Male Betta: Compatible With Other Fish?

[izzieface]

I have a male betta in a 5 gallon tank and I want to know if he can c0exist with a corydora or others. Also, if I had a female betta would they be okay with each other or even breed? How would I know if they did/will?

Thanks,
Izzie & Superbeast

 

[puppyjess123]

Go to FAQ TTF topics or something, bettas then acceptable betta tank mates.

 

[Corleone]

Generally, it's a wildcard. Some work well, even breaking the advice I'm about to give, others will tolerate no other life form in spitting distance.

They're often more likely to be victims than aggressive. Any slightly nippy fish like most tetras are likely to find a betta's fins irresistible, and if they're even slightly harassed, they'll tend to cower in the corner and not show their best finage and behavior, and will be in a constantly stressed state. Even though the other fish may not even mess with them much, the stress is bad and a sign that the betta should be moved.

On the other side, some fish will bring out aggression in some bettas as if they were rival males - colorful fish (particularly reds and blues), long finned fish, and in particular gouramis are reputed to be problematic.

Often, otos, corys, white cloud minnows, dwarf frogs, shrimp, and snails are offered as likely safe tankmates. Some bettas won't even tolerate these.

 

[doresy]

Hi, a male Betta in a 5 gallon tank?.......lucky boy! I know it can be tempting to put other fish in there as it seems a large tank for just one fish

Each Betta has it's own personality which seems to be the main attraction. They are the nearest thing to having underwater dog if you follow my meaning. This means that some will (and do) live quite well in a community set up providing certain guidlines are followed and some, as previous poster mentioned will not even tolerate a snail!

Please do not think that a female betta is the answer The breeding conditions are not for the novice and should be completely researched before attempting, ok?

In a Betta tank such as yours make sure you have plenty of 'playthings' for him to relieve boredom which could lead to self-harming (tail biting) Remember, Betta's are like dogs, curious, mischievious, playfull and full of character. So, plenty of plants, caves/pipes or nooks and crannies to investigate. Nothing sharp that could catch his fins.

Now then, back to tank mates. In mine you will see I have eight Pigmy Cory. This has been fine for some months now. At first he would chase them about but ony for a few seconds at a time. Now he ignors them unless a few are in the cave together then he loves to chase them out, scattering them in all directions (I'm sure he's laughing at the time )

This works for mine and his set up, yours may be different but you wont know until you try. Just watch the behaviour and be prepared to take action rather than stress the fish.