1. Corydoras: These small, bottom-dwelling catfish are peaceful and can help keep your aquarium clean by eating leftover food and waste. They are also quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. Some good choices include Pygmy Corydoras, Panda Corydoras, and Julii Corydoras.
2. Neon Tetra: These tiny, colorful fish are known for their vibrant blue and red stripes. They are peaceful and require similar water parameters as Bettas. Neon Tetras are schooling fish, so it's best to keep them in groups of 6 or more.
3. Rummy Nose Tetra: Similar to Neon Tetras but with a distinct red tip on their nose. They are peaceful and also prefer to live in groups.
4. Guppy: Guppies are livebearers and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Males have long, flowing fins, while females are smaller and have shorter fins. Guppies are generally peaceful but can be fin nippers, so keep an eye on them with Bettas.
5. Platy: Platys are livebearers and come in various color patterns. They are peaceful and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
6. Swordtails: Swordtails are livebearers known for their long, sword-like tail fins in males. They are peaceful but can grow relatively large, so make sure your tank is big enough.
7. Ember Tetra: Small, fiery red fish that do well in groups and are known for their peaceful nature.
8. Mollies: Mollies are livebearers and come in different varieties, including Balloon Mollies and Black Mollies. They are generally peaceful but can become aggressive if overcrowded or under bad water conditions.
9. Bumblebee Gobies: These tiny fish are known for their bright yellow and black stripes and peaceful nature.
10. Otocinclus Catfish: These small catfish are excellent algae eaters and can help maintain a clean tank. They are peaceful and typically stay in the middle to bottom areas of the aquarium.
11. Amano Shrimp: These shrimp are known for their excellent algae-eating abilities and peaceful nature. They are usually compatible with Bettas but may become an occasional snack if the Betta is a particularly aggressive individual.
12. Cherry Shrimp: Another shrimp species that is small, peaceful, and hardy making them suitable companions for Bettas.
13. Snails: Certain snail species like Nerite Snails and Mystery Snails are peaceful and can help clean your tank. However, some Bettas may view snails as food, so observe their interactions closely.
Additional Tips:
- When introducing new fish to your Betta tank, do it slowly and under close observation. Some Bettas might chase and nip the new fish, especially during the initial days of introduction.
- Provide hiding spots like plants and caves to help any shy or stressed fish feel more secure and reduce stress-induced aggression.
- Maintain good water quality by regularly testing your water and performing partial water changes. Keeping the tank clean and having the proper water parameters can help prevent aggression.