Top 10 Tank Mates That Won’t Trigger Aggression in Betta Fish

Betta fish, often referred to as Siamese fighting fish, have gained popularity among aquarists for their vibrant colors and flowing fins. However, they are notorious for their aggressive behavior, especially towards other bettas of the same sex. This reputation has led many to believe that bettas cannot coexist peacefully with other fish. While it is true that male bettas can be territorial, there are several species that can be compatible tank mates when proper precautions are taken. Below is a list of the top 10 tank mates that won’t trigger aggression in betta fish.

Understanding Betta Fish Behavior

Betta fish are known for their aggressive tendencies, particularly towards other males of their species. They establish territories and defend them vigorously, which is why they are often housed alone. However, female bettas can live together if given enough space and hiding spots. Despite this aggressive behavior, bettas can coexist peacefully with certain species, provided that the tank is set up correctly and the right companions are chosen.

1. Harlequin Rasboras

Description: Harlequin rasboras are small, peaceful fish that grow up to 2 inches in length. Their striking black triangular marking on a red body makes them visually appealing. These fish are known for their gentle nature and are a great choice for a community tank.

Compatibility: Harlequin rasboras are compatible with bettas because of their small size and docile demeanor. They swim in the middle or upper parts of the tank, staying out of bettas’ way.

Care Tips: To ensure peaceful coexistence, maintain a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots. Harlequin rasboras prefer a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0 and temperatures around 75°F to 82°F.

2. Ember Tetras

Description: Ember tetras are tiny, only reaching about 0.7 inches in length. They are characterized by their bright red coloration, which contrasts beautifully against green plants. These fish are peaceful and schooling, making them ideal for community tanks.

Compatibility: Ember tetras are suitable tank mates for bettas due to their small size and non-aggressive behavior. They tend to stay in groups and avoid confrontation.

Care Tips: Keep ember tetras in groups of at least six to encourage schooling behavior. Maintain a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0 and a temperature between 75°F and 82°F.

3. Kuhli Loaches

Description: Kuhli loaches are eel-like fish that grow up to 4 inches long. They have a slender body with yellow stripes and black bars, giving them a unique appearance. Kuhli loaches are bottom-dwelling fish that are generally peaceful and shy.

Compatibility: Kuhli loaches are compatible with bettas because they inhabit different areas of the tank, minimizing direct contact. They are also nocturnal, spending most of their time hidden during the day.

Care Tips: Provide hiding spots such as caves and driftwood for kuhli loaches to feel secure. Ensure the tank has a sandy substrate to prevent injuries from sharp gravel. Maintain a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and a temperature of 75°F to 82°F.

4. Cherry Shrimps

Description: Cherry shrimps are small, colorful crustaceans that reach about 1 inch in length. They are popular for their bright red color and active scavenging behavior. These shrimps are peaceful and spend most of their time foraging for food.

Compatibility: Cherry shrimps are suitable tank mates for bettas as they are too small to be seen as competition. They also stay away from the upper layers where bettas typically swim.

Care Tips: Feed cherry shrimps a balanced diet of sinking pellets and algae wafers. Maintain a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 and a temperature between 75°F and 82°F. Ensure the tank has plenty of hiding spots and plants.

5. African Dwarf Frogs

Description: African dwarf frogs are small amphibians that grow up to 2 inches in length. They have smooth skin and webbed feet, allowing them to swim efficiently. These frogs are peaceful and spend most of their time near the bottom of the tank.

Compatibility: African dwarf frogs are compatible with bettas because they live in different water zones and do not pose any threat to the betta’s territory.

Care Tips: Provide a tank with a secure lid to prevent the frogs from escaping. Ensure the tank has hiding spots and smooth substrates to prevent injury. Maintain a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 and a temperature of 75°F to 82°F.

6. Bristlenose Plecos

Description: Bristlenose plecos are small, algae-eating catfish that grow up to 5 inches in length. They have distinctive tentacles around their mouths, giving them a unique look. These fish are peaceful and excellent for keeping algae under control.

Compatibility: Bristlenose plecos are compatible with bettas because they are bottom-dwellers and do not interfere with bettas’ swimming zones.

Care Tips: Offer bristlenose plecos plenty of hiding spots and algae growth areas. Feed them sinking pellets and algae wafers. Maintain a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 and a temperature of 75°F to 82°F.

7. Otocinclus Catfish

Description: Otocinclus catfish are tiny, peaceful fish that grow up to 1.5 inches in length. They have a torpedo-shaped body and are primarily used for algae control. Otocinclus catfish are schooling fish that thrive in groups.

Compatibility: Otocinclus catfish are suitable tank mates for bettas because they are small, peaceful, and keep to themselves.

Care Tips: Keep otocinclus catfish in groups of at least five to promote healthy behavior. Provide ample algae growth and supplement their diet with algae wafers. Maintain a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 and a temperature of 75°F to 82°F.

8. Ghost Shrimp

Description: Ghost shrimp are translucent crustaceans that reach about 1.5 inches in length. They have a semi-transparent body with dark eyes and antennae. These shrimps are peaceful and excellent scavengers.

Compatibility: Ghost shrimp are compatible with bettas because they are too small to be seen as competition and spend most of their time near the bottom of the tank.

Care Tips: Provide ghost shrimp with hiding spots and ensure the tank has a fine sand substrate to prevent injuries. Feed them a balanced diet of sinking pellets and algae wafers. Maintain a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 and a temperature of 75°F to 82°F.

9. Bamboo Shrimp

Description: Bamboo shrimp are large, filter-feeding crustaceans that can grow up to 3 inches in length. They have a distinctive appearance with long claws and a segmented body. Bamboo shrimp are peaceful and primarily feed on microorganisms in the water.

Compatibility: Bamboo shrimp are suitable tank mates for bettas because they are bottom-dwellers and do not interfere with bettas’ swimming zones.

Care Tips: Provide bamboo shrimp with a mature tank and plenty of surface area for filtering. Ensure the tank has a fine sand substrate to prevent injuries. Maintain a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 and a temperature of 75°F to 82°F.

10. Nerite Snails

Description: Nerite snails are small, colorful mollusks that reach about 1 inch in length. They come in various colors, including zebra-striped patterns. These snails are peaceful and excellent for controlling algae.

Compatibility: Nerite snails are compatible with bettas because they are too small to be seen as competition and do not interfere with bettas’ swimming zones.

Care Tips: Provide nerite snails with a varied diet of algae, vegetables, and commercial snail food. Ensure the tank has a secure lid to prevent snails from escaping. Maintain a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 and a temperature of 75°F to 82°F.

General Advice for Setting Up a Community Tank

Creating a harmonious environment for your betta fish and their tank mates requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some general tips to minimize stress for all inhabitants:

• Proper Tank Size: Ensure the tank is large enough to accommodate all inhabitants comfortably. A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a community tank with bettas.
• Plenty of Hiding Spots: Provide ample hiding spots using caves, plants, and decorations. This helps reduce stress and provides a sense of security for all fish.
• Water Quality: Maintain optimal water quality by performing regular water changes and monitoring parameters such as pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.
• Diet: Feed each species appropriately and avoid overfeeding. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and health issues.
• Regular Observations: Regularly observe the tank inhabitants to ensure they are behaving normally and to address any potential issues early.

By following these guidelines and carefully selecting compatible tank mates, you can create a thriving and peaceful community tank for your betta fish and their companions.