Betta fish are famous for their bold colors and elegant fins—but they’re not always the lone wolves they’re made out to be.
With the right tank mates, your Betta can live peacefully in a vibrant community setup. All it takes is a little know-how and some smart fishy matchmaking!
In this guide, we’re diving into of the best companions to keep your Betta happy, safe, and swimming in harmony.
1. Peacock Gudgeon
Peacock Gudgeons are a dazzling addition to any Betta tank, offering a riot of color that complements the Betta’s vivid palette. Known for their peaceful demeanor, these fish glide gracefully through the water.
Peacock Gudgeons prefer slow-moving waters and enjoy hiding amongst plants, making them ideal companions for Betta fish.
Their preference for the middle strata of the tank ensures they stay out of the Betta’s way.
To keep them healthy, offer a varied diet and regular tank cleanings. With their bright colors and serene presence, Peacock Gudgeons make an exquisite companion for Betta fish.
2. Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin Rasboras are peaceful beauties with a bold black patch that adds instant charm to any tank. Their calm temperament makes them a great match for Bettas.
These social swimmers love being in groups—keep six or more for a colorful, active display. They thrive in the same water conditions as Bettas, making tank care a breeze.
With their graceful movements and lively presence, they light up the middle and top of the tank.
Give them plenty of plants and open water, and they’ll show off their natural, carefree behavior.
Harlequin Rasboras are a peaceful, eye-catching addition to any Betta setup.
3. Cory Catfish
Cory Catfish are peaceful bottom-dwellers that make great tankmates for Bettas. They enjoy the same water conditions, so everyone stays comfortable and happy.
These little scavengers love to hang out in groups, so keep at least three for maximum cheer. Their gentle nature means they won’t ruffle your Betta’s fins.
Plus, they help clean up by munching on leftover food—bonus!
Give them soft substrate and a few cozy hiding spots, and they’ll feel right at home.
With their constant movement and mellow vibe, Cory Catfish bring balance and charm to any Betta tank.
4. Neon Tetras
Neon Tetras bring a burst of color and energy to any tank, making them ideal Betta companions.
Their shimmering blue and red stripes pair beautifully with a Betta’s bold hues.
These peaceful swimmers love being in schools, which keeps them busy and less likely to bother your Betta.
Their small size means they’re easy to house, especially in a well-planted tank.
They thrive in similar water conditions, so everyone stays healthy and happy.
Just be sure to avoid overcrowding and give them plenty of space to zip around.
With Neon Tetras, your tank becomes a lively, colorful underwater show.
5. Mystery Snails
Mystery Snails are peaceful tankmates that pull double duty—cleaning algae while looking stylish. Their colorful shells add a pop of personality to any Betta setup.
They’re non-aggressive and share similar water needs, making them easy companions.
A calcium-rich diet keeps their shells strong, and a treat of blanched veggies now and then keeps them happy.
Watching them glide slowly across the glass is oddly soothing and endlessly entertaining.
Mystery Snails bring charm and cleanliness to your Betta’s underwater world.
6. Kuhli Loaches
Kuhli Loaches are quirky, eel-like fish that bring a fun twist to any Betta tank.
These shy scavengers hide during the day and become active at night, avoiding clashes with your Betta.
Their peaceful nature and habit of cleaning up leftover food help keep the tank tidy.
Soft substrate and plenty of hiding spots will make them feel right at home.
Keep them in groups of three or more, and you’ll enjoy their unique behavior without disrupting the peace.
Kuhli Loaches add a quiet charm and nighttime energy to your aquarium.
7. Rummy Nose Tetras
Rummy Nose Tetras, with their signature red noses and sleek silver bodies, bring elegance and calm to any Betta tank.
Their synchronized swimming is mesmerizing and adds a graceful rhythm to the aquarium.
Peaceful by nature, they make great tankmates for Bettas when kept in stable, clean water conditions.
A school of five or more boosts their confidence and creates a strong sense of harmony.
8. Cherry Shrimp
Cherry Shrimp are tiny, bright-red cleaners that bring both beauty and function to a Betta tank. Their vivid color pops against plants and contrasts nicely with Betta hues.
These peaceful grazers munch on algae and leftovers, keeping your tank tidy.
They thrive in the same water conditions as Bettas but need plenty of hiding spots to stay safe.
With enough plants and decor, they’ll feel right at home and may even start reproducing.
Cherry Shrimp are a colorful, low-maintenance addition that adds charm and utility to your aquarium.
9. Ember Tetras
Ember Tetras are tiny bursts of orange that light up any Betta tank with warmth and charm.
Their vibrant color looks stunning against lush greenery, creating a beautiful underwater scene.
These peaceful fish love to swim in groups—six or more keeps them feeling safe and happy.
Their small size and shy nature mean they won’t bother your Betta, making them great companions.
With similar water needs and a love for planted tanks, Ember Tetras bring color, calm, and constant motion.
They’re the perfect mix of beauty and serenity for a harmonious Betta setup.
10. Rasboras
Rasboras are elegant, peaceful fish that blend beautifully into a Betta tank. Their shimmering scales and graceful swimming add a calming charm to the setup.
They love to school, so keeping them in groups creates a stunning, synchronized display.
With a gentle temperament and similar water needs, they make excellent Betta companions.
A mix of plants and open space lets them thrive and show off their natural grace.
Rasboras bring beauty, balance, and serene movement to any Betta aquarium.
11. Pygmy Corydoras
Pygmy Corydoras are tiny, cheerful bottom-dwellers that fit perfectly into a Betta community tank.
Their gentle nature and small size make them peaceful neighbors your Betta won’t mind.
They love company, so keep them in groups of six or more for a happy, active crew.
As they forage along the substrate, they help keep the tank tidy without causing any fuss.
With shared water needs and a playful presence, Pygmy Corydoras bring charm, movement, and balance to your Betta’s world.
12. White Cloud Mountain Minnows
White Cloud Mountain Minnows are hardy little swimmers that bring energy and sparkle to any Betta tank.
Their silvery bodies and red highlights add a vibrant contrast to your setup.
Peaceful by nature, they love swimming in schools—keep at least six to see them shine.
While they prefer cooler temps, they can coexist with Bettas if the water stays in a comfortable middle range.
13. Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish, or “Otos,” are tiny, peaceful cleaners that fit right into a Betta tank. They spend their days munching on algae, helping keep everything sparkling clean.
Otos are happiest in groups of three or more and won’t bother your Betta at all.
They thrive in stable water conditions and love a tank filled with plants and hiding spots.
Their calm presence and hardworking nature make them the perfect low-maintenance cleanup crew.
Add a few Otos for a cleaner tank and a touch of peaceful charm.
14. Guppies
Guppies are bright, playful fish that bring nonstop color and movement to a Betta tank. Their flowing tails and bold patterns add a lively touch to the underwater scene.
They’re peaceful and thrive in the same water conditions, making them great Betta companions with enough space.
If you don’t want baby guppies, it’s best to separate the sexes—these livebearers multiply quickly!
A planted tank with room to roam keeps them happy, and a varied diet keeps them glowing.
Guppies add energy, charm, and a splash of vibrant diversity to any Betta setup.
15. Ghost Shrimp
Ghost Shrimp are quirky little invertebrates that bring both charm and function to a Betta tank.
Their see-through bodies make them fun to watch as they scavenge for leftovers and algae.
They’re peaceful and thrive in similar water conditions, but need hiding spots to stay safe from curious Bettas.
With a well-planted tank, they’ll explore, hide, and help keep things clean without fuss.
Low-maintenance and often self-sustaining, Ghost Shrimp add a touch of mystery and practical magic to your aquarium.
16. Snails
Snails are quiet heroes in Betta tanks, combining beauty with a helpful cleanup routine.
With unique shell patterns and colors, they add charm while munching on algae and debris.
These peaceful creatures rarely bother Bettas and thrive in similar water conditions.
A bit of calcium keeps their shells strong, and a planted tank gives them plenty to explore.
Just keep an eye on their numbers—they breed quickly!
Snails bring elegance, ease, and utility to any Betta setup, making them a smart and stylish addition.
17. African Dwarf Frogs
African Dwarf Frogs add a quirky, playful vibe to any Betta tank with their unique personalities and gentle nature.
They spend most of their time at the bottom but occasionally dart to the surface for a breath of air—always fun to watch!
These fully aquatic frogs thrive in the same water conditions as Bettas, making them great tankmates.
A secure lid is a must, as they’re known for sneaky escapes, and smooth substrates with plenty of hiding spots keep them happy.
18. Platies
Platies are colorful, friendly fish that bring energy and brightness to any Betta tank. Their peaceful nature and social behavior make them easy companions when space is plentiful.
They thrive in planted tanks with room to swim, and their hardy nature suits Betta-friendly water conditions.
Platies are livebearers, so expect baby fish if you keep males and females together.
With their vibrant colors and active personalities, Platies add both beauty and liveliness to your aquatic setup.
19. Danios
Danios are lively little swimmers that bring nonstop energy to a Betta tank. Their bold patterns and quick movements add a splash of excitement to the scene.
They thrive in groups of five or more, keeping to themselves and rarely bothering a Betta.
Hardy and easy to care for, Danios adapt well to similar water conditions and love plenty of open space.
Add some decorations for exploring, and these low-maintenance fish will bring life, color, and motion to your aquarium.
20. Bristlenose Plecos
Bristlenose Plecos are quirky, peaceful fish that double as efficient algae-eaters in a Betta tank.
Their bristly faces add a unique look, making them stand out among tankmates.
Mostly active at night, they spend their days tucked away in hiding spots, keeping to themselves.
They thrive with driftwood, plants, and plenty of cover, all while sharing similar water needs with Bettas.
With minimal interaction and maximum cleanup, Bristlenose Plecos bring both style and function to your aquarium.
21. Axolotl
Axolotls are peculiar yet fascinating creatures that can captivate anyone with their unique appearance.
These amphibious residents thrive in cool water, making them a suitable companion for Betta fish in a temperature-controlled environment.
Axolotls possess a charming smile and feathery gills that add an exotic flair to any aquarium.
They prefer to dwell at the bottom, ensuring minimal interaction with Betta fish, who typically occupy the mid to upper levels.
Consider providing ample hiding spaces and maintaining a clean tank to ensure both species flourish. Axolotls can coexist with Betta fish, provided the water conditions are carefully monitored and maintained.