Betta fish are indeed great pets to care for, so it’s natural for beginner aquarists to wonder if you can have multiple. Before you do that, though, you should ask the question, “Can two Betta fish live together?”
Bettas are solitary and territorial creatures, as they only look for company when they need mates to have eggs with. A skilled hobbyist can hypothetically keep two Betta fishes together, but they will have to consider plenty of other things first.
This article will talk about why it’s generally not good to house two Betta fishes in one tank, but also what you can do to take on this challenge and succeed.
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Can Two Betta Fish Live Together In The Same Tank? 8 Factors To Think About
There are many factors to consider if you’re wondering whether two Betta fish can live together. The most important thing to remember is that male Bettas are naturally solitary creatures, so they will not do well in close quarters with another fish – even another Betta.
Here are all the factors that can affect this decision.
Tank Size
The first factor you must consider is the size of your tank. If you have a small tank, like 5 gallons or 10 gallons, it’s not advisable to put two Betta fish in there.
This is because small tanks don’t have enough space for the fish to swim around and explore, which can cause them stress. Male Bettas are also known to be territorial, so they need their own space to feel comfortable and avoid aggression from the other fish.
Tank Type
Another factor to consider is the type of tank you have. If you have a community tank, it is generally not a good idea to put two Betta fish in there. This is because community tanks are typically filled with other fish that Bettas might see as a threat.
Personality
Each Betta fish has its own unique personality, and some are more aggressive than others. If you have two aggressive Bettas, they will likely fight each other if placed in the same tank. On the other hand, if you have two Bettas that are both docile, they might be able to get along better.
Gender
It is generally not a good idea to put two male Bettas together, as they will often fight each other for dominance. If you want to put two Bettas together, it is best to put one male and one female together.
Diet
Another factor to consider is the diet of the fish. If you are feeding your Bettas live food, such as worms or brine shrimp, they might fight each other for the food. This is because Bettas are known to be competitive eaters.
Water Temperature
The temperature of the water can also affect whether two Bettas can live together. If the water is too cold, it can stress the fish out and make them more likely to fight each other.
On the other hand, if the water is too warm, it can also make the fish more aggressive. The ideal water temperature for Bettas is between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tank Parameters
The pH of the water can also affect whether two Bettas can live together. If the pH is too low, it can make the fish more aggressive. On the other hand, if the pH is too high, it can make the fish more stressed. The ideal pH for Bettas is between 6.5 and 7.5. You can check this, as well as other water parameters, through a good testing kit such as the API Freshwater Master Test Kit.
Water Quality
Water quality is also an essential factor to consider. If the water is not clean, it can make the fish more stressed and more likely to fight each other. The water should have a proper filter and undergo regular changes to ensure the best possible quality.
Can Two Male Betta Fish Live Together In The Same Tank?
Now, that we know all the factors that can affect whether two Betta fish can live together, let’s focus on one of the most important factors: gender.
As mentioned before, it is generally not a good idea to put two male Bettas together. This is because they will often fight each other for dominance. These fights can be violent and even deadly.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. There have been cases where two male Bettas have been able to live together peacefully. However, these cases are rare, and it is not advisable to try to put two male Bettas together unless you are prepared for the possibility of them fighting.
Can Two Female Betta Fish Live Together In The Same Tank?
If you really want to put two Bettas together, the best option is two females.
This is because the female Betta will not be as aggressive as the male, and they are less likely to fight each other. In fact, some fishkeepers have even managed to create Betta sororities, which are groups of female Bettas that live together peacefully.
Introducing A Female Betta To Another Female
Although safer than putting male Bettas together, putting a new female Betta into a tank with an existing female resident can still sometimes result in a fight.
If you want to avoid this, it is best to slowly introduce them to each other over the course of a few days.
You can do this by placing them in separate tanks next to each other. Then, you can slowly move the tanks closer together until they are next to each other. After a few days, you can then put them in the same tank.
If you do this, it is important to make sure that the tanks are the same size. This is because Bettas, even female ones, are very territorial, and if one Betta has a larger territory, it might become aggressive towards the other.
You should also make sure that there are plenty of hiding places in the tank. This will give the Bettas a place to go if they feel threatened.
Minimum Tank Size For Two Female Bettas
| Aquarium Capacity in Gallons | Ideal Female Betta Count |
| 15-25 | 2-3 |
| 25-35 | 4-5 |
| 35-50 | 6-7 |
| 50-75 | 8-9 |
The minimum tank size for two female Bettas is 15 gallons. However, it is best to have a larger tank if possible.
This is because Bettas are known to be messy fish, and a larger tank will allow them to create more of a mess without affecting the water quality as much.
Creating A Betta Sorority Tank
A sorority tank is a large tank that contains multiple female Bettas. These tanks can be as large as 50 gallons or more, and they usually contain at least six Bettas.
If you want to create a sorority tank, you shouldn’t just dump the female Bettas together all at once. Instead, add them in one by one, waiting a few days in between. This will allow them to settle properly and claim their own space within the tank.
One important tip for creating a Betta sorority tank is to add the most aggressive fish last. This will help to ensure that the more aggressive females do not dominate the others and cause them stress.
Lastly, as mentioned above, you should also make sure that there are plenty of hiding places inside your sorority tank, such as plants and caves, for the Bettas to hide in if they feel threatened.
Can A Male And A Female Betta Fish Live Together In The Same Tank?
A male and female Betta can live together in the same tank. Male Bettas are not as aggressive toward females as they are toward males, so they are less likely to fight.
However, it is still important to introduce them slowly and make sure that the tank is large enough for both of them to still have their own territory or space. It should also have some hiding places for the female, or else she might be constantly harassed by the male.
Due to this, the minimum tank size for a male and female Betta is 20 gallons, and it’s recommended to add plenty of plants and decorations to act as hiding places.
Additionally, you have to keep in mind that a male and a female Betta will often breed if given the chance.
Betta breeding is a relatively simple process. The female will lay her eggs, and the male will fertilize them. After that, the eggs will hatch, and the baby Bettas will be born. It only takes a few weeks for the fry to grow into adults.
If you don’t want your Bettas to breed, it is best to keep them in separate tanks. You can either have a male tank and a female tank, or you can have a community tank that contains both sexes but no Bettas of the same sex as each other.
How To Introduce New Fish To Your Male Or Female Betta
The process for adding new fish to your Betta’s tank, regardless if they’re male or female, is the same as adding a new Betta fish to a Betta sorority.
Here are the three steps, as discussed above:
- Get a new tank where you’ll put the new fish. Make sure to place this tank near your Betta tank.
- Over the next few days, slowly move the new tank closer to your Betta tank.
- Finally, move the fish inside your Betta tank.
Once again, make sure that your tank is big enough for both species. Typically, this should start at 20 gallons.
Best Tank Mates For Betta Fish
There are a few different types of fish that work well as tank mates for Bettas. Here are some of the best examples.
Neon Tetras
Neon Tetras are a good choice for a Betta tank mate because they are small and peaceful fish. They also prefer to live in schools, so they will do well in a community tank.
However, although Tetras can live in a 10-gallon tank, they need to have more space if you’re going to keep them with a Betta. A 30-gallon tank is the minimum size you should consider.
Dwarf Gouramis
Dwarf Gouramis are the perfect size for a Betta tank, and they are also peaceful fish. They are very similar to Bettas in many ways, which is why they make good tank mates.
The only downside to keeping Dwarf Gouramis with Bettas is that they need to have a lot of hiding places in their tank. This is because Dwarf Gouramis can be very timid, and they might get bullied by the more aggressive Bettas.
Pygmy Corydoras
Pygmy Corydoras are a good choice for a Betta tank mate because they are small, bottom-dwelling fish, which isn’t typically where Bettas hang out. They are also good at cleaning up the tank, which can help to keep the water quality high.
The minimum tank size for keeping Corydoras with Bettas is 30 gallons.
Golden Dwarf Barbs
Barbs are fish that are related to Tetras. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, and they are very active swimmers. If you want to keep them with a Betta, the tank should be at least 30 gallons or 20 gallons long to give them enough space to swim.
Additionally, Barbs can be quite nippy and aggressive. Make sure that your Betta isn’t a particularly aggressive one, or it might get triggered by the Barbs.
Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin Rasboras are a great tank mate for a Betta because they require similar tank conditions. In fact, in the wild, these two fish typically coexist in the slow-moving water where they originate. They are also peaceful fish that aren’t known for being nippy.
The minimum tank size for keeping Harlequin Rasboras with a Betta is 20 gallons, but a 30-gallon tank is better.
Mollies
Mollies can also live together with a Betta fish due to their similar tank conditions.
However, they are a bit more aggressive than some of the other fish on this list. They are also known for being fin nippers, so they might not be the best choice if you have a long-finned variant, such as veiltail, half-moon, or rosetail Bettas.
The minimum tank size for keeping Mollies with a Betta is 30 gallons.
Adding Other Species To A Betta Tank
Some of these fish, like the tetras, barbs, and rasboras, are known as “schooling fish.” This means that they do best when they’re kept in groups of at least 6.
Other fish, like the gouramis and mollies, are known as “community fish.” These fish can be kept in smaller groups or even alone, and they typically get along well with other fish.
When choosing tank mates for your Betta, it’s important to avoid fish that are aggressive or that have long fins. Aggressive fish can stress out your Betta and trigger their aggression.
FAQs
Can two Betta fish live together in a 10-gallon tank?
Two Betta fish cannot live together in a 10-gallon tank. The minimum tank size for keeping two Bettas together is 15 gallons, or 20 gallons if at least one of them is male.
What is the best way to introduce two Betta fish to each other?
The best way to introduce two Betta fish to each other is to put them in neutral territory, such as a bare tank. Then, you can watch them and see how they interact with each other. If they seem to be getting along, you can then move them into a permanent tank together. If they seem to be fighting, it’s best to separate them and try again later.
Can two Betta fish live together in a community tank?
Although two Betta fish can hypothetically live together in a community tank, it’s not recommended if they’re both males. Bettas, particularly males, are typically solitary fish, and they do best when they’re the only fish in the tank. If you want to keep more than one male Betta, it’s best to have a separate tank for each one.
Is a Betta sorority tank possible?
A Betta sorority tank is a tank that contains multiple female Bettas. These tanks are possible, but they’re not always successful. The main issue with Betta sorority tanks is that the fish can be very territorial and aggressive towards each other. If you want to set up a Betta sorority tank, it’s best to do your research and ensure that you have a large enough tank to accommodate all the fish. Additionally, it’s important to choose Bettas with similar temperaments to avoid aggression.
Conclusion
So, can two Betta fish live together?
The short answer is: it depends. There are a number of factors that can affect whether two Bettas can live together, such as tank size, tank type, diet, water temperature, and pH.
Generally speaking, putting two male Bettas together is not a good idea, as they are likely to fight. However, it is possible for two female Bettas or one male and one female Betta to live together peacefully.
If you do your research and take your time, it is possible to create a peaceful tank – even with two Bettas together!
Recommended Reading:
- Can Betta Fish Live With Goldfish? All You Need To Know
- Ghost Shrimp And Betta Fish – Are They Able To Live Together?
- Are Betta Fish Able To Eat Human Food? See Which Ones Are Safe For Them
- Do Bettas Bite, And Do They Have Teeth?
- Betta Fish Behaviors Before Death: Catch The Signs Before It’s Too Late
- Do Betta Fish Need A Filter?
- Betta Fish Turning White – Reasons & Solutions
- Betta Floating To The Top Of The Tank And On Its Side – 10 Main Reasons
- Why Do Betta Fish Fight? 10 Reasons For Their Aggressive Behavior
- Why Do Bettas Flare Their Gills? Here Are The Reasons
- How Often Should You Clean A Betta Fish Aquarium? Things To Consider
