In this article, we will understand the relationship between Betta fish and Tetra. Additionally, we will learn more about their needs and determine if they can coexist in a communal tank.
Can betta fish live with tetra in the same tank?
In the right circumstances, neon tetra and betta fish can be tank mates. Locating the appropriate fish to house your betta is not the most difficult thing in the world and if you like the appearance of tetras, they may be the perfect fish for you.
However, there are some ground rules to follow while introducing tetras to the tank. Otherwise, your betta may become less friendly. There are about 100 different kinds of tetras on the planet.
So the question of whether a betta can coexist with tetras is broad. There are several reasons why tetras don’t make excellent tankmates. They frequently nibble fins, for example.
They’re also schooling fish, so if they swim into your betta’s region, it might signal problems.
Betta Temperament and Tank Needs
Siamese Fighting Fish is another name for Betta fish. This moniker is accurate in some ways, yet it may also be deceptive. Betta is territorial in confined settings, but they get along well with a variety of partners in bigger tanks. They are also inquisitive, bright, and can be taught simple tricks.
Bettas are frequently misunderstood as requiring only a fishbowl. In actuality, this is not the case Bettas, like other fish, have special care and tank needs, which are explained here.
Bettas require a minimum of a five-gallon tank. When it comes to fish, though, bigger is usually better. Because these fish are tropical, they require temperatures ranging from 76 to 81°F. This is simply accomplished using a heater. Also, the optimal water conditions for betta are a neutral pH of approximately 7.0.
Bettas, while having a labyrinth organ, require a suitable filter for their aquarium. Your betta will love the clean water as long as the filter flow isn’t too vigorous.
Tetras coexisting with betta fish
The following are 5 tetras that may commonly live nicely with bettas. And three tetras you should absolutely avoid.
Bettas and neon tetras
First, one of the most well-known tetras. Neon tetras may be an excellent addition to your tank and an excellent tank companion for your betta.
If you want to add neon tetras to your tank, you’ll need at least 6, but 10-12 is preferable. Because kids will be in a small school, their stress levels will be low between the ages of 10 and 12. Because of their speed and where they spend most of their time, neon tetras make excellent tankmates.
Your betta will frequently select territory at the top of the tank. This is wonderful since neon tetras swim around the center, which means they won’t constantly collide.
Even if your betta does act aggressively at your neon tetras, due to their speed, it’s quite improbable he’ll ever get a bite.
Bettas and Ember Tetras
If you don’t like neon tetras, ember tetras are an excellent alternative. One of the main reasons to choose ember tetras is that they prefer to stay in the center of the tank.
So, aside from feeding time, they’ll remain out of your betta’s way most of the time. In terms of feeding, ember tetras and bettas can consume much of the same foods.
If you feed your betta brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia, your ember tetras will eat them as well.
You’ll need at least six ember tetras at once, preferably ten or twelve. Often, ember tetras will go to school alongside neon tetras. However, if you intend to add both to your tank, you may require two different schools in case this does not occur.
Finally, ember tetras are much smaller than neon tetras, reaching to 0.8 inches in length. This does imply that if one of them becomes ill, your betta may devour them.
Bettas and Rummy Nose Tetras
Rummy nose tetras are another excellent choice. While your bettas’ domain is usually at the top or middle of your tank, rummy nose tetras will shoal about the middle or bottom.
However, if you intend to keep rummy nose tetras in your tank, you should be aware that they are the largest tetras on the list. As a result, you’ll need to make sure they have enough swimming space.
At the absolute least, you’ll need a 20-gallon tank. And, thankfully, there are a plethora of 20-gallon tanks to pick from.
Rummy nose tetras, like all other tetras, are schooling fish. So you’ll need a minimum of 6 in the tank to keep them happy and stress-free.
Bettas and Cardinal Tetras
Cardinal tetras are the next tetras you should consider introducing to your betta aquarium. Cardinal tetras, which are similar to neon tetras but bigger, can be an excellent complement.
They are schooling fish, so acquire at least six, and keep in mind that they will require a large tank (at least 20 gallons to swim in). Knowing the various behaviors, tank needs, and diets of several fish is a challenging chore.
Bettas with Black Neon Tetras
Why not consider black neon tetras if you haven’t already? Their absence of color is one of the reasons they make excellent tank mates. Color frequently causes hostility in bettas, which may be easily avoided with black neon tetras.
Furthermore, the majority of the characteristics required for a betta to live are identical to them. Black neon tetras should be kept in a school of 6-12 fish, with enough swimming space.
What Tetras should you avoid along with Bettas?
Many tetras can coexist happily with your betta, but there are several that you should certainly avoid.
- Bettas and Black Phantom Tetras
- Bettas Serpae Tetras
- Bleeding Heart Tetras
How to add Tetras to a Betta tank
It is not recommended to add tetras or any other fish to your main tank when you first get them. Because the fish you intend to introduce are sick or infected, they may contaminate the tank.
This is especially true for a large number of tetras. So, before introducing tetras to your aquarium, always place them in a quarantine tank first.
Tetras are prone to stress when transferred to a new tank, which increases their chances of contracting an ailment such as ich or velvet. To properly acclimate your tetras, add water from your main tank when setting up your quarantine tank.
This is also preferable to using conditioned water since your tetra will not have to acclimate again.
How to Reduce Fin Nipping
If you see fin nipping or the warning signals, you may assist reduce the likelihood of it happening again.
The first step is to ensure that your tetra school is large enough. If you notice fin nipping and don’t have 12 tetras schooling together, try adding more tetras. This helps to alleviate tension and keep your tetras relaxed.
Also, fin nipping occurs more frequently when tetras do not receive adequate exercise or do not have enough space to wander. Fin nipping may occur if you keep tetras in a tank that is too small. If you believe this is the case, you might consider purchasing a larger tank of at least 20 gallons.
When harboring tetras, your tank should be wider than it is tall. If a tetra is still pinching your betta after all of this, the only thing left to do is rehouse it. You may either relocate the tetra to a new tank.
What should you do if your Betta is chasing Tetras?
It’s not often the tetras who cause issues, but rather your betta. Bettas may pursue tetras around the tank, making it difficult to find a solution. If you’ve recently added bettas or tetras to your tank, this chase may stop once a betta has established his area.
However, keep in mind that bettas are generally fish that require their own space. If your betta begins pursuing your tetras or assaulting them, you’ll need to remove him or the tetras.
Conclusion
In this post, we learned about Betta fish and Tetra interaction. We also outlined their needs and how they may be accommodated in a communal tank.
Please let us know if you have any questions in the comments section below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Can betta fish live with tetra in the same tank?
Can you mix tetras with bettas?
Neon tetras may be an excellent addition to your tank and an excellent tank companion for your betta. If you want to add neon tetras to your tank, you’ll need at least 6, but 10-12 is preferable.
Is three neon tetras sufficient?
Neon tetras are schooling fish. They need to be in a group to feel safe, and the larger the group, the better. You should have at least 12 for the best results. There should be at least 6 for the minimum criteria.
Three neons are insufficient, and with such a tiny number, one of the neons is frequently bullied by another.
Do betta fish ever become lonely?
Betta fish are inherently territorial and should not be kept in the same tank as other betta fish because they will fight and hurt each other, frequently terminating in death.
They are unlikely to become lonely in their tank; but, if it is tiny, they may become bored.
In a 10-gallon tank with a betta, how many tetras can I keep?
With adequate filtration and weekly partial water changes, you may comfortably keep 6 – 8 neons in a 10 gallon (38 liters)with one male betta. Because you want to keep your neon tetras with a male betta, there are a few extra things to think about.
Do neon tetras fight with one another?
It is uncommon for Neon Tetras to fight or pursue individuals inside their group. The majority of hostile behavior occurs as a result of a poor tankmate selection or another fish interfering with a Neon Tetra’s eating or mating. Neon Tetras may have disagreements with other Neon Tetras on occasion
References
How To Introduce Neon Tetras To A Betta https://cleverpetowners.com/how-to-introduce-neon-tetras-to-a-betta/
Can Bettas Live With Tetras? – 5 Best Tetras https://www.bettacarefishguide.com/can-bettas-live-with-tetras-5-best-tetras/
Can Neon Tetra and Betta Fish Be Tank Mates? https://thewittyfish.com/neon-tetra-and-betta/
