Whether bettas can be kept with other fish depends on their species, tank setup, and how you manage them. Here are the key factors to weigh:
I. Is Mixed Tanking Feasible?
Species Matters
Siamese fighting fish (Thai bettas): Males are highly aggressive. Females are calmer but need specific conditions—like being in a high-density group or from the same litter—to get along.
Chinese bettas: These are more docile. They do well in groups or mixed with other small fish, with a higher success rate.
Choosing Tank Mates
Good matches: Small, fast-swimming fish (such as zebra danios, platies, neon tetras) or bottom-dwellers (like cory catfish, plecos) help reduce conflicts.
Bad matches: Long-finned fish like guppies are often mistaken for other bettas and attacked.
II. Must-Have Conditions for Mixing
Tank Setup Basics
Size requirements: At least 60 cm long for Chinese bettas; 80 cm+ for Siamese bettas. Aim for a minimum of 40 liters of water.
Environment setup: Add dense plants (e.g., pothos, hornwort), hiding spots (clay pots, driftwood), and cover 30% of the water surface with duckweed—all help lower fighting risks.
Water Quality & Fish Density
Keep water temperature steady at 26–28°C, pH between 6.5–7.2, and ammonia levels ≤0.2mg/L.
High-density groups (e.g., 20+ female bettas) spread out aggression, making it less likely for one fish to be targeted.
III. High-Risk Scenarios & Tips
Never Do This
Two male bettas together: 90% of the time, they’ll fight severely within 48 hours.
Mixing during breeding: Females carrying eggs must be isolated—otherwise, they’ll get harassed.
Daily Management
Feed high-protein food in small batches, using multiple feeding spots to avoid competition.
Quarantine new fish for 3–5 days before adding them to the tank. Remove any overly aggressive individuals right away.
IV. Alternatives If Mixing Isn’t Possible
If you can’t meet the conditions for mixing:
Solo keeping: Use a mirror occasionally to let the betta display its natural flaring behavior.
Partitioned tanks: Use a tank with dividers to separate different species safely—everyone gets their space.
Summary
Mixing bettas with other fish works only if you pick the right species, set up the tank properly, and manage water quality and density. Avoid high-risk pairs like male bettas together, and stay on top of daily care. If mixing isn’t feasible, solo or partitioned setups are great alternatives to keep your bettas healthy and stress-free.