Tankmate compatibility

What fish are compatible with Betta?

Betta compatibility guide. 8 compatible tankmates + 5 species to avoid + temperament + size + water-chemistry guidance.

Compatible tankmates (8)

Pygmy corydoras

Peaceful bottom-dweller, ignores betta entirely. Group of 6+.

Otocinclus

Tiny algae eater, peaceful, group of 4-6.

Kuhli loach

Eel-like, hides during the day, peaceful with bettas.

Ember tetras

Tiny + peaceful schoolers. School of 8+ in 10g+.

Harlequin rasbora

Hardy + peaceful, schools of 6+ at the top of the tank.

Mystery snail

Algae eater, completely safe with bettas.

Cherry shrimp

Risky - some bettas eat them. Heavily plant the tank for hiding.

Amano shrimp

Larger than cherry, less likely to be eaten by betta.

Avoid these tankmates (5)

Tiger barbs

Notorious fin-nippers; will shred betta fins.

Other male bettas

Bettas kill other male bettas. Sorority tanks (females only) work in 20g+.

Gourami species

Same family as bettas; trigger aggression.

Angelfish

Outgrow betta; aggressive when paired up.

Cichlids (most)

Aggressive in their own right; mismatch in temperament.

Plan your stocking

Use the stocking calculator to verify your specific plan. Browse stocking ideas by tank size for proven setups, or read the Betta care guide for full husbandry details.

More compatibility guides

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