Do you have both a Betta fish and an Angelfish? Are you wondering, can Betta fish live with Angelfish? Wonder no more!
Betta fish can live with Angelfish, but there are a few things you should keep in mind, like space, water temperature, diet, temperament, and other aspects of the individual fish. Just like humans, these fish have their own personalities, so you have to consider those.
In this blog post, we’ll explore whether or not Bettas and Angelfish can coexist peacefully. We’ll also discuss some tips to make sure your tank is set up for success. So, whether you’re a newcomer to the fishkeeping hobby or a seasoned pro, read on to learn more!
Can Betta Fish Live With Angelfish Peacefully? Factors To Consider
As mentioned above, Betta fish can live with Angelfish peacefully, but only after considering several factors. The most important things to consider are the following:
Space
Angelfish and Betta fish need different amounts of space. Bettas can live in relatively small tanks of 5 to 10 gallons because they don’t require much swimming room. On the other hand, Angelfish need a bit more space and should have a tank of at least 20 gallons.
Water Temperature
Bettas prefer water that is between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while Angelfish like it a bit cooler, between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to maintain the proper water temperature for both fish species because they can become stressed if the water is too hot or too cold.
Diet
Another important factor to consider is diet. Bettas have a mainly carnivorous diet and prefer foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Angelfish are omnivores and require a diet of algae, vegetables, and high-quality dry foods.
If you’re planning on keeping Bettas and Angelfish together, it’s important to feed them separately. This can be done by using a tank divider or by feeding them at different times of the day.
Temperament
Angelfish and Betta fish are both aggressive fish species. For many fishkeepers, these fish are not the best tank mates because they can become aggressive towards each other, especially during breeding season. For Bettas, this is when they’re making bubble nests.
If you decide to keep Bettas and Angelfish together, it’s important to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re getting along. If you see any signs of aggression, such as chasing or nipping, you should separate them immediately.
Age
The age of the fish is also an important factor to consider. Younger fish are more likely to get along because they haven’t established their territories yet. Older fish are more likely to be aggressive and might not get along as well.
Length Of Fin
The length of the fish’s fins is also something to consider. Bettas have long, flowing fins, while Angelfish have shorter fins. Because of this, Bettas are more likely to be nipped by Angelfish. The best Betta to house with Angelfish are those of the short-finned variety so that they don’t have as much fin to nip.
Betta Fish Basics
| Scientific Name: | Betta splendens |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Aggressive |
| Lifespan: | 3 years |
| Size: | 2 ½ – 3 inches (body) |
| Diet: | Carnivorous |
| Family: | Osphronemidae |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 5 gallons |
Bettas, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are rather easy fish to take care of, but they do have their own care requirements as well. In this section, we’ll discuss the basics of Betta fish care.
Care Level
Caring for Betta fish is quite easy – there’s a reason why they’re one of the most popular pets! All they really need is a small tank, clean water, and the right food.
Lifespan
Bettas have a lifespan of up to 3 years on average, although some have been known to live longer.
Temperament
Betta fish are known for being aggressive. They are territorial and will often fight with other fish, even those of their own species. Because of this, it’s important to make sure they have plenty of space and that they are the only fish in a 5-10 gallon tank.
Diet
While Bettas are technically omnivores, they prefer a carnivorous diet that mainly consists of live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods, such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. However, they are quite voracious eaters and tend to eat anything they can fit in their mouths, including human food and even baby fry.
Habitat
Bettas are native to Southeast Asia and can be found in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia. They typically inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with dense vegetation.
Bettas are a freshwater fish, but they can tolerate brackish water for short periods of time.
Scientific Family
The Betta fish belongs to the Osphronemidae family, which includes other popular aquarium fish such as the gourami and the Paradise fish. The Betta fish is also known as the Siamese fighting fish.
Tank Setup
Bettas need a small freshwater tank with a substrate. The best tank setup for a Betta fish is a 5-10 gallon freshwater tank with plenty of hiding places. The water should be clean and the temperature should be between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live somewhere cold, you might want to add a heater to your tank.
Minimum Tank Size
The minimum tank size for a Betta fish is 3 gallons. However, a 5-10 gallon tank is ideal to provide them with plenty of space to swim and hide.
Angelfish Basics
| Scientific Name: | Pterophyllum |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Semi-aggressive |
| Lifespan: | 10-12 years |
| Size: | 3-4 inches (body) |
| Diet: | Omnivorous |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 20 gallons |
Angelfish are a type of cichlid, and they have plenty of varieties as well. In general, they are a hardy and adaptable fish that make great additions to many different types of freshwater aquariums.
Here are some basic requirements for most freshwater Angelfish.
Care Level
Angelfish, also known as Angel fish, are not difficult to care for. Keeping Angelfish for beginner aquarists is definitely possible, as well as their fish tank is set up properly.
Lifespan
Angelfish can live for 10-12 years with proper care. In the wild, their lifespan is typically shorter at around 4-5 years.
Temperament
Angelfish are relatively peaceful fish, but they can be territorial and even aggressive towards other fish. They are also known to nip the fins of long-finned fish, such as Bettas.
Diet
Angelfish are omnivores and need a diet that consists of both plant and animal matter. In the wild, they eat mostly algae, but in the aquarium, they will also consume high-quality dry foods and frozen foods
Habitat
Angelfish are native to the Amazon River basin in South America. In the wild, they inhabit slow-moving waters with plenty of vegetation.
Scientific Family
Angelfish belong to the cichlid family, which is a large and diverse group of fish that includes over 1,200 species. They are closely related to other popular aquarium fish such as the Oscar and the discus.
Tank Setup
Angelfish need a freshwater aquarium with plenty of hiding places and some live plants. They do best in tanks that are at least 20 gallons in size.
Minimum Tank Size
Angelfish need a minimum tank size of 20 gallons.
Similarities and Differences Between Betta Fish & Angelfish
| Betta Fish | Angelfish | |
| Care Level: | Easy | Easy |
| Lifespan: | 3 years | 10-12 years |
| Temperament: | Aggressive | Semi-aggressive |
| Diet: | Mainly carnivorous | Omnivorous |
| Habitat: | Slow-moving waters | Slow-moving waters |
| Scientific Family: | Osphronemidae | Cichlidae |
| Temperature: | 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit | 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 5-10 gallons | 20 gallons |
Best Species of Angelfish That Can Live With Betta Fish
There isn’t one species of Angelfish that can live particularly well with Betta fish, regardless if it’s female Bettas or male Bettas.
As mentioned above, if you want to keep Angelfish and Betta together, you should instead prioritize the following:
- The Betta fish should have short fins
- They should have mild or non-aggressive personalities
- They should be young enough to not yet be as territorial
Precautions To Take Before Adding A Betta To An Angelfish Tank or Vice Versa
If you’re planning on adding a Betta to an Angelfish tank or vice versa, there are some things you should do first!
Do Some Research
Doing research is always the best way to prepare for anything and adding a Betta to an Angelfish tank or vice versa is no different. You should make sure you know everything about the fish you’re adding to the tank, as well as the fish that are already in the tank.
Check The Water Quality
Before adding any fish to a tank, you should always check the water quality. This is especially important if you’re adding a Betta to an Angelfish tank, as Bettas are very sensitive to water quality.
Observe The Fish In Their Own Tanks First
If possible, you should observe the fish in their own tanks before adding them to a new tank. This will give you a good idea of their individual temperament and personality. If they show any signs of aggression or territoriality, they’re probably not a good candidate for a community tank.
Choose Younger Fish
As mentioned above, younger fish are usually less aggressive and territorial than older fish. If you’re adding a Betta to an Angelfish tank or vice versa, it’s best to choose fish that are still juveniles.
Although they can be quite aggressive fish, young Angelfish and Bettas are more likely to adjust to other fish in the tank than their older counterparts. This will minimize the risk of aggression and territoriality.
Introduce The Fish Slowly
When you do add the new fish to the tank, you should do so slowly and carefully. Add them to the tank one at a time and observe the fish closely for any signs of aggression or stress.
Also, make sure you give them time and space to get to know their tank and new tankmate better. You can even turn off the lights in the tank for a few days to help them feel more comfortable.
Monitor The Fish Closely For Signs Of Aggression Or Stress
Again, it’s important to monitor the fish closely for any signs of aggression or stress once you add them to the tank.
If you see any signs of aggression, such as chasing or nipping, you should remove the fish from the tank immediately. You can also use API Stresscoat to help your fish recover faster from the stress.
Be Prepared To Separate The Fish If They Don’t Get Along
Always have a spare tank ready. Even if you take all the precautions above, there’s always a chance that the fish won’t get along. If this happens, you should be prepared to separate them into different tanks. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
What To Do If Betta Fish And Angelfish Don’t Get Along
If you’ve followed all of the precautions and your Betta fish and Angelfish still don’t get along, there are a few things you can do:
Rearrange The Tank Decorations
Sometimes, all it takes to get two fish to get along is a little change in their environment. Try rearranging the tank decorations and see if that makes a difference.
You can maybe even add some new decorations to the tank. This can distract the fish and even entertain them while they take some time getting used to each other.
Add More Plants Or Other Hiding Places
Adding more plants to the tank can also help reduce aggression and territoriality. The plants will provide the fish with hiding places and even act as a barrier between them. Plus, it mimics their natural habitats, where there are plenty of plants present. This can help reduce the amount of aggression and stress in the tank.
Of course, you can also always add resin decorations, like caves, barrels, and faux reefs.
Get A Bigger Tank
A bigger tank can also help reduce aggression and territoriality. The fish will have more space to swim around and explore, which can help them feel less territorial.
Plus, a bigger tank can also provide more hiding places for the fish. This can help reduce stress levels and make it easier for the fish to get along.
Consider Separating Them
Once more, if all else fails, you may need to separate the fish into different tanks. This is the last resort, but sometimes it’s the only way to ensure the safety of the fish.
Is It Worth Keeping Betta Fish And Angelfish Together?
Honestly, unless you’re an experienced fish keeper, it’s probably not worth the hassle to keep both Angelfish and Betta fish together.
Betta fish and Angelfish have different diets, temperaments, and size requirements. Betta fish should only be kept with other docile fish, while angelfish can be kept with other types of cichlids.
In other words, there are just too many things that can go wrong, and it’s not worth the risk of stressing out or hurting your fish.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t fulfill your dreams of keeping both Betta fish and Angelfish. If you really want to keep both species of fish, it’s probably best to just keep them in separate tanks. You can even put the tanks next to each other on the table if you want to.
If you are determined to keep both species together, precautions must be made such as having a large tank and adding plants or other hiding places. If done correctly, both fish can coexist without any problems.
However, if they do not get along, it is best to separate them into different tanks. Ultimately, it is up to the owner to decide whether keeping both fish together is worth the risk.
Better Tank Mates For Betta Fish
If you’re looking for better tank mates for your Betta fish, here are a few suggestions:
Platies
Platies are a great option for Betta fish in the same tank because they’re peaceful and easy-going. They’re also not too big, so they won’t intimidate your Betta. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and patterns, so they can add some visual interest to the tank. You can add around 3-4 in one 10-15 gallon tank to make them feel most comfortable.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras catfish are another good option for Betta fish. They’re also peaceful and easy-going, just like Platies. They mainly stay at the bottom of the tank, which means they won’t get in the way of your Betta. However, they do need to be kept in groups of around 6, which means you’ll need a tank bigger than 20 gallons if you want to have a harmonious community tank.
Kuhli Loaches
Kuhli loaches can be good tank mates for Betta fish because they’re small and non-aggressive. They’re also nocturnal, so they’ll be active when your Betta is resting. They are quite active though, so try not to add more than 3-6 in your tank.
Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin rasboras are also a decent choice. They’re peaceful and social, so they’ll get along well with your Betta. They’re also relatively small, so they won’t be intimidating either. However, they do need to be kept in groups of at least 6, so keep that in mind.
Better Tank Mates For Angelfish
We’ve already discussed which tank mates are better for Bettas, so let’s discuss which fish make better Angelfish tank mates.
Cichlids
Angelfish belong to the cichlid family, so it’s no surprise that other cichlids make good tank mates. They’re generally compatible with Angelfish, but there are a few exceptions.
For instance, avoid keeping African cichlids with Angelfish, as they’re more aggressive. South American cichlids are a better choice.
Some good options include:
- Discus fish
- Blood parrot cichlid
- Convict cichlid
- Oscar fish
Plecostomus
Also known as plecos, these fish make good tankmates for Angelfish because they’re peaceful and non-aggressive. They’re also good at keeping the tank clean, as they eat algae. However, they can get quite big, so make sure you have a tank that’s at least 50 gallons if you want to add one.
Platies
Just like Bettas, Angelfish are also compatible with Platies. As mentioned above, platies are peaceful fish that don’t get too big. They can be placed in groups of 3-4 to make them feel most comfortable and safe. Make sure there are plenty of hiding places, especially plants, since they love darting in and out of them to play.
Tetras
There are plenty of Tetra varieties, and many of them make good tankmates for Angelfish. They’re peaceful, social fish that do well in groups. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, so they can make the tank look more interesting.
Just make sure you get a size that’s appropriate for your Angelfish, as some Tetras can get quite big. Also, since they’s schooling fish, you should keep at least 6 to avoid potential behavioral issues.
FAQs
Can Betta fish live with other fish?
Yes, but it depends on the species of fish. Betta fish are typically aggressive and should only be kept with other docile fish.
Can Betta fish kill an Angelfish?
Betta fish have been known to kill Angelfish, but it is rare. Typically, the Betta fish will only kill the Angelfish if it is feeling threatened or territorial. If you are concerned about this, it is best to keep them in separate tanks.
Can Angelfish kill a Betta fish?
Just like the above, Angelfish are also known commonly known to kill Bettas. However, it’s not unusual to hear of Angelfish nipping Betta fins until they become completely frayed. This is obviously not good for the Betta and can cause them to fall ill and even die.
Do Betta fish and Angelfish need the same water conditions?
No, Betta fish and Angelfish have different water requirements. However, they’re still within each other’s ranges.
Can Bettas eat Angelfish food and vice versa?
No, Betta fish and Angelfish have different diets. Betta fish are carnivores and need a diet that is high in protein. Angelfish, on the other hand, are omnivores and need a diet that includes both plants and animal material.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while you can technically add Angelfish and Betta fish in the same tank, it’s not recommended. There are just too many things that can go wrong, and it’s not worth the risk of stressing out or hurting your fish.
However, if you are determined to keep both species together, precautions must be made such as having a large tank and adding plants or other hiding places. If done correctly, both fish can coexist without any problems. However, if they do not get along, it is best to separate them into different tanks than take the risk.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand whether betta fish can live with angelfish or not!
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