Betta Tank Buddies For Peaceful Bettas

[monica]

Well I have seen many topics posted on how people want their betta males to have company in the tank. And well I decided I would give them all a response in one place. Bettas ARE solitary animals and can survive quite happily without any fish friend. But I have found aswell a few perfect tank mates for my males.

Less then 5 gallon = only the betta

5-10 gallon = 1 male betta + 2-3 white clouds OR 1-2 Blue neons OR Zebra Danios

10 + gallons = 1 male + 5 white clouds, OR/and a few blue neons. OR Zebra Danios

You can mix and match these to your pleasure.

I have found that these three species of fish (zebra danios, blue neons, and best of all White clouds) live best with the male. He seems to enjoy their company. And and they learn to watch out for him, and they are all very fast swimmers. It is suggested that with any of these fish you should keep a filter and heater. And it also all depends on your males attitude. Be aware that some males prefer to be all along, and may chase around you fish nonstop. If he does not stop chasing them repeatedly after a day, then you may need to seperate them, and be happy with your single male.

I will be adding lots later. I know I have made lots of mistakes in measurments and breeds maybe and stuff, so feel free to correct me here. Be nice about it though please. I will try to make all my corrections ASAP

 

[starrynightxxi]

The trouble is that so much really depends on the fish involved. Some people have had good luck keeping bettas with fish like WCMMs, tetras, or danios, but the general consensus on the board is that they should not be kept with any of these fish as they are fast and can be nippy. I kept my betta with neon tetras and while they never once nipped at him, they constantly outcompeted him for food. I had to seperate him from the tank or risk him starving to death.

 

[monica]

Very true, and I totally agree. But I Am answering to previous posts... These are I would say the best choices of betta companions for people who desperately want a friend for their betta fish

 

[K.J.]

Neons are shoaling fish. They need 5+ individuals. Furthermore, most bettas I've seen nip or are nipped at by fish like tetras due to their bright color, and that tetras are nippy creatures, the bettas long fins making them more tantalizing. Zebra danios need more space. Honestly, I don't think most bettas would do good with that. I find good tankmates are often corydoras, snails, otos or other bottom dwellers who won't threaten the betta's space.

 

[monica]

heh. Okies thanks for the opinion!! I will be sure to add soon. (when more time comes lol) But as for the snails...... I dont know. I have had a snail in with my betta. And well the betta didn't let it come out of it's shell. It would continue nipping at it. I would say not snails...

 

[K.J.]

I agree in most cases. Honestly, it depends on the betta. Like, many keepers suggest shrimp but even my most peaceful betta killed the shrimp. Maybe categorize it like; tankmates for aggressive bettas, tankmates for peaceful bettas, tankmates for territorial bettas, etc.

 

[monica]

okay will do.