These 12 Fish Can Actually Live with Bettas Without the Drama

Betta fish are the kings (and queens) of drama, right? Wrong!

I’ve found 12 fish that can share the spotlight without causing an aquatic soap opera. Ready to meet the chillest tankmates for your betta?

Let’s dive in!

Tank Size	Good Tank Mates	Notes
5 Gallon	Nerite or Mystery Snails, Amano or Ghost Shrimp	Space is tight—skip other fish. Stick to small inverts only.
10 Gallon	Pygmy/Panda Corydoras, Cherry Shrimp, Snails	Works for a small peaceful group. Plants and caves are a must.
15 Gallon	Harlequin Rasboras, Ember Tetras, Corydoras, Shrimp, Snails	Room for small schooling fish that stay out of the betta’s way.
20 Gallon	Neon Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, Corydoras, Kuhli Loaches, Otocinclus, Shrimp, Snails	Bigger schools possible. Line-of-sight breaks keep peace.
29–40 Gallon	Larger schools of Rasboras, Tetras, Corydoras, Otocinclus, Endler’s Livebearers	Best for true community setups. Plenty of space lowers aggression risk.

12 Fish That Can Live With Bettas

Finding the right tank mates for your betta fish can be a challenge due to their territorial nature. However, there are several peaceful species that can coexist harmoniously with bettas.

This list of 12 fish provides options that are compatible with the betta’s environment, ensuring a balanced and calm aquarium setup.

1. Cory Catfish

Cory Catfish, also known as Corydoras, are peaceful bottom-dwelling fish that make great tank mates for bettas.

They thrive in groups of at least 4-6 and prefer to stay near the substrate, sifting through it for food, which helps reduce conflict with bettas that typically swim in the upper regions of the tank.

Since Cory Catfish are calm and non-aggressive, they won’t trigger the betta’s territorial instincts.

Their hardy nature and preference for similar water parameters, such as a temperature range of 75-80°F, make them an ideal match for a betta community tank.

2. Kuhli Loaches

Kuhli loaches are small, eel-like fish that make excellent tank mates for bettas due to their peaceful nature and tendency to stay near the bottom of the tank.

They prefer hiding in substrate and under decorations, which keeps them out of the betta’s territory, minimizing the chances of conflict.

Kuhli loaches are nocturnal and shy, meaning they usually stay active when the betta is resting, further reducing the likelihood of interaction.

It’s important to keep Kuhli loaches in groups of at least three to six, and a tank with hiding spots and soft substrate will help them thrive alongside bettas.

3. Ember Tetras

Ember Tetras are small, vibrant fish known for their peaceful temperament, making them a great tank mate for bettas.

They thrive in groups and prefer to stay in the middle and lower parts of the tank, which reduces potential conflict with bettas that generally occupy the upper areas.

Their calm nature ensures they won’t provoke aggressive behavior from bettas, and their size allows them to coexist comfortably without competing for space or food.

Just make sure the tank is well-planted, providing hiding spots to further minimize interactions between the species.

4. Neon Tetras

Neon Tetras are small, schooling fish that can work with bettas in larger tanks (10+ gallons). They prefer to be in groups of 6 or more, which helps them feel secure.

Neon tetras swim in the mid-levels of the tank and usually stay out of the betta’s way.

A heavily planted tank is important to reduce chasing, since bettas sometimes get annoyed by the tetras’ quick movements.

5. Harlequin Rasboras

Harlequin Rasboras are a peaceful schooling fish that make excellent tank mates for bettas.

Their calm demeanor helps avoid conflicts, and they tend to swim in the middle of the tank, keeping them out of the betta’s territory near the surface.

Harlequin Rasboras thrive in groups of six or more, which also helps to spread any potential aggression from the betta.

Their similar water temperature and pH preferences make them a great match, ensuring both species stay comfortable in the same tank.

6. Guppies

Guppies are small, colorful fish that make great tank mates for bettas due to their peaceful nature and ability to thrive in similar water conditions.

However, male guppies with long, flowing fins might trigger aggression in bettas, as they could be mistaken for rivals.

To avoid conflict, it’s generally safer to pair female guppies with bettas.

Additionally, guppies are active swimmers but tend to occupy the middle and upper levels of the tank, allowing them to coexist with bettas without competing for space.

Guppies: Female guppies are safer, but males with flashy tails can get attacked. Best avoided unless you’re prepared to separate them.

7. Clown Plecos

Clown Plecos are a small, hardy species of pleco that can be a good tank mate for bettas.

Their peaceful temperament and bottom-dwelling habits reduce the likelihood of conflict with bettas, who prefer to stay near the surface.

Clown Plecos also help keep the tank clean by eating algae, which can benefit overall water quality.

However, since both species can be territorial, especially if space is limited, it’s important to monitor their interactions and ensure the tank is large enough to provide hiding spots for both.

Clown Plecos: Need at least 20 gallons with driftwood to thrive. In small tanks, they won’t do well.

8. Bristlenose Plecos

Bristlenose Plecos are a great addition to a betta tank because they are peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish that help keep the aquarium clean by eating algae.

Their calm temperament and preference for the lower levels of the tank mean they typically don’t interfere with bettas, who prefer to stay near the surface.

The Plecos’ tough skin also makes them less vulnerable to the occasional territorial behavior of bettas.

However, it’s important to provide plenty of hiding spots and space in the tank to ensure both species feel secure and aren’t competing for territory.

Bristlenose Plecos: Require 30 gallons or more. Great algae eaters, but not for nano tanks.

9. Cardinal Tetra

The cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is a small, peaceful freshwater fish known for its vibrant blue and red stripes.

Native to the Amazon River, this species thrives in soft, acidic water with plenty of plants. It can be a good tank mate for bettas, provided the tank is large enough (at least 10 gallons) and has plenty of hiding spaces.

Since bettas can be territorial, it’s crucial to monitor their behavior.

Cardinal tetras are schooling fish, so keeping them in groups of at least six helps them feel secure, which can reduce stress in both the tetras and the betta.

10. Otocinclus

The Otocinclus, often called “Oto catfish,” is a small, peaceful freshwater fish known for its algae-eating habits.

They are native to South America and thrive in well-planted tanks with stable water conditions. Otos are shy and non-aggressive, making them a great tank mate for bettas.

However, care is needed to ensure bettas don’t mistake their quick movements as threats.

Both species can coexist well if there are plenty of hiding spots and the tank is spacious enough to reduce territorial disputes.

A calm environment with soft, neutral water is ideal for both species.

11. Swordtail

Swordtails (Xiphophorus helleri) are vibrant, live-bearing freshwater fish known for the long, sword-like extension on the male’s tail.

They are generally peaceful but can be active swimmers, which may sometimes stress out slower fish like bettas. In terms of cohabitation, swordtails can live with bettas if the tank is spacious and has plenty of hiding spots.

However, male swordtails can sometimes be aggressive or territorial, especially with other males, which could cause issues with bettas.

To minimize conflict, it’s best to have a well-sized tank and monitor their interactions closely.

Swordtails: Need big tanks (20+ gallons). Males can be territorial, which doesn’t mix well with bettas. Not recommended for smaller setups.

12. Platies

Platies are small, peaceful freshwater fish that are often recommended for community tanks because of their friendly nature.

They come in a variety of colors and are easy to care for, making them popular among beginners. Platies can cohabitate with betta fish as long as the tank is large enough and there are plenty of hiding spots.

Both species prefer warm water, and since platies are non-aggressive, they typically won’t trigger the betta’s territorial instincts.

However, monitoring their behavior is important, as individual bettas may still become aggressive towards the more active platies.

Platies: Peaceful but very active, which can stress a betta. Work better in larger, planted tanks where the betta can retreat.

How to Keep the Peace in a Betta Tank

A calm betta tank comes down to three things: space, cover, and smart tank mate choices.

Start with size. A single betta needs at least 5 gallons, but 10+ gallons gives everyone room to breathe. Bigger tanks mean less tension.

Pick tank mates that won’t provoke your betta. Small, peaceful species like corys, rasboras, shrimp, or snails work best. Skip fish with long, flowy fins—they’ll look like rivals.

Load the tank with plants, caves, and decorations. Think of them as escape routes. A good rule: one solid hiding spot for every two gallons.

Never put two male bettas together. That’s an instant fight.

Watch their behavior. If your betta flares constantly or chases tank mates nonstop, be ready to separate.

Finally, feed evenly. Hungry fish fight more, so make sure food reaches everyone, not just the betta.

Do Male and Female Bettas Get Along?

Short answer: not really.

Male bettas are wired to guard their territory. Put a female in long-term and she’ll likely get bullied. The only time they tolerate each other is during breeding, and even then, it’s risky business.

After spawning, the male usually guards the nest and can turn aggressive fast. That puts the female in danger.

Unless you’re breeding and know exactly what you’re doing, keep males and females separate.

Do Female Bettas Mix Well With Other Fish?

Females are easier to house in a community tank than males, but they’re not angels. A stressed or crowded female will still nip.

They do best with small, peaceful fish that don’t have flashy fins. Neon tetras, rasboras, and corydoras are safe bets. Avoid slow, long-finned species like guppies.

Give them space and hiding spots, and most females settle in fine with other fish.

Do Bettas Get Lonely?

Bettas aren’t social. In the wild, they live alone and defend their space. So no, they don’t get lonely in the human sense.

What they do need is stimulation. A tank with live plants, caves, and toys keeps them busy. Even something simple like a floating mirror (used sparingly) gives them exercise.

Many bettas recognize their owners and will interact at feeding time or follow your finger along the glass. That’s their version of “company.”

These 12 Fish Can Actually Live with Bettas Without the Drama