can live together peacefully. To ease your difficulties, in this article, I am going to discuss whether guppies can live with bettas or not.

Also, I am going to elaborately explain what are the other factors that need to be looked at so that they can live peacefully.

Guppies can live with bettas only and only if some factors are maintained properly. Both fish have different personalities, therefore, they require different requirements in order to maintain peaceful relations between them. If the factors are properly implemented they can live together peacefully.

For beginning fishkeepers, the temptation to stock a betta community tank can be strong. However, as Mary McCauley of Mary’s Magic Bettas Betta Rescue explains, bettas are truly solitary creatures that are easily stressed by tankmates.

While guppies are often suggested due to their small size, their flowing fins and active swimming resemble another competing male to territorial bettas. This can trigger chasing and nipping behaviors as the betta tries to defend its territory.

Male guppies may also mistake the betta for a potential mate, causing further conflicts.

According to McCauley’s experience rescuing over 60 bettas, housing solitary bettas is the best way to avoid stress-related health issues in these fish.

Beginners looking for a low-maintenance community are better off admiring a betta’s personality without risking its welfare.

How Is The Behavior Of Bettas And Guppies?

Well, the behavior of bettas and guppies are entirely different from each other whenever they are compared. Both have different personalities and ways of thriving, however, they can live together peacefully if some factors are well-noticed and properly implemented. Below I have briefly discussed the behavior of both bettas and guppies in simple words:

The Behavior Of Bettas

If you didn’t already know, the betta, commonly referred to as a battling fish or a siamese fighting fish, is a stunning kind of fish that is native to Southeast Asia. As the male bettas are extremely territorial and have a propensity for aggression when another male approaches them, they are known as “fighting fish.”

They are sometimes referred to as fighting fish because of these aggressive behaviors. Most male and female fish express these behaviors often; nevertheless, the aggressiveness displayed by female fish is significantly less intense.

Male bettas typically act aggressively toward other males of their own species. It’s quite likely that two male bettas will battle to the death when they are allowed to face each other for a long duration, despite the possibility of different reactions to these encounters.

Furthermore, it appears that other fish species exhibit less aggressive reactions when provided enough room and hiding places. Meanwhile, females thrive in groups and will establish dominance. Female bettas often function well in teams, irrespective of the occasional display of violence.

The Behavior Of Guppies

Although guppies are a peaceful type of fish, some may show aggressiveness. A few violent exceptions, like in any other group, might harm the group’s image as a whole. The main enemies in these aquatic battles are stereotypical male guppies.

You’ll know who the bad guy is if you see a much more colorful, smaller fish with longer, leaner fins in the midst of a fight. Because they have a tendency to be highly dominant and also they have most certainly instigated the altercation.

The more pronounced, duller-colored, and triangular-finned sisters are the female guppies. They rarely display hostility and typically show elegance to other tank dwellers. Male guppies are generally propelled into hostile actions by their high mating drives, particularly if there are over more males or just males in the fish tank.

Guppies will inevitably become violent if they are crowded together. Additionally, mixing bigger and smaller fish in the same tank encourages the bigger fish to bully the physically weaker fish. The solution in this case is to keep just bigger fish in a single tank.

Can Guppies Coexist With Bettas?

Many owners of betta fish are unsure about whether having their bettas alongside guppies will be alright for both of the fish. Thankfully, guppies are one of the greatest fish species to keep bettas in a tank, despite the fact that they can be hostile against other fish.

The solution, although, is not as simple as it first appears. Even though guppies are small innocuous fish that interact well with almost any fish species, there are several situations when you may really make things unpleasant for your betta. If you want to maintain a community tank with bettas and guppies, there are still some decisions to be made.

It is known that bettas, particularly the bigger types, can chase down smaller fish like guppies, particularly if bettas are maintained in higher numbers. However, if you put things up correctly, you shouldn’t experience any issues at all. The topic of whether bettas and guppies can coexist will be examined in this article, along with everything related to it.

9 Factors To Consider While Keeping Your Bettas And Guppies Together?

Well, there are many factors to be considered whenever you are keeping both fish together. However, make sure that these factors are properly implemented as both of these fish have different personalities. Things might just go wrong if both of these fish cannot cope with the tank’s condition.

The factors that you will need to keep a close eye on are described below:

1. Thriving Area

Space is perhaps the most crucial aspect to take into account while housing guppies and a Betta. Bettas are a type of fish that demands a lot of space for themselves. They inhabit rice fields and floodplains in the wild, where there is plenty of space for swimming.

This is why you must offer them an aquarium that has a minimum of 6 to 11 gallons of water. The Betta won’t have enough area to swim and roam if the aquarium is any smaller than this, which might have negative health effects.

In contrast, guppies also require their own room. Since they are schooling fish, they like to dwell in communities. On the other hand, guppies also require their own place. These fish enjoy living in groups since they are schooling fish.

Guppies will feel safer and less worried if they thrive in a group with at least 4 to 6 other mates. The tank must be rather large, ideally 11 gallons or even more, to accommodate this many individual fish.

In order to maintain the happiness and health of both fish types, you will require at least a 16 or 21-gallon tank. These two kinds shouldn’t be kept together if your aquarium doesn’t have enough room for keeping guppies and bettas.

2. Grouping Of Guppies

Simply increasing the size of the guppy group is one of the most effective strategies to maintain harmony between guppies and bettas. A larger group is always preferable, assuming that your tank has room for them. Although 4-7 guppies are the recommended requirement, it is also possible to have more.

Each guppie will give less interest to the betta as there are more of them around. This can maintain harmony in your tank.

3. Similarity In Color

Aquarists frequently advise against mixing bettas and guppies due to their aesthetic similarity to one another. Both guppies and bettas are colorful fish with long fins and tails. These physical similarities frequently cause hostility since the B\betta may perceive the guppy as a rival.

Bettas should only be kept with guppies that are drastically unlike them. You may also choose guppy varieties with drabber colors because the betta is less likely to get aggressive with them.

4. The “Fin” Factor

Another crucial aspect to take into account while raising guppies and bettas together is fin growth.

The majority of betta species have large, flowy fins that gracefully linger behind them when swimming. They are less able to swim as quickly as other fish, despite the fact that this makes them incredibly attractive to look at. When they are kept alongside guppies who are really energetic, this can be an issue.

Guppies are known for nibbling on fins and swimming actively. Even though they might not be acting aggressively, their joyful attitude frequently results in their biting at the fins of all other fish. The fish they are biting may suffer anxiety and harm as a result of this.

Try choosing short-finned varieties as a result. Betta varieties with shorter fins, including the Crowntail and the Plakat, are much less prone to be nibbled on. Remember that each Guppie has a unique personality, thus some guppies are unquestionably more tranquil than others.

5. The Temparment Of Betta

Bettas are widely recognized for their high levels of aggressiveness, particularly in males. They frequently engage in conflict with other males for supremacy and control of territories in the wild. Because of this, keeping guppies with a female betta is preferable to keeping them with a male. The likelihood that females will leave the guppy group alone is higher than that of males since they are significantly less violent.

Naturally, there are always a few exceptions to the rule. While some males might be rather quiet, certain males can also be just as violent. Observing a betta’s behavior is the most effective approach to predicting whether it is going to be violent or not.

It’s generally advisable to keep the betta out of an aquarium with guppies if it is continually flaring its fins and attacking other fish. However, there’s a strong probability that it will get along just well with guppy fish if it’s pretty quiet and easygoing.

6. The “Age” Factor

While maintaining guppies and bettas together, age is indeed a crucial consideration as well. Fish who are younger than they have a tendency to be more welcoming of other fish. This is as a result of the little amount of time they have had to cement their authority and their area.

A Betta fish becomes increasingly aggressive against other fish as it ages and gets more territorial. You’re more prone to experience issues with aggressiveness at this time. For this reason, it’s usually advisable to maintain the guppy in a group with younger bettas. This is particularly true if you have a single betta and are raising several guppies.

7. Hiding Places In The Tank

Guppies and bettas both enjoy having lots of hiding spots, as we previously indicated. This is particularly crucial for keeping them together since it provides them with a safe haven to go to in the event of danger.

Increasing the number of plants, pebbles, and ornaments in your tank can help you to add hiding spots. Driftwood and caves are particularly appealing to bettas because they provide places to hide. Additionally, living plants may assist oxygenate the water and eliminate contaminants in addition to serving as hiding spots. Consequently, they benefit both parties.

8. The “Water” Factor

While maintaining guppies and bettas together, it’s crucial to make sure the water is clean and changed frequently.

Keep in mind that guppies tend to be sloppy eaters, which causes them to create a lot more waste. This can rapidly contaminate the water and cause ammonia sickness. Both guppies and bettas can have severe health issues from ammonia toxicity, including an increase in aggressiveness.

In order to avoid this, try to perform a partial water replacement (around 30%) occasionally every week. By doing this, you can maintain the water’s cleanliness and guarantee the wellbeing of your bettas and guppies.

9. Give Them Time To Adapt

It’s crucial to allow them enough time to adjust while keeping guppies and bettas together for the first time.

They can need a few weeks or even months to become adapted to being around each other. So, before assuming that they will get along, make sure to think it through. Your guppies and bettas may be able to get along with one another with some practice, tolerance, and the correct arrangement.

Finally, these are the important factors that play a vital role in ensuring peace between guppies and bettas. However, there are some requirements you will need to follow if you want to make sure this peace will last permanently in the tank. The next part of this article will give you a clear idea about the requirements.

How To Make Bettas And Guppies Live Together Peacefully?

To make bettas and guppies live peacefully you will need to follow some points which is recommended by the experts. Indeed, you have to make sure that the above-mentioned factors don’t trigger the peace between both of these fish but also you have to make sure that this peace and harmony is long-lasting.

Below I have explained some of the points that you will need to take into your account if you want to make bettas guppies live together and peacefully.

1. The Right Breed Of Betta Fish

One may classify betta fish as a semi-aggressive breed. But when it comes to betta fish, there are many distinct species. While some exhibit a gentle attitude, certain of these breeds are really more violent. It’s crucial that you pick the proper breed of guppies if you wish to have betta fish in your tank. Well, you should go for the calmer ones rather than going for the aggressive ones. Below are the two options that you can choose from:

The Delta Betta fish
Halfmoon Betta fish

Consequently, it is a smart option to limit yourself to these two breeds of betta fish rather than believing that every variety is suitable for guppy fish. In doing so, the coexistence of guppy fish with betta fish will be ensured.

2. The Betta’s Population

You must control the betta fish’s population if you don’t want them to go after and consume the guppy fish. Betta fish sometimes fight each other, therefore it’s best to keep them in separate aquariums. Female betta fish are often calmer than males, who are typically more aggressive.

Betta fish are known as fish that hunts other fish. As a result, there is a chance that the guppies will be attacked by bettas. While guppies may often survive with shortened fins, doing so can have major health consequences. It is recommended to keep at least one betta fish with a group of 7 to 8 guppy fish. As a result, the betta won’t be able to chase the marked guppy properly.

3. Choosing The Right Tank

Firstly, make sure your tank is big enough to fit a small group of guppies and your betta properly. Overcrowding your tank will definitely stress your fish, which might result in illness and even death. Your tank must, as a general rule, be at a minimum of 12 gallons in capacity and ideally bigger.

Each fish in your aquarium should have a gallon of water available. It’s best to give them a little extra space, though, if you’re harbouring guppies and a betta. Therefore, you may have 4 guppies and one male betta in a 12-gallon tank. There might be 3 more guppies added for every 4 to 5 gallons.

It is recommended that 1 male for every 2 females is ideal when purchasing guppies. When reproducing, male guppies can develop a very high level of maternal attention towards females. Therefore, it’s ideal to have more females than males in order to keep the females from being overwhelmed by the presence of the males.

Betta fish have the ability to jump, whereas guppies typically don’t. In the wild, bettas naturally hop from pool to pool to look for food, unexplored territory, or a partner during the dry season. Because of this, always select a tank with a top or secure the top with thin wires to resist the efforts of bettas to escape.

There are always more benefits than drawbacks when switching to a larger tank. Having a larger tank gives the following benefits:

allows you to put additional live plants and decorations

allows you to put additional live plants and decorations

stabilizes the water’s conditions

We advise upgrading to a larger tank if you have the room and funds to do so.

4. The Temperature And pH Level In The Tank

The temperature in the tank needs to be at least 76 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Water should be 79 degrees for bettas, which is suitable for guppies as well. To ensure that the tank is uniformly heated, position the heater near the pump on one side of the tank.

You must place your thermometer at the other end of the tank so that you can verify that the water is consistently at the same temperature all along. Despite their ability to live in a variety of water conditions, guppies prefer a pH of between 7.0 and 7.2. For optimal growth and health, betta fish require a pH of 7.0. In that sense, both species get along.

5. Adding More Live Plants In The Tank

You must add several living plants to create a suitable area for the guppy fish to chill in a more natural atmosphere. In an aquarium containing live plants, a betta fish can lose interest in a specific guppy fish by simply moving out of its line of sight.

Time-to-time betta fish will also conceal themselves among living plants. This is how they typically act. Therefore, introducing live plants is good for your betta fish as well as your guppies.

The decorations on the tank may need to be periodically rearranged. This will prevent the bettas and guppies from becoming too habituated to their own homes. Shifting items around will give the fish the impression that they need to reclaim their areas, which might lessen aggressiveness.

Even a significant makeover is an option. You shouldn’t do this frequently though because it might make your guppies and betta anxious. Actually, we advise trying additional suggestions if the first one doesn’t work. Fish are constantly anxious whenever there are tank changes.

6. Guppies Reproduction And Saving Their Babies

Guppy breeding is quite difficult in a tank with a betta fish. In a breeding box, it may be effective to separate the fry. However, it’s important to understand that guppy fry raised in a breeding box will grow regularly. In order to grow, fry requires freedom.

The growth of the guppy fry can be accelerated by placing them into the aquarium at 3-4 weeks old, although they are still rather young. Even guppy fry that is a month old can be devoured by betta fish. In addition, you may take the guppy fry out of the main aquarium and raise them in a different one. You can surely transfer the babies to a new tank when they are fully grown.

The number of guppies in the tank has to be kept under control as well. Though the water quality may substantially decline in an overloaded tank, it could still appear really attractive. When maintaining guppies with a betta fish, perhaps the wisest course of action is to completely skip breeding.

If you want to make sure that the population is not out of control, you might opt to retain only the male guppies.

7. Feeding Proportion

Due to their carnivorous nature, betta fish typically consume insects, worms, or other tiny fish in the wild. Feeding your betta fish a meat-based diet is necessary to keep them healthy.

Blood worms, whether they are live or frozen, are delicious to betta fish. However, you shouldn’t simply give them blood worms or black maggots to eat. It is recommended to have three to four different types of food and alternate between them so the betta fish will acquire all the elements and minerals it requires.

Due to their omnivorous nature, guppies will consume whatever you give them. They’ll consume better food as well. Guppies can thrive and survive on betta food, although eating too much protein-based diet is bad for them.

It is recommended by the experts that you should vegetarian diet for the guppies. Therefore, I advise treating your guppies initially in order to get the nutrition just correct. The vegetable flakes or pellets are unlikely to be touched by the betta fish.

When your guppies are satisfied, you can begin feeding your betta the special meal. Your betta fish may be fed with a syringe or a pincettes. By doing so, you can make sure that your guppies won’t take the special food from the betta fish and that they’re going to actually devour it.

These are the important requirements you will need to follow if you want to make the two species live peacefully. However, it is always recommended to take expert advice in order to gain more knowledge about this topic.

How Should Guppies Be Introduced Into the Bettas Tank?

You must take certain safety measures in advance if you decide to add guppies to your betta aquarium.

Utilizing Different Tanks

Your guppies should spend the initial week in a separate tank after being purchased. This will enable you to determine whether your new fish has any illnesses that could be transferred to your siamese. Ensure that both fish species may be seen from a single vantage point.

When you put them in the same tank together, this will assist them to get to know one another and lower the likelihood that they will fight.

By Means Of A Tank Divider

If the aquarium has a tank divider, you may simply put both fish in it. Fish tanks can be divided into several parts by placing glass or plastic panels in the centre of the tanks. Typically, they have tiny openings that let water in but keep fish from crossing across. Your tank should now have a barrier in the middle. Put your guppies in the area without the Betta.

Purchase a transparent tank partition that enables both fish to see one another. Each fish may approach the partition to inspect the other, but they cannot damage one another. You should take away the divider and let both fish freely cruise the aquarium after maintaining this setup for a few days.

What If My Guppies Are Being Chased By The Betta?

Chasing is an indication of aggressiveness. Typically, this takes place when the guppies go a bit too near to the betta, invading its territory. This is usually just the betta’s response, and you shouldn’t be concerned. That being said, it is recommended to move your betta if it is aggressively seeking and making threats.

Do Guppies Survive By Eating Only Betta Food?

Guppies can indeed devour betta food, however, they will need a bigger proportion of vegetable matter in their meal than bettas do. Feeding guppies with vegetable flakes and pellets initially, then feeding the bettas with betta food, is advised by knowledgeable fish keepers.

In this manner, both types of fish have their nutritional requirements covered and also without the guppies stealing the betta’s food, which can lead to battles. Bettas shouldn’t consume guppy food, even if guppies can. Fortunately, they usually disregard meals made primarily of vegetables.

Overall, betta fish and guppies have meals that are similar. Although betta fish are mostly carnivorous and require more protein, guppies are genuine omnivores and require both plant and protein matter. Keep in mind that living plants assist with anything from nutrition to reproduction.

Are Guppies Eaten By Betta Fish?

Thankfully, grown-up guppies are too large for betta fish to consume. Although guppies reproduce swiftly, betta fish will simply consume guppy fry (baby guppies).

A separate tank must be used if you wish to reproduce your guppies; otherwise, you risk unintentionally feeding your betta a deadly snack. Remember that male betta may be very violent as well. Even though he doesn’t want to devour them, your betta could get aggressive and attack the guppy neighbours in his tank.

Before introducing tank mates or moving your betta to a new tank, make sure to get to know his disposition.

Wrapping Up

Guppies are regarded as one of the great tank mates for the bettas. However, you might still want to know more about other tank mates of bettas. So the next thing you can do is to read my next article. 12 Fish That Can Live With Bettas [Peacefully]

Can Guppies Live With Bettas? (FAQs Answered)