Fish Compatibility?

Squealor

Squealor

AC Members
Jun 30, 2005
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Boston, MA
Last weekend, my husband and I went to a wedding. The centerpieces on the table were a bowl with a betta in it, which I absolutely hate. I wanted to take all of them home, but that couldn't happen. We technically did not win the centerpiece, but we managed to talk the others at our table into letting us have it since we actually know how to care for fish and cared to take on another.
My question is, will a betta be ok in our tank (see signature for other fish) or should I set up a separate one for him?
 
I would recommend a separate tank for the betta. Although some do tolerate tankmates, there are many who don't, and either attack, or get thair tails nipped off.

An ideal setup would be a 5 or 10 gallon filtered, heated (if temps fluctuate or are below 76 degrees) tank. Bettas don't dig high-current filtration, so a sponge over the filter intake or output can help to reduce the flow. Maybe a few easy-care live plants later on if you wish to go that route.

PS. It's nice that you cared enough to save the betta. :)
 
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Thanks for the reply! I'm happy we saved him, too. Would getting a female for him be a good idea or am I getting ahead of myself?
 
I wouldnt put a female i there with him. Somebody will get hurt. The only time they should be together is if they are spawning. :)
 
My serpae tetras harassed one of my male bettas (fin nipping) and I had to isolate him at one end of the tank. My guess is that yours would do the same.

Male bettas are very aggressive towards females usually; it's possible to find one that will live in a tank with a female, but in my experience that's the exception. I've even had trouble introducing the female right after the male has built his bubble nest, when you'd think everything would be "good to go!"

I really admire you for "bringing home the betta." Good luck with him!
 
One male Betta is usually fine in a community tank. My only concern would be how the Gourami you have would respond to the Betta. I have never owned a Betta or a Thick Lipped Gourami but some Gouramis are territorial and will attack a Betta.
 
Your best bet for a community with a betta (in case you want to do it later) is to start with a betta and then slowly add other fish. They get along best with fish smaller than them that do not have long, flowing fins. Most common tetras are ok (skirted are out I think, and neons and cardinals are the best), most platies are probably ok too. Stay away from fancy guppies especially. The advantages of doing it this way are that you can slowly get your betta used to living with others, and if he isn't tolerant, you stand to lose or have to relocate far fewer fish.
 
Web Gazelle said:
One male Betta is usually fine in a community tank. My only concern would be how the Gourami you have would respond to the Betta. I have never owned a Betta or a Thick Lipped Gourami but some Gouramis are territorial and will attack a Betta.
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Serpae Tetras are known to be fin nippers as a species. I would put him in his own tank.
 
Lorazoo said:
Serpae Tetras are known to be fin nippers as a species. I would put him in his own tank.
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Yes, that is true. Those guys can be like Tiger Barbs and with the long fins on a Betta, better put him in his own tank.
 
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