Top 11 Best Tank Mates for Betta Fish

The Complete Guide on the Top 11 Tank Mates For a Betta Fish

Betta fish (Betta splendens) are also known as Siamese Fight Fish are one of the most popular and beautiful freshwater fish. They are very active and love to explore their surroundings. But they also have a lot of care requirements that need to be met in order for them to live a healthy life.

One of these requirements is that they need tank mates in order for them to thrive. We’ve compiled a list of 11 best tank mates for your betta fish so that you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your pet and their habitat.

What is a Tank Mate?

A tank mate is a type of pet fish that can be kept in the same tank as other types of fish. Tank mates are usually cheaper and easier to care for, but they don’t offer as many benefits as other types of fish.

If you have a betta fish and are in need of a new pets, then consider adding at least one of the following fish on to the list of tank mates. They can help keep your betta fish company and safe at the same time!

Best Tank Mates For Your Betta Fish

Coral Beauty (Pomacanthidae) – These small, easily maintained fish are perfect because they grow slowly, and don’t bother the delicate betta fish.
Suckermouth Catfish (Hypostomus Plecostomus), also known as the common pleco, is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the armoured catfish family
Tetraodon (Tetraodontidae) Tetraodon is a genus in the pufferfish family found in freshwater in Africa.
Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons) – These peaceful little fellas are well-suited for community tanks because they live on algae and will help keep nitrates in check. They are usually active at night.
Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) – These long-bodied fish are hardy and fun to watch! They also stay small and don’t bother Siam Fighting Fish.
Corydoras catfish (Corydoras aeneus) – Corydoras catfish make great tank mates for a betta fish because they will not scare your betta fish and they stay small enough that they won’t eat your betta’s food. They also stay at the bottom of the tank which makes them safer for smaller fish like betta’s.
Otocinclus Catfish (Loricariidae) – Otocinclus cat fish are great tank mates for a betta because they stay small and don’t bother your fish. They are also hardy, peaceful and inexpensive.
Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) The neon tetrais probably the most popular of all aquarium fish. It is reasonably hardy and easy to care for.
Guppies (Poeciliidae) The guppy, also known as Million fish and Rainbow fish, is one of the world’s most widely distributed tropical fish and most popular freshwater aquarium fish species.
Ghost Shrimp (Palaemonetes) – Ghost shrimp make great tank mates for a betta fish because they are small and almost transparent. They also help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food and algae from plants.
Platy Fish (Xiphophorus) – Platies are a common name of freshwater fish in the genus Xiphophorus that lacks a “sword” at the bottom of their tails.

9 Tips On What To Put In A Betta’s Tank!

The first thing you need to do is have a tank that is at least 2 gallons in size.
The tank should be heated to about 77 degrees Fahrenheit at all times, and it should have a filter for water circulation.
You will need to provide a heater that can keep the water at the necessary temperature and an aquarium thermometer to ensure that the temperature stays constant and does not fluctuate too much.
You will also need a gravel substrate, some plants, decorations, and rocks on which your fish can rest or hide if they want to escape from larger fish or other animals in their tank.
You will also need some food for your betta (usually flakes) and a place for them to get oxygen (usually an air stone).
If you are going to put more than one betta into the same tank, you will also need dividers so they don’t fight or kill each other.
You will also need to have a filter that is suitable for the size of the tank, and a filter that can replace any carbon in the filter as needed for optimal filtration.
An air pump and air tubing to circulate air through the tank and provide oxygen to your fish.
Lastly, you will need water conditioner, or betta specific water treatment drops in order to keep your betta healthy and happy while keeping the water clean and clear.

How to Care for Your Betta Fish – Complete Guide

What Type of Fish Should You Avoid Keeping With Your Betta?

One of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to keeping a pet fish is not understanding the needs of that pet.

For example, some people may keep a betta fish in a 10-gallon tank and attempt to fill it with other types of fish, but this would be very bad for the betta.

We’ve looked at what fish make good tank mates for bettas, but it is also important to understand what type of fish you should avoid keeping with your betta.

Aggressive Fish

Some of the more aggressive types of fish to avoid keeping with a betta fish are, but not limited to: Oscar, ram, lionfish, tigerfish and angelfish.

These fish are known to be very territorial and will often harm smaller fishes in their tank. If you want your betta to live happily for many years then these particular species should not be kept with your betta.

What Size of Aquarium Do I Need to House My Betta & Other Fish Together?

A 10 gallon tank may be too small for a betta fish and other fish to share.

The size of the tank depends on the number of fish you want to put in it. The bigger the size of the tank, the more fish you can house together but just as important is the different types of fish that are sharing the tank.

Siamese Fighting Fish for Sale UK

We stock a variety tropical fish including male and female Siamese fighting fish in many splendid colours, as well as feeds, tanks and aquarium equipment to get you set up on this rewarding hobby.

For expert advice, pop into Perry’s Aquatic Center and ask the knowledgeable staff what best suites your needs.