The 10 Worst Tank Mates for Your Betta Fish
We've all seen those community tank guides that claim betta fish can live with almost anything if the tank is big enough. But here's the reality, just because they can survive together doesn't mean they're thriving. So, we're going over the top 10 worst tank mates for your betta fish.
1. The African clawed frog
These are often sold right next to betta fish in pet stores, in the states that these frogs are actually legal in. While African dwarf frogs typically work well with bettas, the African clawed frogs grow much bigger and are hungry, hungry predators. If it fits in their mouth, it's absolutely food. And your betta fish will definitely be on their menu.
2. Tiger barbs
These are the school yard bullies of the hobby. Tiger barbs are notorious, notorious fin nippers. Your betta's long flowing fins are basically a free buffet sign to them. They'll shred your fish's fins before you even realize there's a problem.
3. Fancy guppies
Now I'm not talking about feeder guppies. Those are usually plain enough to fly under the radar. We are specifically talking about fancy guppies. With their long iridescent fins, these guys are a walking case of mistaken identity. To a territorial betta, a fancy guppy looks like a rival male. It's a high-stress showdown waiting to happen.
4. Goldfish
Ah, the classic beginner mistake. Goldfish like cold water. Betta fish need it tropical. Beyond that, goldfish are much larger and waste-producing machines. The ammonia spike from a goldfish will likely take out your betta long before the goldfish even grows large enough to swallow him.
5. Red-tailed sharks
Red-tailed sharks can be impressive to look at. They are stunning fish, but they are highly territorial bottom dwellers. As these fish mature, they become more and more territorial and aggressive. Your betta will be trying to find a resting spot near the bottom, and it is going to get chased relentlessly by a fish that does not want to share.
6. Angelfish
They may look extremely graceful, but angelfish are cichlids. They're aggressive, they're fast, and they're territorial. In a standard tank, an angelfish will easily outcompete a slow-moving betta for food and space and often bully them into a corner.
7. Serpae tetras
Don't let these tetras fool you. Serpaes are well-known fin nippers, and I mean they are aggressive fin nippers, like I would almost put them with tiger barbs as far as being tank bullies. These fish travel in schools and will take turns darting in to bite your betta fish's fins until he's too exhausted to swim.
8. Chinese algae eaters
People buy Chinese algae eaters to clean their tanks, but as they age, they stop eating algae and they start craving protein. These fish also tend to get quite large, and they've been known to latch onto the sides of flat-body fish, including betta fish, to eat their slime coat, causing serious infection or even death.
9. Any large cichlids
Whether it's Oscars, convicts, or Jack Dempseys, most cichlids are far too aggressive and powerful to be in a tank with betta fish. They will view your betta as either an intruder or a snack, and this is a fight your betta will never win.
10. Other male bettas
It may seem obvious, but it bears repeating. Please never house two male betta fish together. They're not called Siamese fighting fish for no reason. Without a massive amount of space, and insanely heavy planting, it will end in a fight to the death every single time.
The key to a happy betta fish is peace and quiet. If you want tank mates, keep it simple. Think snails, shrimp, or peaceful bottom dwellers like Corydoras. And your fish will absolutely thank you for it.
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