1. Temperament: Betta fish are known for their territorial and aggressive behavior, especially towards other fish that share similar characteristics or occupy the same area in the tank. Glofish, on the other hand, are generally peaceful and non-aggressive. The betta fish may perceive the Glofish as a threat to its territory and attempt to attack them.
2. Fin nipping: Betta fish have long, flowing fins that are attractive but also delicate. Glofish, being active swimmers, might nip at the fins of the betta fish out of curiosity or boredom. This can cause distress and damage to the betta's fins.
3. Competition for food: Betta fish and Glofish may compete for food resources in the tank. Bettas are top-dwelling fish, while Glofish tend to occupy the middle and bottom areas of the tank. This difference in feeding behaviors can result in one species having an advantage over the other and potentially leading to malnutrition or starvation for one of the groups.
4. Water parameters: Glofish are genetically modified zebrafish that thrive in certain water parameters, including slightly alkaline water with a pH level between 6.6 and 7.6. Betta fish prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Mixing these two species may be challenging in terms of finding a suitable pH level that accommodates both.
For these reasons, it is generally recommended to keep betta fish and Glofish separately in their own tanks to avoid potential conflicts and ensure the well-being of both species.