Whether betta fish can be co - raised with other fish needs to be judged according to specific circumstances. The following is a key analysis:
I. Situations Where Co - Raising Is Not Recommended
- Co - raising of the Same Species of Betta Fish: Especially male bettas will have fierce fights due to territorial awareness. Aggressive behavior may lead to fin tearing or even death.
- Specific High - Risk Fish Species:
- Guppies (caudal fins are easily attacked and disabled)
- Red - nosed scissors (cause water quality deterioration and gill ulceration)
- Goldfish (water temperature and feeding habits conflict, and the body shape is suppressed)
II. Conditions for Attempting Co - raising
- Environmental Configuration Requirements:
- The volume of the fish tank is ≥ 40 liters, and hiding places such as water plants and driftwood are provided.
- The water temperature is stable at 24 - 28℃ (tropical fish standard), and avoid co - raising with cold - water fish.
- Selection of Safe Fish Species:
- Upper - layer fish: Moonfish, Zebra fish (fast swimming speed and strong hiding ability).
- Middle - layer fish: Paracheirodon axelrodi, Paracheirodon innesi (schooling to分散 the betta's attention).
- Bottom - layer fish: Sucker fish, Corydoras (the activity areas do not overlap).
III. Precautions for Co - raising
- Observation of Individual Differences: Some bettas have a gentle temperament and can be co - raised, but they need to be isolated and observed for 3 - 5 days before being put into the same tank.
- Feeding Strategy: Separate and feed high - protein feed (for bettas) and plant - based feed (for co - raised fish) to avoid food competition.
If behaviors such as chasing, biting, and fin clamping occur after co - raising, immediate isolation is required.