If you have a Betta fish and Guppies, you’re probably wondering if they can live together. After all, isn’t it fun to watch different kinds of fish swimming around in the same tank? So, can Betta fish live with Guppies?
The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to know before putting them in the same tank. For instance, these two are different species and have different needs. So, before you put them together, make sure to do your research.
In this article, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about keeping Betta fish and Guppies together. We’ll also give you some tips on how to make sure they live harmoniously. So, if you’re ready, let’s dive in!
Can Betta Fish Live With Guppies Peacefully? Factors To Consider
Betta fish and Guppies, despite being two different fish species, can definitely live together. But there are a few things you need to take into consideration before you put them in the same tank.
Here are some of the most important factors to consider.
Space
The first thing you need to consider is space. Bettas, whether it’s male or female Bettas, are territorial fish, and they need their own space. So, if you’re planning on putting them in the same tank as Guppies, make sure the tank is big enough.
Ideally, you should have a tank that’s at least 10 gallons for a single Betta. If you’re planning to add Guppies, this number goes up to at least 20 gallons. This way, the Betta will have enough space to swim around, and the Guppies will also have plenty of room to swim and play.
Water Temperature
Another important factor to consider is water temperature. Bettas are tropical fish that need warm water in order to thrive. They can be kept comfortably in water that is around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the other hand, Guppies are also tropical fish, but they can tolerate a wider range of water temperatures. They can be kept comfortably in water that is around 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit, which is well within the range of Betta fish.
So, as long as you keep the water temperature in the tank within these ranges, both your Betta and your Guppies should be happy.
Diet
Diet is also an important factor to consider when keeping Guppies and Bettas together.
Although they can eat anything that fits in their mouths – like Guppy fry – Bettas are considered carnivores, and they need a diet that is high in protein, like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.
On the other hand, Guppies are omnivores and can eat a wide variety of food. However, they also need a diet that is high in protein in order to stay healthy.
Of course, when you’re feeding your Betta and Guppies, you also need to make sure that the food is small enough for them to eat. Otherwise, they might not be able to eat it, and it will just go to waste.
Temperament
Betta fish, particularly male Bettas, are notorious for being aggressive, especially towards other fish. If you’re planning on keeping male Betta fish with Guppies, you need to take their temperament into consideration. After all, you don’t want to put them in the same tank if they’re just going to fight all the time.
Luckily, Guppies are generally peaceful fish, even male Guppies. They get along well with other fish, and they’re not known for being aggressive. If you can find a Betta that is not too aggressive, they should be able to live together peacefully.
Age
Age is also an important factor to consider when keeping Betta fish and Guppies together. Younger fish are more likely to be receptive to new tankmates. On the other hand, older fish are more set in their ways and may be more resistant to new fish in their tank. If your Betta has lived the past year and a half alone, you can’t expect it to be okay with a new fish in its territory.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Some older Bettas are perfectly fine with living with other fish. But it’s still something to keep in mind when you’re choosing your fish.
Length Of Fins
Fin length may not be an important factor for some people, but it’s something to consider if you’re keeping Betta fish and Guppies together.
Many Betta varieties have long, flowing fins that slow them down as they swim. On the other hand, Guppies have relatively shorter fins that they use to zoom around the tank.
Why does this matter? Well, Guppies are known for being fin nippers. If they’re kept with fish that have long, flowing fins, they may be tempted to bite off the other fish’s fins.
This can obviously be a problem if you’re keeping long-finned Betta fish with Guppies, especially since Bettas won’t be able to outswim the speedy Guppies with their flowing tails.
Of course, not all Guppies are fin nippers. And there are ways to discourage fin nipping, such as keeping the tank well-planted. Again, it’s just one more thing you should consider before deciding to house these two species together.
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 |
Also known as Siamese fighting fish, Bettas (Betta splendens) are tropical freshwater fish that have been bred in captivity for centuries. They’re one of the most popular freshwater fish in the world, and they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
This section will talk about the basic care of Betta fish and give you a good understanding of how to take care of them.
Care Level
It’s actually quite easy to take care of a Betta fish. They’re not as delicate as some other fish, such as goldfish. As long as you provide them with a clean tank and the right food, they should be pretty happy.
Of course, there are still some things you need to do in order to take care of a Betta fish. They need a clean tank with the proper temperature and they also need a good diet. But as long as you’re willing to do these things, they’re not too difficult to take care of.
Lifespan
Bettas have a lifespan of 2-5 years, although some have been known to live much longer than this.
Temperament
Bettas are generally peaceful fish, but they can be aggressive towards other fish. They’re also known for being territorial, so they may not do well with other fish that invade their space.
Diet
Bettas are carnivores and need lots of protein. In fact, Betta food typically contains plenty of protein. They prefer live food, such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. However, they can also be fed freeze-dried foods as well as pellets and flakes. They can also occasionally eat human food, as well as small fry.
Habitat
Bettas in the wild can be found in a variety of habitats, such as rice paddies, floodplains, and swampy areas all throughout Southeast Asia. They prefer slow-moving or stagnant water and can often be found in large groups.
Scientific Family
The Betta fish is a species of the Osphronemidae family, which includes other popular aquarium fish such as gouramis, paradise fish, and pikeheads.
Tank Setup
Betta fish can be kept in a variety of different tanks, including nano tanks. The water should be kept at a balmy temperature of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit and should have a bubbler or filter.
Bettas also need a place to hide, such as a cave or a piece of driftwood. They also need some plants, but they shouldn’t have too many because they like to build bubble nests and they may eat the plants if there are too many of them.
Minimum Tank Size
Bettas don’t need a lot of space, although the best tank size for one adult Betta is at least 5 gallons, and ideally 10 gallons.
Guppies Basics
| Scientific Name: | Poecilia reticulata |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Lifespan: | 3 years |
| Size: | 0.5-2.5 inches (body) |
| Diet: | Omnivorous |
| Family: | Poecilia |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 5 gallons |
Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish. They’re easy to care for, they’re relatively inexpensive, and they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
This section will talk about the basic care of Guppies and give you a good understanding of how to take care of them.
Care Level
Guppies are very easy to take care of and they’re a good choice for beginner aquarists. Although they need to be kept in a school of at least 3 fish, they’re otherwise not too difficult to take care of. They’re also very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
Lifespan
Guppies typically live around 2-3 years, although they can also live up to 5 years when cared for properly.
Temperament
Guppies are quite peaceful fish. They’re rarely aggressive and they generally get along well with other fish. However, they can be nippy towards each other and other fish, so it’s important to keep them in a school of at least 3 fish. If you have the space for it, they do better in groups of 6 fish.
Diet
Guppies are omnivores and they prefer a diet that includes both plants and meat. They can be fed a variety of different foods, such as pellets, flakes, live food, and frozen food.
Habitat
In the wild, Guppies can be found in a variety of habitats, such as streams, rivers, and ponds. They prefer slow-moving water and they like to hide in the vegetation.
Scientific Family
The Guppy fish is a species of the Poeciliidae family, which includes other popular aquarium fish such as mollies, platies, and swordtails.
Tank Setup
Guppies prefer tanks that are longer than they are higher. These small fishes are good jumpers, so the tank should be covered. The water should be kept at a temperature of 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit and be well-aerated.
Minimum Tank Size
The minimum tank size for a school of Guppies is 10 gallons.
Precautions To Take Before Adding A Betta To A Guppy Tank or Vice Versa
If you want to add a Betta to your Guppy tank or vice versa, there are a few precautions that you need to take.
Observe Their Personalities
Before you even consider adding a Betta to your Guppy tank or vice versa, it’s important that you observe the fish’s behavior and personality. Are they aggressive? Do they seem to get along with their tankmates? For the Guppies, are they nipping at each other? What about the Betta, is it flaring its fins at every snail that passes by?
Keep in mind, different fish have different personalities. Some Bettas are more aggressive than others, and some Guppies are more nippy than others. So, it’s important that you take the time to observe their behavior before you add them to a new tank.
Choose younger fish
If you’re going to add a Betta to your Guppy tank or vice versa, it’s best to choose younger fish. Younger fish, as mentioned above, are more likely to tolerate other fish. They’re also less likely to have established dominance hierarchies within their own species, minimizing the risk of territorial and aggressive behavior.
Prepare The Right Tank Size
Bettas are territorial fish and they may view the Guppies as a threat to their territory. For this reason, it’s important to have a tank that’s at least 20 gallons. This will give the Bettas enough space to establish their own territory and it will also give the Guppies enough space to swim around and avoid the Bettas.
Additionally, it’s best to get a 20-gallon long tank than a regular tank. The extra space will give the fish more room to swim and it will also make it easier for you to add plants and other decorations.
Mind The Water Quality
Bettas are very sensitive to water quality and they need clean, well-oxygenated water to thrive. For this reason, it’s important to have a good filter and to do regular water changes.
Additionally, you’ll need to pay close attention to the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels in the water. You can solve all these issues by using a good water conditioner like Seachem Prime.
Introduce New Fish Slowly
When you’re ready to add the new fish to the tank, it’s important to do it slowly. Start by adding a few fish at a time and see how they do. If everything goes well, you can add more fish. If not, then you’ll need to remove the new fish and try again.
Monitor Them Closely
Once you add the Betta and Guppies into the same tank, you’ll have to monitor them closely. Keep an eye on their behavior and make sure that they’re getting along. If you see signs of aggression including fin nipping and chasing, you need to separate them immediately.
Be Prepared To Remove Fish
Even if you take all the precautions, there’s always a chance that the fish will not get along. Sometimes, their personalities simply don’t mesh well. If this happens, you’ll need to be prepared to remove the new fish from the tank and move them to a separate tank.
Tips to Help Betta Fish And Guppies Get Along
Think your Betta and Guppies aren’t getting along? Here are a few tips that may help.
Add Hiding Places
One of the reasons why Bettas and Guppies may not get along is because the Bettas feel threatened. They may see the Guppies as a threat to their territory and this can lead to aggression.
One way to help reduce the Bettas’ aggression is to add hiding places to the tank. This will give them a place to retreat when they feel threatened and it will also make them feel more secure. You can add plants, caves, or anything else that will provide them with a hiding place.
Rearrange The Tank Decorations
Another way to help reduce the Bettas’ aggression is to rearrange the tank decorations. This will help break up their line of sight and hopefully distract them from the Guppies.
Upgrade To A Bigger Tank
If all else fails, you may need to upgrade to a bigger tank. A 30-gallon tank should be big enough for a single Betta and a school of 3-6 Guppies. A tank of this size will give the Bettas more space to establish their own territory and it will also give the Guppies more space to swim around.
Better Tankmates For Betta Fish
As you can see, Bettas and Guppies can sometimes be a difficult pairing. If you’re looking for an easier tankmate for your Betta, here are a few suggestions.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras Catfish are a great option for Betta tanks. They’re peaceful and they won’t compete with the Betta for food. They’re also bottom dwellers, which means they won’t bother your Betta when it’s resting on the surface, unlike the very active Guppies.
Platies
Platies are another good option for Betta tanks. They’re peaceful and they have a similar diet to Bettas. Unlike Guppies, they’re not known for being fin nippers, so you don’t have to worry about them harming your Betta.
Kuhli Loaches
Kuhli Loaches are a good option if you’re looking for a small, peaceful fish. They’re not fin nippers as well, which is always a good thing if you have a long-finned Betta variety. They’re also known for being good at eating snails, which can be a problem in Betta tanks.
Better Tankmates For Guppies
If you’re looking for better tankmates for your Guppies, here are a few suggestions.
Tetras
Tetras are a good option for Guppy tanks, as well as community tanks in general. They’re relatively peaceful and they have a similar diet to Guppies — in fact, many aquarists feed tanks with Guppies and Tetras the same food. If you want a vibrant tank that’s bustling with activity, consider housing Tetras with Guppies.
Mollies
Mollies are another good choice. These small fish are also quite peaceful and will get along well with your Guppies. They’re not picky when it comes to food, either, and will eat whatever Guppies eat. The only issue you may encounter with Mollies is that they reproduce very quickly, just like a female Guppy.
Bristlenose Plecos
If you’re looking for bottom-dwellers that will help keep your Guppy tank clean, consider Bristlenose Plecos. These small fish are peaceful and they do a great job of eating algae. You do need a larger tank of around 30 gallons to keep 2-3 of them with a school of Guppies, though.
Is It Worth Keeping Betta Fish And Guppies Together?
As you can see, pairing Betta fish and Guppies comes with its own pros and cons.
While it’s not impossible to keep these two fish together, it’s definitely not the easiest pairing. This is especially true if your Betta is a long-finned variety since they’re more likely to be nipped at by the Guppies.
If you’re set on keeping these two fish together, the best thing you can do is to provide them with plenty of hiding places and upgrade to a larger tank. You should also keep an eye on the fish to make sure that they’re not fighting too much.
In the end, it’s up to you, as the fishkeeper, to decide whether it’s worth keeping Betta fish and Guppies together. If you’re willing to put in the effort, then it’s definitely possible to make it work. However, if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for tank, then this pairing may not be for you.
FAQs
Can Betta fish live with other fish?
Yes, Betta fish can live with other fish, but it’s important to choose the right tankmates. Bettas are territorial and they can be aggressive towards other fish, so it’s important to choose fish that are peaceful and won’t compete with the Betta for food.
Can Betta fish kill Guppies?
Bettas can certainly kill Guppies, whether intentionally or not. Most of the time, Bettas are too slow to catch Guppies, but some short-finned Bettas like Plakats can go after Guppies and cause fatal damage. This is why it’s crucial to make sure that you have a large enough tank and plenty of hiding places for the Guppies if you’re going to keep them with Bettas.
Can Bettas eat Guppy food and vice versa?
Yes, both Bettas and Guppies can eat the same food. In fact, many aquarists choose to feed their Betta-Guppy tanks the same food to save money and time. Just be sure to provide a variety of foods so that the fish can get all the nutrients they need.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s possible to keep Betta fish and Guppies together, but it’s not always the best idea. It’s important to be prepared for the challenges that come with this pairing. However, if you’re really determined to make it work, we’re sure that you can succeed. Just be sure to do your research before you get started!
Recommended Reading:
- Can Bettas & Mollies Live Happily Together? Everything You Need To Know
- Are Angelfish Able To Live With Bettas? All You Need To Know
- How Many Guppies Can Live In A 10-Gallon Tank?
- Can Tetras And Bettas Live Together? 4 Compatible Species
- Are Betta Fish Able To Peacefully Live With Pea Puffers? Find Out Here
