Betta fish are beautiful and full of personality. But they can be picky about their tank mates. Some fish may cause fights or stress. That makes it hard to create a calm and happy community aquarium.
This guide lists 15 peaceful fish and invertebrates that live well with bettas. These tank mates help keep the aquarium balanced and safe. You will learn which species work best and why they make great companions for your betta.
Tank Size
Water Volume: Betta fish need at least 5 gallons of water to live well. Each inch of fish requires 1 gallon of water. Adding tank mates can make the space crowded. Some companions need more than 5 gallons even without a betta.
Water Quality: More fish means more waste, which breaks down into harmful chemicals like ammonia. This can raise the tank’s pH and make fish sick. A filter is needed to keep the water clean. Betta fish also need warm water between 76°F and 82°F. Changing 25-50% of the water each week helps keep the tank fresh and healthy.
Factors to consider When Keeping Betta Fish
- Tank Size: Use at least 10 gallons for a community tank.
- Fish Count: 1 Inch of fish per gallon of water
- Temperament: Choose peaceful, non-aggressive tank mates.
- Fin Safety: Avoid fish that nip fins, like barbs.
- Water Temperature: Keep between 76°F and 82°F.
- Water Flow: Use low or no current; bettas dislike strong flow.
- Hiding Spots: Provide plants and decorations for cover.
- Feeding: Feed all fish properly to avoid competition.
- Water Quality: Perform regular water changes to reduce toxins.
Top 15 Betta Tank Mates
Choosing the right tank mates can help your betta live peacefully and happily. Below, you will find a list of 15 calm species that get along well with bettas. Keep reading to learn about female betta sororities and a helpful checklist to pick the best companions for your tank.
1. Mystery Snails
Scientific Name: Pomacea bridgesii
Color: Gold, Blue, or Dark Brown
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 5 gallons or more
Mystery snails are calm, helpful, and fun to watch. They move slowly around the tank, using their long siphon to breathe at the surface. They eat leftover food and algae, helping keep the tank clean. Because they don’t breed on their own, you won’t end up with too many.
They are safe to keep with bettas and won’t cause trouble. Bettas might get curious and nip at them, but mystery snails have a hard shell for protection. They are plant-safe and usually mind their own business. These snails can grow to about 2 inches and live for around one year. Their calm nature and cleanup skills make them a top choice for betta tanks.
2. Ghost Shrimp
Scientific Name: Palaemonetes
Color: Clear/Transparent
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 10 gallons or more
Ghost shrimp are tiny, see-through helpers. They search the tank floor for extra food and clean up waste. Most are so clear, they almost disappear in the water. Adding a small group of them (2–4) can make a big difference in tank upkeep.
They don’t need much space and usually stay out of your betta’s way. Their small size makes them less likely to bother or be noticed. Ghost shrimp live for about 1.5 years and grow up to 1.5 inches long. They also enjoy moss balls and other plants. These quiet scavengers are easy to care for and fun to watch.
3. Cory Catfish
Scientific Name: Corydoras spp.
Color: Bronze, Albino, or Spotted
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 10 gallons or more
Cory catfish are peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish. They spend most of their time searching the tank floor for leftover food. It’s best to keep them in small groups of three to six. They don’t bother bettas and prefer to stay near the bottom.
They grow between 1 to 2.5 inches and can live up to 3 years. There are many kinds to choose from, like panda, albino, or pygmy. Cory catfish enjoy the same water range as bettas and are very playful. They help clean the tank and bring life to the lower areas.
4. Harlequin Rasboras
Scientific Name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Color: Orange with Black Triangle
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 10 gallons or more
Harlequin rasboras are small fish that like to swim in groups. Keep five or more together to help them feel safe. They are peaceful and won’t try to fight with your betta.
They usually swim in the middle of the tank and grow to about 2 inches. Harlequins live around 5 years. These fish enjoy a planted tank and get along well with others. Since they like similar food and water as bettas, they’re easy to care for. Their calm behavior and fun schooling patterns make them great additions.
5. Ember Tetras
Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon amandae
Color: Red-Orange
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 10 gallons or more
Ember tetras are bright, active fish that do best in groups of five or more. They swim in the middle of the tank and get along well with other fish. Their small size (just under 1 inch) makes them a low-risk tank mate.
They live for around 4 years and enjoy planted tanks. Ember tetras are peaceful and prefer the same water conditions as bettas. Since both fish eat similar food, feeding is simple. These tetras add color and movement without causing stress.
6. Malaysian Trumpet Snails
Scientific Name: Melanoides tuberculata
Color: Brown or Gray
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 5 gallons or more
These small snails are active at night. During the day, they burrow into the sand and stay hidden. They eat leftover food and algae, which helps keep the tank clean without adding extra waste.
Malaysian trumpet snails breed on their own, but cutting back food can control their numbers. They’re less likely to catch your betta’s attention compared to bigger snails. These snails grow up to 1 inch and are very low-maintenance. They’re great for planted tanks and won’t harm other tank mates.
7. African Dwarf Frogs
Scientific Name: Hymenochirus boettgeri
Color: Grey or Brown
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 10 gallons or more
African dwarf frogs are peaceful and fun to watch. They come up for air often, so make sure they can reach the surface. These frogs are social and do best in groups of two or more.
They grow to about 2.5 inches and can live for up to 5 years. Dwarf frogs eat with their tiny webbed feet and enjoy exploring the tank. They stay near the bottom or middle and get along well with bettas in the right setup.
8. Kuhli Loaches
Scientific Name: Pangio kuhlii
Color: Yellow with Black Stripes
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Tank Size: 20 gallons or more
Kuhli loaches are long, eel-shaped fish that like to hide during the day and come out at night. They’re peaceful and won’t bother other fish. Keep them in groups of three or more so they feel safe.
They grow to about 4 inches and live for several years. These fish love soft sand and may burrow into it. Kuhlis clean up leftover food and enjoy brine shrimp. Their quiet behavior and nighttime habits make them good betta tank mates.
9. Clown Plecos
Scientific Name: Panaqolus maccus
Color: Brown with Light Stripes
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Tank Size: 15 gallons or more
Clown plecos are small algae eaters that stick to the tank glass and decorations. They grow up to 4 inches and live for around 10 years. Unlike common plecos, clown plecos stay small and are better for smaller tanks.
They have thick skin, which helps protect them from curious bettas. These fish stay near the bottom and like hiding spots. They eat algae and sinking foods, helping with cleanup. A calm betta and a clown pleco can share space with no trouble.
10. Feeder Guppies
Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Color: Gray with Light Spots
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 8 gallons or more
Feeder guppies are plain-looking but hardy. They don’t have long fins or bright colors, so they won’t trigger betta aggression. These fish are fine living alone and don’t need a big group.
They grow to about 1.5 inches and can live a couple of years. Guppies enjoy the same water as bettas and are easy to care for. Just be sure to pick one gender unless you want babies. Their calm behavior and simple care make them a safe choice.
11. Nerite Snails
Scientific Name: Neritina spp.
Color: Brown, Black, or Spotted
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 5 gallons or more
Nerite snails are great at cleaning algae off glass and plants. They’re peaceful, small, and have strong shells. These snails won’t breed in freshwater, so you won’t have to worry about too many.
They grow up to 1 inch and live around 1–2 years. Nerite snails stay active and are fun to watch as they slide across tank surfaces. Bettas usually ignore them, making them a safe addition.
12. Cherry Shrimp
Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi
Color: Bright Red
Level: Beginner
Tank Size: 10 gallons or more
Cherry shrimp are colorful and helpful. They clean algae and leftovers off plants and tank surfaces. They’re best kept in groups and need hiding spots like moss or small caves.
They grow to about 1 inch and live for 1–2 years. Because of their size, some bettas may try to chase them. Giving them places to hide keeps them safe. These shrimp do best in planted tanks and stay out of the way.
- Otocinclus Catfish
Scientific Name: Otocinclus spp.
Color: Brown with a Dark Stripe
Level: Intermediate
Tank Size: 10 gallons or more
Otocinclus catfish are small, fast, and gentle. They eat algae and like to hang on tank glass or leaves. They grow to about 2 inches and should be kept in small groups.
These fish are shy and stay near the bottom or middle. Bettas usually ignore them because they’re quick and quiet. They need clean water and some algae to eat. Otos are a helpful and calm choice for community tanks.
- Clown Killifish
Scientific Name: Epiplatys annulatus
Color: Yellow, black, and blue with stripes and spots
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Tank Size: 5 gallons or more
Clown killifish are small, colorful fish that stay near the top of the tank. Their gentle nature makes them a good match for bettas, especially in tanks with lots of plants. They move slowly and tend to ignore other fish.
Because they share the same top area of the tank as bettas, space and cover are important. Floating plants help give both fish space to explore without bumping into each other. Clown killifish prefer calm waters and do best in small groups. Their peaceful ways and bold colors make them a safe and pretty choice for betta tanks.
- Amano Shrimp
Scientific Name: Caridina multidentata
Color: Transparent with gray or brown spots
Level: Intermediate
Tank Size: 10 gallons or more
Amano shrimp are great helpers in the tank. They eat algae, extra food, and plant waste, which helps keep the tank clean. They grow bigger than other shrimp, so bettas are less likely to bother them.
They don’t start fights and spend most of their time searching the tank for food. Amanos do well in groups and need plants, rocks, or caves to hide in. A well-fed betta usually ignores them. Because of their size, calm nature, and cleaning habits, they’re one of the best invertebrates to pair with a betta in a peaceful tank.
Female Betta Fish Behavior and Tank Setup
Female bettas are territorial, aggressive, and unpredictable. Younger fish tend to adapt better than older ones who prefer solitude. Sororities are groups of 5 or more females living together. A minimum 10-gallon tank is recommended, with a long horizontal shape preferred over a tall vertical one.
Provide plenty of hiding spots with plants, rocks, and shelters. Keep the tank temperature around 78°F. Use mechanical filtration alongside plants. Breeding is usually avoided, as it can increase aggression and disrupt the peaceful balance.
Checklist For Betta Fish
- Add bettas to an established community tank
- Use correct minimum tank size
- Filter and heat tank properly
- Quarantine new fish for 4–6 weeks
- Acclimate tank mates slowly
- Have exile tank and net ready
- Monitor tank mates for 72+ hours
- Provide plants and decorations for hiding
- Match water parameters for all fish
- Avoid bright-colored or long-finned tank mates
- Do not add aggressive species
- Use soft lighting to reduce stress
- Introduce tank mates in small groups
Fish to Avoid Keeping with Betta Fish
To keep your betta safe and calm, avoid predatory fish. Fish that act aggressive or guard their space can cause problems. Also, slow fish with bright colors or big fins may be attacked by bettas.
Here are common fish and aquatic animals to avoid:
- Angelfish
- Tiger barbs
- Cichlids
- Goldfish
- Gouramis
- Red tail sharks
- Fancy guppies
- Puffers
- Most reptiles and amphibians
- Moray eels
- Other bettas
- Barbs, such as Cherry barbs
- Danios
- Silver dollars
- Oscar fish
- Swordtails
If you must keep two male bettas in a small space, a Betta Box can help keep them apart safely.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tank mates helps your betta live peacefully and enjoy its home. The 15 species listed are calm, helpful, and fit well in community tanks. Careful planning, proper tank size, and good water care keep all the fish healthy. With the right setup, your betta and its companions can thrive together.
FAQs
- What tank size is best for keeping bettas with other fish?
A tank of at least 10 gallons is best for a community setup with bettas and tank mates. This gives enough space for all fish to live comfortably. - Can I keep male bettas together in the same tank?
No. Male bettas are territorial and may fight. Use separate tanks or a divider if you want to keep more than one male betta. - What water temperature should I keep for bettas and their tank mates?
Keep the water between 76°F and 82°F. Most peaceful tank mates do well in this range with bettas.