Watching Betta fish swimming around in its tank really is a sight to behold. Even so, sometimes, instead of just one fish, you might want to keep a companion or two for it and enjoy watching them swim together.
The more, the merrier, right? Besides, you might also be doing this out of care and concern for your Betta. However, you should also consider Bettas are actually loners and don’t necessarily need company. To that note, having them alone in an aquarium is just fine, unless you really want to brighten up the tank. You will be pleased to hear there are actually a lot of fish that can serve as best Betta tank mates.
Why Bettas Can’t have Just Anyone for a Tank Mate
If you’re a novice in the world of Betta fish, you might not want to make the mistake of putting more than one Betta in the same habitat. There is a good reason why Bettas can’t have just anyone for a tank companion. These little guys are actually called Siamese Fighting Fish. They are highly territorial and fierce when it comes to defending their space. This primal fighting instinct still acts up in most Bettas when a new companion arrives.
If you’re still ready to find a Betta fish tank mate, this article might just help you make an informed choice in deciding upon a companion for your Betta fish. I have compiled the names of the best Betta mates along with its size, care level requirement, temperature requirements and more. You can check them out in the list below.
Mystery Snails
- Scientific Name: Pomacea Bridgesii
- Size: Up to 2 inches
- Color: Blue, Golden or Dark Brown
- Temperature Requirements: 68° F – 82° F
- Care Level: Easy/Beginner
- Compatibility Rating: 9/10
- Tank Size: At least 5 gallon tank
Mystery Snails are docile, so they make great companions for the more-fussy Betta fish. But there is more to a Mystery Snail than just being one of the popular Betta tank mates. They are one of the best additions in managing the cleanliness of the aquarium. They eat the leftovers and brush up algae. These snails can grow up to 2 inches and live up to a year.
Nerite Snails
- Scientific Name: Neritina Natalensis
- Size: Up to 1 inch
- Color: Dark Brown, Tan, Golden, and more
- Temperature Requirements: 72° F – 78° F
- Care Level: Easy/Beginners
- Compatibility Rating: 9/10
- Tank Size: 5 Gallons
Just like a Mystery Snail, a Nerite Snail takes up the same areas. But they need brackish water to breed. It is astounding to know that these snails are one of the 200+ Neritidae snail species. These snails are great mates for Bettas because they are quiet and peace-loving. So, if your Betta has any experience with an outsider in the past, these two will make quite a friendly pair.
Zebra Snail
- Scientific Name: Neritina Natalensis
- Size: 1 inch
- Color: Golden/Brown
- Temperature Requirements: 70° F – 80 °F
- Care Level: Easy/Beginners
- Compatibility Rating: 8/10
- Tank Size: 5 Gallon
You can also spice up your Betta with Zebra Snails. These snails are extremely adaptable and friendly. So it could be a perfect companion for your Betta fish. People mostly keep them in a community tank as they are a wonderful addition and do not reproduce as fast as other snails. This helps in keeping snail populations under control. Besides, Zebra Snails are like little tank cleaners. They eat leftover food and algae and keep the coast clear and nice.
Ramshorn Snails
- Scientific Name: Planorbella Duryi
- Size: 0.25-1 inch
- Color: Huge assortment of colors and patterns
- Temperature Requirements: 70° F – 78° F
- Care Level: Easy/Beginners
- Compatibility Rating: 8/10
- Tank Size: 5 Gallon tank
Aside from fish and shrimps, snails could come off as one of the most compatible Betta tank mates. Here is another snail called Ramshorn snails. This snail is highly prolific and will pose no threat whatsoever on your Betta.
Ramshorn snails can keep your aquarium neat and tidy by feeding on old food and algae. They are quite adaptable and easy to look after. In fact, you could even forget about it for a while. The only thing you have to look out for is its rate of reproduction.
Cherry Shrimp aka Red Cherry Shrimp
- Scientific Name: Neocaridina Davidi
- Size: Up to 1.6 inches
- Color: Green/Brown
- Temperature Requirements: 77° F – 81° F
- Care Level: Easy/Beginners
- Compatibility Rating: 7/10
- Tank Size: 5 Gallons
There is lots of evidence that Cherry Shrimps and Bettas get along quite well. They often come off as great tank mates, that is if your Betta fish has a mild temperament.
Red Cherry Shrimps need clean water for breeding. These omnivores thrive in an aquarium with plenty of Java moss and other plants. If you are going to keep it with your Betta fish, they will fare better in a heavily planted setting.
Ghost Shrimp aka Glass Shrimp
- Scientific Name: Thalassinidea
- Size: 2 inches
- Color: Transparent
- Temperature Requirements: 68° F – 85° F
- Care Level: Easy/Beginners
- Compatibility Rating: 7/10
- Tank Size: At least 10 Gallon tank
A Ghost Shrimp is a transparent shrimp that serves as an ideal company for your Betta fish. The shrimps are also called Glass Shrimps because of their translucent appearance. These bottom-feeders go a good deal in keeping tanks clean and neat.
These Ghost Shrimps are very affordable, stylish, and easy to care for. A Ghost Shrimp also makes ideal Betta fish tank mates. Just ensure a big enough room for both.
Endler’s Guppy aka Endlers Livebearer
- Scientific Name: Poecilia Wingei
- Size: 1-1.8 inches
- Color: Orange, Black, Metallic Green
- Temperature Requirements: 72° F – 78° F
- Care Level: Easy/Beginners
- Compatibility Rating: 8/10
- Tank Size: 5 Gallons
Endler’s Guppies share the same water temperature with Betta fish. So it is quite possible to let them live together without altering the water properties. However, for them to live together as friendly companions, your Betta should not be too territorial.
Endler’s Guppies are fast and agile. They will thrive in a setting with plenty of hiding space.
Dwarf Crayfish
- Scientific Name: Cambarellus Genus
- Size: 1.6-2 inches
- Color: Brown-Grey with Dark Stripes
- Temperature Requirements: 60° F – 75° F
- Care Level: Moderate/Beginner-Advanced
- Compatibility Rating: 8/10
- Tank Size: 10-20 Gallons
True to its name, Dwarf Crayfish are little striped fish that grow up to 2 inches in length. They are thrice minus the size of a regular crayfish. These freshwater crustaceans somehow look like lobsters and add elegance to your aquarium.
Since Dwarf Crayfish are peaceful, they could make excellent Betta fish tank mates. If you have a Betta with an unstable temperament, you might want to put a lot of hiding spaces for your Dwarf Crayfish. They will be happy in a 10-20 gallon aquarium.
Cory Catfish aka Cory Cats
- Scientific Name: Corydoras
- Size: 1-2.5 inches
- Color: Bronze
- Temperature Requirements: 74° F – 80° F
- Care Level: Easy/Beginners
- Compatibility Rating: 9/10
- Tank Size: At least 10 Gallon
Cory Catfish is popularly known as a top community fish. These Corydoras Catfish make best tank mates with several fish species.
Cory Catfish is not only peaceful and easy to care for. But they also make a perfect addition to your aquarium because of the assortment of colors and patterns. You can easily choose one that complements your Betta.
If you decide to get them as tank mates for your Betta fish, make sure you go for more than three or four of them. They thrive better in schools.
Pygmy Cory Cat
- Scientific Name: Corydoras Pygmaeus
- Size: Up to 1 inch
- Color: Silver with Dark Horizontal Stripes
- Temperature Requirements: 72° F – 79° F
- Care Level: Easy/Beginners
- Compatibility Rating: 8/10
- Tank Size: 10 Gallon
As you can probably tell by its name, Pygmy Corydoras are one of the smallest fish of all time. That is what makes them come off as excellent Betta tank mates. They are too small to bother your Betta, that is if your Betta is well-behaved.
Keep five or more Pygmy Cory Cats with your Betta and enjoy watching the little guys darting about. You will also be glad to see these bottom-feeders feeding on the leftovers, keeping your aquarium clean.
Kuhli Loaches
- Scientific Name: Pangio Kuhlii
- Size: 4.5 inches
- Color: Yellow to Pink body with Dark Stripes
- Temperature Requirements: 75° F – 85° F
- Care Level: Easy/Beginner-Medium
- Compatibility Rating: 10/10
- Tank Size: At least 20 Gallons
Many people mistake a Kuhli Loach as eels because of its unique appearance. Kuhli Loaches make great Betta tank mates. Kuhli Loaches are basically every species’ ideal companion because of their hardy and reserved temperament.
If you are considering putting a Kuhli Loach in the tank with your Betta, there are some things to analyze. Make sure you add plenty of hiding places since these guys love ”swim-and-hide.” Also, Kuhli Loaches will thrive in smooth gravel and sand with large enough space to freely move about.
Bristlenose Plecos
- Scientific Name: Ancistrus
- Size: 6 inches
- Color: Green, Brown, Gray with yellow or white spots
- Temperature Requirements: 70° F – 79° F
- Care Level: Easy/Beginners
- Compatibility Rating: 10/10
- Tank Size: 25 Gallons
One of the reasons a Bristlenose Pleco makes a good Betta tank compagnion is that it maintains a separate territory. This is good news for a territorial Betta who might welcome an outsider.
This species is easy to look after. The Plecos also have tough plates that help if the Betta does get a little picky. Bristlenose Plecos feed on algae and uneaten food, so you can count on them to keep your aquarium neat and tidy.
Neon Tetras
- Scientific Name: Paracheirodon Innesi
- Size: 1.5 inches
- Color: Neon Silver-Blue with Red Neon Stripes
- Temperature Requirements: 69° F – 79° F
- Care Level: Easy/Beginner-Advanced
- Compatibility Rating: 9/10
- Tank Size: At least 10 Gallon
If you want to add a Neon Tetra with your Betta, remember that they are schooling fish. So, they will thrive in a bigger number, say five to eight. Neon Tetras are not only easy to manage, but they are also one of the most prominent freshwater fish for any fish-lover.
Just like your Betta, a Neon Tetra loves a heavily planted large tank with lots of hiding room. That is why they make great tank mates for bettas. These little fish grow up to 1.5 inches in length. They are agile and fast and can outswim an angry Betta.
Harlequin Rasboras
- Scientific Name: Trigonostigma Heteromorpha
- Size: 2 inches
- Color: Black, Orange, Pink
- Temperature Requirements: 72° F – 80° F
- Care Level: Easy/Beginners
- Compatibility Rating: 9/10
- Tank Size: At least 10 Gallons
In the wild, Harlequin Rasboras live with Bettas and get along quite well. This fact alone proves how a Harlequin Rasbora can arguably be one of the best companions of Betta fish in tank. They make great companions for every species because of their docile temperament.
Harlequin Rasboras are schooling fish and are better kept in groups. So if you decide to get them as companions for your fish Bettas, get more than one. These colorful creatures can brighten up any aquarium with a splash of orange, pink, and black.
Clown Plecos
- Scientific Name: Panaque Maccus
- Size: 4 inches
- Color: Black or Brown body with Orange-white stripes
- Temperature Requirements: 73° F – 82° F
- Care Level: Moderate/Beginner-Advanced
- Compatibility Rating: 8/10
- Tank Size: At least 15 Gallons
Finding fish that maintain a separate area is always an excellent option when it comes to finding the perfect Betta tank mates. The Clown Pleco species have always been best tank mates with Betta fish.
Clown Plecos are the smaller version of the Plecos family that grows up to 4 inches. They are wonderful bottom-dwellers that give great company to Bettas without invading their territory. Clown Plecos are algae-eaters and will keep their area clean.
White Cloud Mountain Minnows
- Scientific Name: Tanichthys Albonubes
- Size: 2 inches
- Color: Silver-Green
- Temperature Requirements: 45° F – 75° F
- Care Level: Easy/Beginners
- Compatibility Rating: 8/10
- Tank Size: 10 Gallons
If it is not for its rarity, White Cloud Mountain Minnows would be the perfect Betta tank mate. These hardy and peaceful fish grow up to 2 inches, and they are easy to care for.
If you are thinking of getting White Cloud Mountain Minnows, make sure you get them in a group. If you keep them alone, they could possibly take a nip at your Betta due to nervousness. They are schooling fish and will be at their best behavior if they are kept in groups.
African Dwarf Frogs
- Scientific Name: Hymenochirus Boettgeri
- Size: 3 inches
- Color: Spotted Brown or Grey
- Temperature Requirements: 72° F – 82° F
- Care Level: Moderate/Beginners
- Compatibility Rating: 7/10
- Tank Size: At least 10 Gallons
If you are looking for something different besides snails, shrimps, and fish, the African Dwarf Frogs will be a great option. Even from something as small as its feeding to its shedding, these guys are very interesting to watch.
The care level for a dwarf frog is minimal and easy. An African Dwarf Frog is very docile, and gives excellent company to your Betta fish.
Marimo Moss Ball
- Scientific Name: Aegagropila Linnaei
- Size: 3-4 inches
- Color: Green
- Temperature Requirements: 68° F – 82° F
- Care Level: Easy/Beginners
- Compatibility Rating: 10/10
- Tank Size: At least 5 gallons
Another great Betta tank mate is the Marimo Moss Ball. The Marimo Moss is one of the most popular additions to any aquarium. This green living plant gives a cool look to the aquarium and provides the best company to any species.
If you want efficient tank mates for your Betta, Marimo Moss Balls are always a great option. They not only feed on algae and nitrate, but they also help in producing oxygen. Besides, the care level of these balls is zero, and you can find them at fairly affordable prices.
Summary
If you deeply care for your Betta fish, it is a good practice to be informed about the company they might enjoy. You ought to be very careful with this. Make sure you’re aware of your Betta’s temperament. Some bettas, especially males, are highly territorial and aggressive. However, there are others with mild temperaments. The latter fare better with other species. Females are relatively more docile than male bettas. While a male betta might be better on its own, a female can live in a sorority aquarium with other females. Finally, regardless of the choice you make for the fish companion, it all comes down to the decision your Betta makes in the tank.
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Hello, I’m Paul, a dedicated fish enthusiast with 15 years of experience. My family finds my hobby peculiar, but they humor me! Besides fish keeping, I enjoy playing the bass guitar and learning about wildlife adaptation.
I find fish captivating; observing their behaviors and routines in an environment so different from ours is enthralling. I started with a small aquarium and guppies, later progressing to African cichlids, which drove me to take fish keeping more seriously. Creating an artificial ecosystem that supports life brings me immense joy.
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