TankBetta
Betta splendens
- Care level
- easy
- Temperament
- semi-aggressive
- Diet
- Carnivore — betta pellets, occasional live/frozen bloodworms
- Minimum tank size
- 5 gallon
- Adult size
- 2.5 in
- Lifespan
- 2-4 years
- Temperature
- 76-82°F
- pH
- 6.5-7.5
- Hardness
- Soft to moderate
Example species record for template validation — pending Phase 1 scientific-source citation before publication.
Compatible tankmates
Amano Shrimp
Amano Shrimp are larger and generally safer with a betta than cherry shrimp, but an individually aggressive betta can still harass them, especially right after molting.
ConditionalCherry Shrimp
Very individual-dependent — many bettas hunt small shrimp as a snack, though a calm betta in a heavily planted tank with plenty of cover can coexist with an established shrimp colony.
CompatibleOtocinclus
Otocinclus are too fast and unassuming to trigger most bettas' aggression — one of the safer betta tankmates.
CompatibleCorydoras (Panda Cory)
Corydoras stay low and move slowly, which rarely triggers betta aggression — one of the safer betta tankmates.
ConditionalGuppy
Male bettas often mistake a male guppy's flowing tail for a rival and may nip it — female or short-finned guppies are the safer choice.
ConditionalNeon Tetra
Works with a calm individual betta in a well-planted 10+ gallon tank, but some bettas will chase or nip tetras — always have a backup plan to separate them.