Male Betta Fish Tank Mates? Other Fish?
Betta 11 years ago 21,642 views
http://amzn.to/2B7t7tb - This is my favorite Betta food. It’s made by Omega One brand and it’s specifically for Betta fish. Omega One Betta Buffet: http://amzn.to/2B7t7tb Question Submission: What fish can I put with my betta fish as far as roommates? I want my male to not be as lonely and he could use a new friend. Please help me here. Betta Fish Won't Eat, Overfeeding KillsI Need to use: Let's talk about something : " Rescuing sick, injured or deformed fish "... Years and years ago I used to rescue those types of fish with great enthusiasm. I was determined to save them all. I saved some and lost wayyyyyyyyyyy more than I saved. I hated to see them suffering in those tanks UNTIL I rescued a group of severums whom I thought I cured but the fish ended up exposing my entire system to a disease I knew nothing about ( the most aggressive version of columnaris, it literally kills in hours). I lost thousands of dollars in fish 😢😢😢😢😢 Now mind you, I was not very versed in disease and didn't realize the amount of diseases that mimick one another but require different treatments. I also didn't understand how easily you can contaminate other tanks ( literally by the amount of water that can fit on a pinhead can spread disease and wipe out your tank). I am no ichthiologist nor am I am expert on fish disease. I am knowledgeable enough to diagnose my own and most common disease but there are soooooooooooo many that are so intricate to treat that I completely STOPPED rescuing or taking sick fish in once I went through that disaster and started to research. I began to think of the health of the fish I was already responsible for and they were farrrrrrrrrrr more important. I see so many that take on this same effort and I would sternly recommend taking the time to do some serious research about disease in fish BEFORE taking on another. It's very difficult for me to walk by fish in bad condition but now, I walk right on by. If I see an employee I will tell them exactly what the problem is, how to possibly treat and I make sure to be loud enough so all of the other customers hear me. Until customers make a stand and NO LONGER take pity on ill fish, they will continue to be in stores. https://youtu.be/HxUc-g80Ye Next time, instead of buying the fish, take a video, tell the manager that you intend to send the video to corporate and post on social media with the location attached. Let them know how powerful social media is. Please think of the fish you already have before taking on a Potential OUTBREAK situation. Please understand that I am not telling anyone they are WRONG but I am only trying to educate people as to the inherit risks this act contains... The power of your voice can move mountains and potentially stop such on goings. Stores are required BY LAW to uphold certain care and concern for every live animal in their possession. Speak up if you see something not right....follow up and see if they corrected the problem. If not speak up again. Let the managerial staff know HOW SERIOUS YOU ARE.... I am but a message away to guide you in what to do. Let's try to make an effort to force stores to offer healthy fish. If they don't, STOP SUPPORTING THEM....It's all supply and demand. No demand = no supply...... What are your thoughts??? Let's keep this discussion like that of adults please....thank you. I am about a month- month and a half away from having neolamprologus multifasciatus babies ready for sale. I am new to fish breeding and have a few questions: -how much should I sell them for? - how large should they be before I sell them? -is anyone interested in buying some in the future?
10. comment for Male Betta Fish Tank Mates? Other Fish?
My Betta fish lived with a sucker fish, and they got along completely fine!
They both loved each other so much! They were like best buds.
They both lived together for about a year and a half before they (the sucker fish died first) both died. I noticed when my Sucker fish died, that my Betta fish became less active and seemed sad? And he wouldn't eat so that's how he died. :C
20. comment for Male Betta Fish Tank Mates? Other Fish?
I found your video trying to find out why my betta is trying to push his way through the tank wall. He's constantly looking for a way to escape. He hasn't tried to jump out of the tank.
Water chemistry levels are all good. I clean it every week. Use my water treatment and up until recently, aquarium salt (I read it was bad to use regularly). I was thinking he was just bored and was going to get him a playmate.
The betta I own now lives with other fish and he never fights with them. He never attempts to attack them.
2. Every fish is different. Some male betta fish are more aggressive than others, and cannot be kept with other fish. But there are still individuals who get along just fine with other fish. It's all about the individual fish, and that's the big issue. Everyone thinks that there has to be an answer that covers ALL individuals of a species, and that's just not possible. It is up to the owner of the fish to decide if their fish will get along with other fish. The idea that ALL male betta fish are aggressive towards ALL other species, is nothing but a stereotype.
30. comment for Male Betta Fish Tank Mates? Other Fish?
I bet their not gonna make it through the night
Cherry and Ghost Shrimp: These small, scavenging invertebrates are good tank mates for bettas in that they produce minimal waste, do not mind stagnant water, and can be kept in the same temperature range of bettas (though it will mean faster development and thus a shorter lifespan). Unfortunately, some bettas think ghost shrimp are a large, overpriced snack; if you see your betta harassing a shrimp, remove it promptly. You must also never use additives or medications containing copper to a betta tank containing shrimp, as it is highly toxic to these animals - as well as all other aquatic invertebrates.
Apple Snails: These colorful snails are an active, attractive addition to a betta tank. They are capable of surviving in lower oxygen environments, and tolerate tropical temperatures - with some reduction in overall lifespan due to the increased speed of development. They also adapt quickly to nipping and are generally too large for most bettas to kill or consume. However, the ideal conditions of both species is compromised to keep both in the same tank; apple snails do prefer oxygenated, filtered water and slightly lower temperatures. What's more, they demand for survival hard, slightly base water - the opposite of the betta's soft, acidic preferences.
African Dwarf Frogs: These tiny aquatic frogs are considered one of the best candidates for a betta's tank mate. The share the same preference for stagnant, warm, soft water, and are not as likely as other fish to attract a betta's aggression. However, it is essential to keep water conditions pristine, as they are very prone to bacterial infections with even moderate declines in water quality. What's more, as with invertebrates, African Dwarf Frogs have no tolerance for copper. Finally, be sure your ADF is getting sufficient nutrition; because both bettas and ADFs are carnivores, they will be at odds with each other for food competition. It may be wise to feed the betta or frog in another container, as food competition can illicit aggressive behavior.
Otoclinus Catfish: Many betta keepers house otoclinus catfish with their bettas. These small, low-waste fish are fantastic additions to planted tanks and greatly reduce algae. They are fast without being distracting, dully colored, and do not share the same water space as bettas - thus, they seldom encourage aggressive responses from bettas. However, they require an extremely stable environment, and thus require a matured, cycled tank - preferably planted. When stressed by fluctuations in water temperature and parameters, their digestive systems may shut down. It is also important that harassment from the betta be monitored, as this form of stress can be equally serious. Finally, remember that otos are a social species that prefer living in larger groups.
White Cloud Mountain Minnows For a tank mate more dynamic than bottom feeders, the white cloud mountain minnow is often an acceptable choice. This small, peaceful fish does not tend to nip fins, and can usually escape a betta's aggression with ease. They are very hardy, and inexpensive to purchase. However, they also prefer cooler water, so your betta's tank will need to be kept at the lower end of the preferred range. Also, a tank of at least 10g is preferred to 5g in this instance, as WCMMs are very active; your betta will need plenty of hides and plants to avoid feeling stressed.
MAYBE"S
Neon Tetras: In many ways compatible with bettas, neon tetras share a similar preference for pH, temperature, planting and light conditions. However, they may nip fins, and a minimum of six fish is essential - meaning no tanks under 10g
So be sure you actually know what you are talking about before you give people false information
I have been keeping fish for years and I have never had a problem with male bettas in a community tank. Unless you are inexperienced, over stocked, or have a tank that is smaller then 10 gallons you should not have a problem.
I am currently keeping one crown tail male betta, 8 rasboras harqlequin, 8 neon tetra, 1 female German blue ram cichlid, 1 male Bolivian ram cichlid, and 6 ghost shrimp in a 40 gallon high aquarium. All of the fish get along peacefully and I have not had any issues. I would not recommend a ram + betta combo in anything smaller then 20 gallons + lots of hiding spaces and plants for the sake of the ram.
When you are keeping male bettas in a community tank you must make sure there are no other territorial fish in the tank and you must cater to his specific needs. Of course, keep to the rule of no more then one male betta per tank unless it is split.
In a large tank your fish seem to have their own territory. Each fish require more space and different water perimeters. My current female ram seems to like the upper levels in the tank. That is why I am able to accommodate a male bolivian ram in the lower levels of my aquarium.
Also keep in mind that a your betta will keep tabs at EVERY part of his territory...Unlike a jar where they just stay at the top...your little male will be at ever corner of his aquarium just as he should.
Some bettas are the exception and are extremely aggressive. Just make sure you have a back up plan for those extremely aggressive males or females.
Bad tank mates
Angelfish (your betta will be attacked or killed)
Blackskirt tetra (your betta will always be hiding since black skirts are always on patrol)
Guppies (I've had nipped fins by female bettas)
Tiger barbs (or any other kind or territory fish)
any type of gourami
Good Tank Mates
Ram Cichlids (20 gallons + depending on your fish)
Neon Tetra
Rummy nose tetra
Snails
Ghost shrimp (39 cents at most stores and they are fun to watch)
Rasbora harlequin or any other small peaceful fish.
Your betta should be your main fish! For a 10 gallon I would recommend 1 betta, 1 mystery snail, and a group of ghost shrimp. If you would like to keep anything more you would have to upgrade to a larger tank.
I honestly have had more issues with females bettas then males in community tanks as large at 55 gallons. Nipped fins, chasing, etc... This is just my opinion and experience and I thought I'd share.