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Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 1:52:27 GMT -5
Some suggestions for fish we feel are compatible with Bettas. Feel free to add your own suggestions!
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Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 1:53:19 GMT -5
Gold Tetra Size - 1 to 1.5 inches These are a schooling fish so you will want to get a small group of them. These guys have a natural gold iridescence which is actually a small beneficial parasite. It is not velvet or contagious so no need to worry. (Google pictures used)  |
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Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 1:55:24 GMT -5
Plecostomus (Pleco)Comes in many different species. Size varies from about 3.5 inches to have trouble fitting in yo' bath tub. Depending on your tank size (under 30 gallon) you will want to look for a smaller pleco species like bristlenose (max 6 inches), leopard frog (max 4 inches), clown pleco (max 3.5 - 4 inches), gold spot pleco (max 4 inches) and many others. The only real extra care that's good for them is: 1. Have driftwood. Plecos eat driftwood. 2. Some species of pleco are omnivores so they'll snack on the extra meaty foods in your tank. It is part of their diet after all. 3. Fresh Veg once or twice a week. These guys are pigs so they'll munch it right down. Do not be worried if they have a crap load of that veg's colour poops. when mine eats carrot he poops orange for a couple of days. 4. Have a tank that's been established for a couple few months and for a week or so before you get him don't wipe the algae off. 5. Remember that plecos produce a lot of ammonia. They poop A LOT so good filtration is really helpful with these guys. If you wish to house more then one species of pleco make sure that the different types of pleco are compatible. Not all plecos can coexist. Indeed some types of pleco will fight or kill plecos of a different species. Pictured below is a female bristlenose pleco. 
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Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 1:56:53 GMT -5
Corydora Catfish (cory cat)There are many different varieties of cory cats that range from 1.5 - 3 inches depending on species. They do best if they're added to a tank that is already established for a couple of months as they're scavengers. They also generally do better in a small school. Cories (panda, dwarf, albino, etc) are another great choice for a betta community tank. Because cories are bottom feeders while bettas swim at the top levels of the tank, there will rarely be any confrontations regarding territory. Additionally, cories are a peaceful bottom feeder, unlike chinese algae eaters which don't even eat algae but instead on the slime coat of its tankmates. However, cories do best in groups of 4 more so at least 10 gallons is necessary. But with a group, you can enjoy the interactions of a schooling group of fish. Pictured below is the peppered corydora. (Google pictures used) 
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Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 1:57:42 GMT -5
Neon Tetra Size: about 1 inch. These are a schooling fish so you will want to get a small group of them. (Google pictures used)  |
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Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 1:58:38 GMT -5
Cardinal TetraSize: about 1.5 inches. These are a schooling fish so you will want to get a small group of them. The main difference between these guys and neon tetras is the red marking and they get a little larger. Neon tetras red marking only comes about half way up their body. A cardinal tetra has red going from just below the head all the way to the base of the tail. (Google pictures used) 
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Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 2:00:30 GMT -5
Otocinclus catfish (oto cat)
Size: 1.5 - 2 inches These are peaceful herbivores that munch on the algae in your tank. They'll love fresh veg as well as the normal algae that grows in your tank. While they do best in groups one can survive on it's own. When bringing an oto cat home the best is in a live planted tank that's well established. They are sensitive to ammonia. They will also be sensitive for about the first four weeks until their system adjusts to your tank. Pictured below: two oto cats with a betta. (Picture courtesy of Suzanah) 
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Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 2:01:34 GMT -5
Cherry BarbSize: about 1.5 inches Cherry barbs are the most peaceful of the barb species. These guys are best kept in groups because they can get a bit of attitude but nothing that will affect your betta over much. If you have a group of them they will be more involved with each other. Because of the bright colour of these guys it's advisable to have a backup plan in case your betta is aggressive and views them as rivals rather then a different species. I wouldn't recommend pretty much any other barb species like tiger or green barbs because they get bigger and are more aggressive. They do not make good betta tank mates. (Picture courtesy of myself) 
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Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 2:03:59 GMT -5
Rummy Nose tetra Size: about 1.5 inches. These are a schooling fish so you will want to get a small group of them. (Google pic used)  |
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Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 2:04:49 GMT -5
Penguin Tetra Size: about 1.5 inches. These are a schooling fish so you will want to get a small group of them. (Picture courtesy of me)  |
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Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 2:05:41 GMT -5
African Dwarf FrogThese guys stay pretty small. Check to make sure the frog you are buying in indeed an ADF and not the clawed variety as they are much more aggressive and will eat fish. African dwarf frogs make excellent betta tankmates. Because frogs look nothing like bettas (obviously), there's little to chance of a fight to occur. The betta will just let the frog do whatever frogs do. Additoinally, african dwarf frogs produce little waste meaning that you don't have to worry about nitrates/nitrites/ammonia. The only problem is feeding them. Since they aren't particularly good swimmers, the betta will usually his own food and then proceed with eating the frogs food before the frog notices that food is ready. (Google picture used) 
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Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 2:06:28 GMT -5
Loaches Similar to cories, loaches are bottom feeders and basically look like a bigger version of cories. Thus, a larger tank is necessary. In fact some loaches can get as big as 16" (clown loach). However, all types of loaches are peaceful. I recommend khuli loaches(4"), dwarf loaches(2.5"), hillsteam loaches(3"), and zebra loaches(4"). For pictures of what other loaches look like check the comments. Pictured here is the khuli loach (Google picture used)  |
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Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 2:07:57 GMT -5
White Cloud Mountain MinnowsWhite clouds are similar to neon tetras in size and colouration but are more peaceful, hardy, and enjoy cooler water. Their temperature range is between 68-78 degrees but can survive in the 50 degree range. Their hardiness makes them an excellent fish for a beginner and their temperament makes them a great tank mate for a betta. However, the temperature of the aquarium would need to be in the upper 70's (78F) to accommodate the bettas needs and the white cloud's needs. Additionally, similar to the red cherry shrimp, white clouds are easy to breed and are believed to not eat their young (the betta might though). White clouds are a very good choice for a tank mate and for a beginning aquarist. (Google picture used) 
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Post by jocie1976 on Apr 22, 2015 2:10:15 GMT -5
Rasboras Rasboras make good possible tankmates for the same reasons as neon tetras. They enjoy soft water and low pH. And similar to neon tetras, rasboras enjoy being in large groups. One difference between rasboras and tetras is that rasboras are more peaceful than tetras. However, their colors are less virant than those of a neon tetra. (Google picture used)  |
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