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Are you planning on creating a harmonious and gorgeous home for your female betta fish? Then this is the right place to be! Female Siamese fighting fish, otherwise known as “bettas,” have unique personalities and characteristics. Finding female betta tank mates that can co-exist peacefully with these colorful creatures, while easier than with male bettas, can still be challenging.
Come along with us while we delve into the thrilling realm of compatible tankmates for female bettas. We will examine which types of aquatic species are suitable companions in her community aquarium setup – plus some questionable choices, too – alongside providing helpful tips about establishing an ideal environment where everyone thrives happily together.
Key Takeaways
- Male bettas are more aggressive than females, so it’s important to assess their behavior when picking tank mates.
- Ideal tanks for female bettas should be 10 gallons or larger and have suitable temperature & pH levels with plants, hiding spots & filtration systems.
- 15 compatible fish like Corydoras Catfish, Harlequin Rasbora and Platy Fish make great additions to a peaceful community aquarium!
Understanding Them
Female bettas differ from male ones in their delicate look and smaller fins and tails. These fish tend to be less aggressive than their male counterparts, making them suitable for a number of aquarium tank mates. While they are less colorful and have small fins, you can still find colorful varieties with breeds like Koi Bettas. They also are not as common to be find in pet store because the males are typically sold instead.
Male Vs Female Behavioral Temperament Differences
When looking to introduce other fish into a betta tank, it is essential to understand the differences in aggression and territorial behavior between male and female bettas. Male Betta fish are known for their aggressive and territorial nature, which makes them less compatible with other members of the tank than females.
What constitutes such behavior? Being aware that males tend to display more hostile behaviors to fish that either look like them or towards their own kind. However, with females, it is possible to house multiple females in the same tank (known as a betta sorority) if they are from the same breeding batch and the tank is long with plenty of spaces to hide.
It’s no secret why many favor female specimens over males when it comes to building a community tank. We have covered tankmates for male bettas in the past. With females, the same species can be considered, but your chances of success are much higher than with a male. You can take on more risky fish like gouramis or even fancy guppies. They also will not build bubble nests if you don’t like seeing those at the top of your tank.
Ideal Tank Requirements And Parameters
When it comes to setting up a community betta tank, the size of your aquarium is essential. I would recommend keeping a sole species for a male betta if you don’t want to add other fish. However, for a female betta, you will want to start out with a 10 or more gallons when you wish to introduce other fish. If you want to add other female bettas into the mix, consider at least a 29 gallon tank to start.
Females like males are tropical fish, so it’s important that water temperature stays within 76-80°F and pH levels remain neutral or slightly acidic. Live plants are great to add for the community tank and often have lots of benefits, consider using artificial silk plants if you don’t want to prune.
The Top 15 Female Betta Tank Mates
To make sure we have a beautiful, peaceful tank of fishy inhabitants, let’s get right to our top 15 picks for female betta fish tank mates. Each species has certain qualities that set them apart from the others – such as size and temperament, color, and diet. I’ve made careful selections when it comes to these potential companions.
1. Corydoras Catfish
A small and active cory catfish. Does best in groups of at least 5
- Scientific Name: Corydoras spp.
- Adult Size: 1-4 inches
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons (depending on species)
- Compatibility: High, very safe choice
- Care Level: Easy
- Water Temperature: 72-82°F
- Diet: Omnivore
- Origin: South America
- Swimming Level: Bottom
Corydoras Catfish are one of the best betta tank mates for female bettas. These non aggressive fish won’t make any trouble and will happily swim around at the bottom of your tank, helping clean up the substrate. Two popular options include Panda Cory and Pygmy Cory, both of which get along peacefully with other female betta fish. These peaceful bottom dwellers love living in large groups, so it’s recommended you have a group of 6 when housing with your betta fish!
2. Harlequin Rasbora
A peaceful schooling fish. An ideal community fish. A great beginner fish
- Scientific Name: Trigonostigma heteromorpha
- Adult Size: 2 inches
- Minimum tank size: 15 gallons
- Compatibility: High
- Care Level: Easy
- Water Temperature: 72-77°F
- Diet: Omnivore
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Swimming Level: Middle
Harlequins are a captivating shoaling fish addition to any community tank, and they get along very well with both male bettas and female bettas. These peaceful schooling fish have an amazing black triangle on their sides as well as striking golden orange bodies that make them quite eye-catching! They can survive happily in planted tanks meant for betta fish, so having one or more of these is the perfect way to brighten up your aquarium.
3. Cardinal Tetra
A very popular schooling fish. Looks like the Neon Tetra, but with longer blue and red stripes. Grows larger than a neon tetra as well
- Scientific Name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
- Adult Size: 1.5 inches
- Minimum tank size: 15 gallons
- Compatibility: High
- Care Level: Moderate
- Water Temperature: 73-84°F
- Diet: Omnivore
- Origin: Venezuela & Brazil
- Swimming Level: Middle, top
Cardinal Tetras are the perfect tank mates for your betta fish and make an excellent addition to any aquarium. As peaceful schooling fish, they can be kept in groups of six or more and prefer a well-planted environment with numerous hiding places. This ensures that both your beloved betta and Cardinal Tetras feel at ease within their living quarters. To get the most out of these lovely nano fish, keep them in high numbers and consider a larger tank size so you can house both comfortably.
4. Ember Tetra
A small red tetra that grows up to 1.25 inches. A very peaceful schooling fish
- Scientific Name: Hyphessobrycon amandae
- Adult Size: 0.75 inches
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Compatibility: High
- Care Level: Easy
- Water Temperature: 72-77°F
- Diet: Carnivore
- Origin: Brazil
- Swimming Level: Middle
Ember Tetras have an eye catching orange shade and make peaceful tank mates for female betta fish. For the best chance of success, place them in a heavily planted community tank with their newfound friends. These adorable little swimmers are perfect to add some vibrancy to any aquarium! Their red colors are compliments if you pick another color for your betta.
5. Platy Fish
- Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus
- Adult Size: 2-3 inches
- Minimum tank size: 15 gallons
- Compatibility: Medium, should not be kept in acidic water
- Care Level: Easy
- Water Temperature: 68-79°F
- Diet: Omnivore
- Origin: Central America
- Swimming Level: All levels
Platy Fish add vibrancy to an aquarium with their bright colors and patterns. They have a livelier disposition than female bettas, but they can peacefully cohabitate in the same community tank as long as it is at least 20 gallons large and contains living plants. With these prerequisites provided, Platys will be able to thrive while bringing unique life into your home! Keep in mind that they are prolific breeders so be aware of overpopulation issues or consider only housing males to prevent breeding.
6. Rummy Nose Tetra
- Scientific Name: Petitella spp.
- Adult Size: 2 inches
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
- Compatibility: High
- Care Level: Moderate
- Water Temperature: 74-79°F
- Diet: Omnivore
- Origin: Brazil & Peru
- Swimming Level: Middle
Rummy Nose Tetras are a beautiful addition to any betta tank, their red noses and white bodies creating an eye-catching display. They should be kept in groups of at least six as they naturally form schools in the wild, which means it is essential for them to thrive that you provide suitable space – larger tanks than with just Bettas alone – as well as clean water.
In order for these schooling fish to have maximum health and well being, high quality water needs to be maintained throughout. Failure to do so could cause significant stress or even death due to stress from poor environmental conditions. As peaceful creatures by nature, their behavior towards other species can usually be peaceful when cared for correctly.
7. Kuhli Loach
Kuhli Loaches are hardy bottom-dwelling fish. Nocturnal in nature. Gets along with many fish and tolerate of coldwater environments
- Scientific Name: Pangio semicincta
- Adult Size: 4 inches
- Minimum tank size: 15 gallons
- Compatibility: High, no risk of conflict
- Care Level: Easy
- Water Temperature: 70-79°F
- Diet: Omnivore
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Swimming Level: Bottom
Kuhli Loaches are peaceful, timid fish that prefer to stay at the bottom of tanks and can live in harmony with female bettas. These shy creatures assist in keeping aquariums clean, making them an ideal addition to a community tank, providing ample hiding spots along with satisfactory water conditions.
8. Molly Fish
- Scientific Name: Poecilia latipinna, P. spenops, P. velifera
- Adult Size: 5 inches
- Minimum tank size: 15 gallons
- Compatibility: Medium, requires hard water
- Care Level: Moderate
- Water Temperature: 72-82°F
- Diet: Omnivore
- Origin: North & South America
- Swimming Level: Middle
Molly Fish are peaceful and can get along with female bettas in their typical hard water environment. These fish reproduce rapidly if male and female coexist, so expect your community to grow quickly! If you want to control the population, consider males only. You can purchase females only, but sometimes the females will get introduced to your tank already pregnant and still breed offspring.
Provide a tank with lots of plants for the two species to live together peacefully. Such an arrangement is ideal for both mollies as well as female bettas.
9. Pearl Gourami
- Scientific Name: Trichopodus leerii
- Adult Size: 4-5 inches
- Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
- Compatibility: Good
- Care Level: Moderate
- Water Temperature: 75-82°F
- Diet: Omnivore
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
Pearl Gouramis are a peaceful, labyrinth fish that can create an attractive addition to any community tank when paired with female bettas (also referred to as siamese fighting fish). These serene creatures must be kept in tanks planted with hiding spots for the best living environment.
Inhabiting their shared space without issues, Pearl Gouramis and Siamese Fighting Fish make for a great, peaceful atmosphere. The pearl is consider one of the best community fish for medium sized tanks.
10. Neon Tetra
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One of the most popular freshwater community schooling fish available in the aquarium trade. Great neon blue colors!
- Scientific Name: Paracheirodon innesi
- Adult Size: o.8-1.2 inches
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Compatibility: High
- Care Level: Easy
- Water Temperature: 70-77°F
- Diet: Omnivore
- Origin: South America
- Swimming Level: Middle
Neon Tetras are known for their peaceful demeanor and vivid hues. Because of this, they work well in a community tank with female bettas as the other occupants. When doing so, one needs to make sure that there is enough room and hiding spots provided. At least 6 fish should be present in order to give them security around a group of their own species. A great way to create an environment suitable for all these inhabitants would be by planting various plants throughout your aquarium, which also adds beauty!
11. Honey Gourami
One of the more peaceful Gourami fish available in the hobby. Has a unique yellow coloration and only grows up to 2 inches in length
- Scientific Name: Trichogaster chuna
- Adult Size: 2 inches
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
- Compatibility: Medium, chance of conflict in small tanks
- Care Level: Easy
- Water Temperature: 72-80°F
- Diet: Carnivore
- Origin: India, Bangladesh, Nepal
- Swimming Level: All levels
Honey Gouramis bring a beautiful, serene atmosphere to any community aquarium they are present in – not least because of their peaceful nature, which makes them compatible with female bettas. These small fish can coexist harmoniously when there’s enough space for everyone. They are great tank mates for bettas in smaller tanks and both can be kept in groups in larger tanks. Their yellow hues can complement several varieties of betta fish.
12. Chili Rasbora
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A great nano schooling fish. Males display brighter colors. Best in groups of 6 or more
- Scientific Name: Boraras brigittae
- Adult Size: 0.75 inches
- Minimum tank size: Five gallon tank
- Compatibility: High, great for nano tanks
- Care Level: Moderate
- Water Temperature: 70-82°F
- Diet: Carnivore
- Origin: Borneo
- Swimming Level: Midwater
These small, vibrant red-colored fish can peacefully coexist with bettas in a miniature tank that has an abundance of plants. Known as Chili Rasboras, they make for attractive additions to any aquarium that houses these popular creatures.
It is important to give them sufficient space and provide enough hiding places if you wish your peaceful little species to thrive when living alongside the betta in its new home.
13. Otocinclus
A small algae-eating fish. Also great with freshwater shrimp.
- Scientific Name: Otocinclus spp.
- Adult Size: 2 inches
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Compatibility: High, great clean-up crew
- Care Level: Moderate
- Water Temperature: 74-79°F
- Diet: Algae
- Origin: South America
- Swimming Level: All levels
Otocinclus are helpful tank inhabitants that can be kept with bettas in fully-matured aquariums. These algae eaters not only add to the diversity of a community tank, but they also contribute by consuming any existing algae growth, which helps keep it clean.
Yet, these small fish may not make good additions to recently set up tanks since there wouldn’t yet be enough algae for them to feast on. Plan on providing them supplemental food as algae alone is not going to be enough for them once they clean up your tank.
14. Bristle Nose Pleco
- Scientific Name: Ancistrus spp.
- Adult Size: 5 inches
- Minimum tank size: 15 gallons
- Compatibility: High
- Care Level: Moderate
- Water Temperature: 70-78°F
- Diet: Herbivore
- Origin: South America
- Swimming Level: Bottom
Peaceful Bristle Nose Plecos are an ideal companion for female bettas and can help keep the tank in order. They should be kept in a well-planted environment equipped with hideaways to allow them to thrive. They need both veggie matter and proteins incorporated into their diet, so it is important that you provide a balanced meal plan for these fish.
15. Bamboo Shrimp
- Scientific Name: Atyopsis Mollucensis
- Adult Size: 2 inches
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
- Compatibility: High
- Care Level: Moderate
- Water Temperature: 68-77°F
- Diet: Filter feeder
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Swimming Level: Bottom dweller
Bamboo shrimp are peaceful invertebrates that make a unique addition to any betta tank, helping to keep the water clean and healthy (video source). As such, they need an environment with plenty of plants for cover. It’s essential if you want them to be comfortable in their new home. With this setup, these shrimp can coexist perfectly alongside other aquatic species like Bettas, creating beautiful scenery within your aquarium!
Fish To Avoid
When setting up a community tank for female bettas, it is important to pick the right fish species that are compatible and won’t be aggressive towards them. Species such as cichlids, tiger barbs, or any fish that could fit them in their mouths should definitely be avoided since they can cause harm to your beautiful fish.
To ensure an environment where all of its inhabitants will have peace and harmony among themselves, you must consider each one’s temperament along with water parameter requirements before selecting any tank mates for a female betta’s home.
It would also make sense to stay away from anything incompatible so there is no threat to the health or happiness of our beloved creatures. This way, we create peaceful surroundings where everyone can enjoy together.
Creating A Peaceful Community Aquarium
Creating a peaceful and beautiful aquarium filled with female bettas and their compatible tank mates is both enjoyable and rewarding. The key to success in this endeavor lies in understanding the particular needs of your female betta fish, along with those of their partners, while providing them with an appropriate habitat.
Here are a few general tips for picking out tankmates that may not be on this list:
- Choose tankmates that tolerate higher temperatures (78 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Introduce the most aggressive fish last
- Choose fish of similar sizes and temperatures. For schooling fish, having a large school helps
- Pick mid and bottom dwelling fish over surface dwellers to prevent any aggression issues
All such considerations will help maintain balance within a community tank, allowing you to enjoy harmonious living among colorful creatures without worrying about turf wars!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can female bettas go in a community tank?
Female bettas can be placed in a shared aquarium, provided it is sufficiently large and has plenty of plants and/or shelter. They are usually not as aggressive compared to males so they can easily adjust to living with other fish species in one environment.
Do female betta fish need companions?
Female bettas can be kept in tanks of at least 10 to 20 gallons with plants and plenty of hiding spots. Careful consideration must go into the choice of tankmates. They mustn’t be too large or aggressive so that fighting can be prevented within their aquarium environment. Keeping a female betta with suitable companions can ensure an enjoyable experience for both her and those who appreciate her beauty.
What do female betta fish like in their tank?
Female betta fish need specific living conditions for them to stay healthy and content. They should be kept in temperatures between 76°F – 82°F, water hardness of 5 dGH – 20dG, pH levels around 6.5-7.0 neutral. Plenty of foliage or decorations are available as hiding spots/places within the tank environment. Female bettas can be kept in groups but require a much larger tank to pull off without aggression breaking out between females.
What are some suitable tank mates for female bettas?
Female bettas make an excellent addition to tanks, as they can be paired with Corydoras Catfish, Harlequin Rasbora, Cardinal Tetra, Ember Tetra, Honey Gouramis, and Bamboo Shrimps.
What fish Cannot live with female bettas?
Female bettas should not be housed with other males, tiger barbs, cichlids or tetras of any kind. For an optimal living environment for your female Betta fish, it is better to choose peaceful tank mates such as guppies and brightly colored species including ember and rummy nose tetras.
Closing Thoughts
To sum up, having a successful community tank with your female bettas and their compatible mates can be enjoyable as well as rewarding. By recognizing the particular traits and habits of female betta fish, along with selecting fitting aquarium partners accordingly, you’ll have an eye-catching and peaceful environment in which to house them.
We wish this guide gave you all that is necessary so your aquatic community will thrive. Bear in mind that comprehending -and considering specific requirements of both the female bettas together with its tankmates should always come first! With luck on your side, everything should go smoothly – enjoy setting it up!
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I’m thrilled that you found Aquarium Store Depot! Here you’ll find information on fish, aquariums, and all things aquatics related. I’m a hobbyist (being doing this since I was 11) and here to help other hobbyists thrive with their aquariums!
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