What Algae Cleaning Fish Can Bettas Live With?

Bettas are attractive, tropical freshwater fish found in heavily overgrown waters in Asia. Aquarists consider bettas to be aggressive fish, because the males fight bitterly among themselves, but bettas can be safely housed with the many different species of algae-eating fish. Algae eaters are bottom dwelling fish which tend to rest on driftwood and rocks, or among aquatic vegetation, when they are not feeding on algae. The habits and physical shape of bettas and algae-eating fish are so different, that none of the catfish species are considered as competition by bettas.

  1. Corydoras Catfish

    • Corydoras are popularly known as armored catfish due to the bony plates that cover their body. The various species of corydoras, which are similar in appearance and behavior, range in size from 2 inches to 3 inches in length. Corydoras are non-territorial catfish and will show no interest in the betta fish. Corydoras do not compete with bettas for aquarium space or food and are therefore ideal tank mates. Both the betta fish and the corydoras prefer tropical water and both species will thrive in water with a temperature between 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Corydoras are small catfish and more than one can be included in the aquarium, provide the aquarist provides sufficient rest and hiding places, in the form of hollow logs or aquarium décor.

    Plecostomus

    • These armored catfish grow to 24 inches in length and tend to be territorial toward others of the same species and toward other algae-eaters, but will not interfere with bettas. Plescostomus require cellulose which they rasp from submerged pieces of bark, for their digestive processes and should be provided with driftwood or bogwood in the aquarium. Hobbyists should also only include a single plecostomus per aquarium, but apart from these requirements, a plecostomus will thrive in an aquarium housing a betta.

    Siamese Algae-Eaters

    • The Siamese algae-eater should be housed in small groups of four to five individuals in the betta aquarium. The Siamese prefers well-oxygenated water and a heavily planted aquarium. This species spends most of its waking hours foraging for algae growths and will be totally uninterested in the betta fish, which prefers to remain near the top of the aquarium or in mid-water. Siamese algae-eaters and bettas can be kept in water with the same temperature. It is best to provide the Siamese algae-eater with a hollow log or hollow piece of aquarium décor in which to rest.

    Hoplo and Banjo Catfish

    • The hoplo catfish, which is found in the Amazon River and its tributaries, is mainly active at night and rests on large rocks and drift wood during the day. Hoplo catfish will not show aggression toward bettas and are quite suitable for inclusion in a betta tank. Banjo catfish are compatible with all sizes of community fish, even the smallest of tankmates. They are hardy and adjust to a variety of aquarium conditions. Because the Banjo catfish is a nocturnal, it feeds at night. It is also a burrower and prefers a sandy bottom and light vegetation. The Banjo catfish is a sedentary fish that seldom moves around much.