The most suitable fish species to be kept together with betta fish need to meet the characteristics such as fast swimming speed, non-overlapping living areas, or having defensive abilities. According to the latest cohabitation guide, the recommended fish can be divided into the following three categories:
Small and Fast-swimming Upper-level Fish
Molly Fish: They are rich in colors and swim fast. Their group activities can distract the betta fish's attention.
Platy Fish: They have strong disease resistance and are agile. Their bright body colors can enhance the ornamental value of the fish tank.
Zebra Danio: With a unique striped pattern, their slender body shape allows them to quickly escape from attacks.
Agile Schooling Fish in the Middle Layer
Neon Tetra: When they school, they form a vivid and dynamic scene. A fish tank with a length of more than 60 centimeters is required for them.
Cardinal Tetra: They have low requirements for water quality. It is recommended to use a water body of more than 10 gallons and set up hiding places.
Bottom-dwelling Cleaning Fish
Suckerfish: The hard spines on its body surface can defend against attacks, and it can also clean up the residues at the bottom of the tank.
Corydoras Catfish: Such as the Pepper Corydoras, their activity areas completely错开 from those of betta fish.
Otocinclus Catfish: They are gentle and can remove algae. There is almost no conflict when they are kept together with betta fish.
Key Elements of the Cohabitation Environment
Size of the Water Body: A fish tank with a length of at least 60 centimeters is required (for example, when keeping molly fish and platy fish together with betta fish).
Setting of Shelters: The coverage rate of aquatic plants should be more than 30%, and natural barriers can be formed by matching with rocks or driftwood.
Water Quality Management: Install a filtration system to maintain the water temperature at 26-28°C and the pH value at 6.5-7.5.
Introduction Order: It is recommended to put other fish into the tank first, and then introduce the betta fish at last to reduce its territorial awareness.
Note: Although fish such as Swordtails and Gouramis can be kept together with betta fish, more careful observation of their interactions is needed. Once aggressive behavior is found, immediate isolation is required.