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	Best Tank Mates	Notes
5 Gallon	Snails (Nerite, Mystery) Shrimp (Amano, Ghost)	Limited space for other fish; keep tank mates small.
10 Gallon	Small Corydoras (Pygmy, Panda) Shrimp (Cherry, Ghost) Snails	Suitable for small peaceful species that won’t compete with the betta.
15 Gallon	Corydoras (Pygmy, Panda) Harlequin Rasboras Neon Tetras Shrimp Snails	Room for small schooling fish that stay out of the betta’s way.
20 Gallon	Corydoras Harlequin Rasboras Neon Tetras Kuhli Loaches Shrimp Snails	Larger groups of small schooling fish are possible, providing plenty of hiding spots.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

how to ensure peace in the betta tank?

To ensure peace in a betta tank, here are some helpful steps:

Tank Size: Make sure the tank is at least 5 gallons for a single betta. A larger tank reduces stress and gives them more room to explore without feeling cramped.

Tank Mates: Choose peaceful tank mates that don’t have long, flowing fins (to avoid betta aggression). Suitable options include small, non-aggressive fish like neon tetras, ghost shrimp, or snails.

Proper Hiding Spots: Add plants, caves, and decorations to give your betta places to hide and feel safe. This helps reduce stress and makes them less likely to show aggression.

Avoid Multiple Male Bettas: Never house more than one male betta in the same tank. They are territorial and will likely fight.

Monitor Aggression: Keep an eye on the behavior of your betta. If they become aggressive towards their tank mates, consider separating them.

Balanced Feeding: Feed your betta and their tank mates properly to prevent competition over food, which can lead to aggression.

Do Male and Female Betta Fish Get Along?

Male and female betta fish usually don’t get along if kept together for a long time. Male bettas are known to be very territorial and can become aggressive when they feel their space is being invaded. This aggression can stress out both the male and the female, leading to possible fights.

In certain cases, male and female bettas can be placed together briefly for breeding. During this time, they may tolerate each other, but it doesn’t last long. Once breeding is over, the male betta may try to protect the nest, and this can make him aggressive towards the female. This can create a dangerous situation for the female.

Because of these reasons, it’s best to keep male and female bettas in separate tanks unless you’re closely monitoring them for breeding.

Do Female Betta Fish Mix Well With Other Fish?

Female betta fish generally mix well with other fish, but it depends on the specific tank setup and the temperament of the fish involved. Female bettas are less aggressive and territorial compared to males, which makes them easier to keep in a community tank. However, they can still show aggression, especially if they feel stressed or crowded.

When keeping female bettas with other fish, it’s important to choose tank mates that are peaceful and non-aggressive. Fish that are small and fast, like neon tetras, rasboras, or bottom-dwellers like corydoras, tend to be good choices. Avoid fish with long, flowing fins, as female bettas might nip at them.

Providing enough space, hiding spots, and a calm environment helps reduce stress and ensures better harmony between the bettas and other fish.

Do Betta Fish Experience Loneliness?

Betta fish don’t experience loneliness in the way humans or some other animals might. In the wild, bettas are solitary creatures and prefer to have their own space. They are naturally territorial and can become stressed or aggressive if forced to share their environment with other fish, especially other bettas.

That said, bettas still need mental stimulation to stay healthy. While they don’t need the company of other fish, they do benefit from a well-decorated tank with plants, hiding spots, and areas to explore.

Some bettas also enjoy interacting with their owners through feeding time or watching movements outside the tank. Providing a stimulating environment helps keep them engaged and prevents boredom.

These 12 Fish Can Actually Live with Bettas Without the Drama