Guide
Best betta (Siamese fighting fish) tank mates
Which fish and invertebrates can live with a betta? Tank size and temperament matter.
- 10+ gallons for betta + tank mates; choose peaceful, non-nippy species.
- No other male bettas; watch for aggression and have a backup plan.
Tank size first
Bettas need at least 5 gallons on their own. For tank mates, 10 gallons or more is safer. Use our free stocking calculator to check compatibility. See betta care and neon tetras with bettas.
Fish that often work
- Small schooling fish: Neon tetras, ember tetras, or harlequin rasboras in a group. Fast enough to avoid the betta; avoid fin-nippers.
- Corydoras: Peaceful bottom dwellers; keep a small group. See corydoras care.
- Kuhli loaches: Shy and bottom-dwelling; need hiding spots.
Invertebrates
Many bettas ignore snails. Shrimp can work but some bettas eat them; try amano or cherry shrimp in a well-planted tank and have a backup plan.
What to avoid
Never two male bettas together. Avoid flashy or long-finned fish that the betta may attack, and aggressive or nippy species. Have a backup plan if the betta is too territorial. Track your tank with App-aquatic.
Keep learning
Stable aquariums come from consistent testing and patient stocking. Continue with our water parameters guide, how to cycle a tank, and combining fish safely. For logging and strip scans, see App-aquatic.
Log parameters, scan strips offline, and run stocking checks with App-aquatic.
Get the free appTank size first?
Bettas need at least 5 gallons on their own. For tank mates, 10 gallons or more is safer. Use our free stocking calculator to check compatibility. See betta care and neon tetras with bettas .
Fish that often work?
Many bettas ignore snails. Shrimp can work but some bettas eat them; try amano or cherry shrimp in a well-planted tank and have a backup plan.
Invertebrates?
Many bettas ignore snails. Shrimp can work but some bettas eat them; try amano or cherry shrimp in a well-planted tank and have a backup plan.
What to avoid?
Never two male bettas together. Avoid flashy or long-finned fish that the betta may attack, and aggressive or nippy species. Have a backup plan if the betta is too territorial. Track your tank with App-aquatic .
More guides · Betta care · Siamese fighting fish vs betta · Neons with betta · Combining fish · Get the app