Beginner answer
The betta fish compatibility chart is a browseable reference for the pairs currently supported by the tools. It exposes uncertainty instead of hiding missing data. Start with the concrete limits: tank volume, adult size, temperament, group size, water range, and filtration margin.
Best ways to use the chart
- Same temperature range - Tropical fish usually need 72-82 F; mixing coldwater and tropical fish causes chronic stress.
- Similar aggression level - Peaceful fish belong with peaceful fish; avoid fin-nippers with bettas, guppies, or angelfish.
- Matching pH range - Most community fish tolerate pH 6.5-7.5, but sensitive species still need stable water.
- Appropriate tank size - Use the larger species minimum, not the smaller fish minimum.
- Schooling group size - Neon tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras show stress when kept alone.
Setup rule: Use this betta fish compatibility chart to scan known pairs before opening the full checker. A matrix result still needs tank-size, group-size, filtration, and temperament context.
Setup rule: Blank or uncertain combinations should not be treated as safe. They are intentionally shown as Needs more research until source notes and confidence are good enough.
How to use this chart
Use the chart to shortlist pairings, not to skip setup checks; tank size, group size, and temperament still decide the final answer.
Open the linked species guide or calculator when a row shows caution, avoid, low confidence, or needs more research.
Blank or uncertain combinations should be treated as unproven, not automatically safe.
Betta fish compatibility chart
This first betta fish compatibility chart focuses on betta pairings because that is the site's primary search intent. It gives a fast scan, then links users to the tool or species data for context.
Click Read guide in the Guide column to view setup notes, care details, and tank mate warnings for that species.
| Tank mate | Result | Tank | Group | Main risk | Confidence | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neon tetraParacheirodon innesi | Possible with caution | 10+ gal / 38+ L | 6+ | Usually needs 20 gallons or more | medium | Read guide |
| GuppyPoecilia reticulata | Avoid | 10+ gal / 38+ L | 3+ | Bright colors and long fins can provoke bettas | medium | Read guide |
| Cory catfishCorydoras spp. | Good option | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 6+ | Peaceful bottom-dwelling fish | medium | Read guide |
| Ember tetraHyphessobrycon amandae | Good option | 10+ gal / 38+ L | 8+ | Small peaceful schooling fish | medium | Read guide |
| Harlequin rasboraTrigonostigma heteromorpha | Good option | 10+ gal / 38+ L | 6+ | Peaceful schooling fish | medium | Read guide |
| Mystery snailPomacea bridgesii | Good option | 5+ gal / 19+ L | 1+ | Peaceful invertebrate | medium | Read guide |
| Nerite snailNeritina spp. | Good option | 5+ gal / 19+ L | 1+ | Usually safe with bettas | medium | Read guide |
| Cherry shrimpNeocaridina davidi | Possible with caution | 5+ gal / 19+ L | 6+ | Bettas may eat shrimp | medium | Read guide |
| Ghost shrimpPalaemonetes spp. | Possible with caution | 5+ gal / 19+ L | 4+ | Bettas may eat shrimp | medium | Read guide |
| PlatyXiphophorus maculatus | Possible with caution | 10+ gal / 38+ L | 3+ | Active livebearer | medium | Read guide |
| MollyPoecilia spp. | Avoid | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 3+ | Mollies are larger and messier | medium | Read guide |
| Zebra danioDanio rerio | Avoid | 10+ gal / 38+ L | 6+ | Zebra danios prefer cooler, very active setups | medium | Read guide |
| GoldfishCarassius auratus | Avoid | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 1+ | Avoid mixing with bettas and most tropical fish because temperature, size, and waste needs differ. | high | Read guide |
| Tiger barbPuntigrus tetrazona | Avoid | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 8+ | Avoid with bettas and guppies because fin damage risk is high. | high | Read guide |
| AngelfishPterophyllum scalare | Avoid | 29+ gal / 110+ L | 1+ | Avoid with bettas and tiny schooling fish in beginner setups. | medium | Read guide |
| Cardinal tetraParacheirodon axelrodi | Possible with caution | 15+ gal / 57+ L | 6+ | Needs a warm stable planted tank | medium | Read guide |
| Kuhli loachPangio kuhlii | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 6+ | Peaceful bottom dweller | medium | Read guide |
| Bristlenose plecoAncistrus cf. cirrhosus | Possible with caution | 29+ gal / 110+ L | 1+ | Requires a larger tank than small betta setups | medium | Read guide |
| Dwarf gouramiTrichogaster lalius | Avoid | 10+ gal / 38+ L | 1+ | Both are territorial labyrinth fish | medium | Read guide |
| SwordtailXiphophorus hellerii | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 3+ | Generally not a first-choice betta tank mate because activity, size, and livebearer behavior can stress small betta setups. | medium | Read guide |
| OtocinclusOtocinclus spp. | Possible with caution | 10+ gal / 38+ L | 6+ | Peaceful and low bioload | medium | Read guide |
| Cherry barbPuntius titteya | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 6+ | Peaceful barb compared with tiger barbs | medium | Read guide |
| White cloud mountain minnowTanichthys albonubes | Avoid | 10+ gal / 38+ L | 6+ | White clouds prefer cooler water | high | Read guide |
| Pea pufferCarinotetraodon travancoricus | Avoid | 5+ gal / 19+ L | 1+ | Pea puffers are predatory and nippy | high | Read guide |
| Black neon tetraHyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 6+ | Peaceful schooling tetra; usually best in a larger planted community rather than a cramped betta tank. | medium | Read guide |
| Rummy nose tetraHemigrammus rhodostomus | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 6+ | Peaceful but sensitive; stable warm water and a group matter. | medium | Read guide |
| Glowlight tetraHemigrammus erythrozonus | Possible with caution | 15+ gal / 57+ L | 6+ | Peaceful schooling fish that fits calm planted communities. | medium | Read guide |
| Green neon tetraParacheirodon simulans | Possible with caution | 10+ gal / 38+ L | 8+ | Tiny peaceful tetra; water stability and predation risk matter. | medium | Read guide |
| Black skirt tetraGymnocorymbus ternetzi | Avoid | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 6+ | Can nip fins, so avoid with long-finned bettas in beginner setups. | medium | Read guide |
| Serpae tetraHyphessobrycon eques | Avoid | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 8+ | Known fin-nipping risk; avoid with bettas and long-finned fish. | medium | Read guide |
| Bloodfin tetraAphyocharax anisitsi | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 6+ | Hardy active schooling fish; activity can stress slow tank mates. | medium | Read guide |
| X-ray tetraPristella maxillaris | Possible with caution | 15+ gal / 57+ L | 6+ | Peaceful and hardy community tetra with normal group needs. | medium | Read guide |
| Penguin tetraThayeria boehlkei | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 6+ | Peaceful but active; use a larger tank than small betta setups. | medium | Read guide |
| Silver tip tetraHasemania nana | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 8+ | Active schooling tetra; use caution with long-finned or slow fish. | medium | Read guide |
| Lambchop rasboraTrigonostigma espei | Possible with caution | 10+ gal / 38+ L | 6+ | Small peaceful rasbora; a calm planted setup is important with bettas. | medium | Read guide |
| Chili rasboraBoraras brigittae | Possible with caution | 5+ gal / 19+ L | 8+ | Very small fish; predation and water stability matter with bettas. | medium | Read guide |
| Celestial pearl danioDanio margaritatus | Possible with caution | 10+ gal / 38+ L | 6+ | Small shy fish; cooler range and cover needs can mismatch warm betta setups. | medium | Read guide |
| Pearl danioDanio albolineatus | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 6+ | Very active fish; usually not ideal for slow betta-centered tanks. | medium | Read guide |
| Rosy barbPethia conchonius | Avoid | 29+ gal / 110+ L | 6+ | Large active barb; avoid with bettas in beginner setups. | medium | Read guide |
| Odessa barbPethia padamya | Possible with caution | 29+ gal / 110+ L | 6+ | Active barb; use caution with slow or long-finned tank mates. | medium | Read guide |
| Checker barbOliotius oligolepis | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 6+ | More peaceful barb, but still check activity and temperature fit. | medium | Read guide |
| Panda coryCorydoras panda | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 6+ | Peaceful bottom fish; cooler preference can matter in warm betta tanks. | medium | Read guide |
| Pygmy coryCorydoras pygmaeus | Possible with caution | 10+ gal / 38+ L | 8+ | Tiny peaceful Corydoras; group size and predation risk matter. | medium | Read guide |
| Bronze coryCorydoras aeneus | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 6+ | Hardy peaceful bottom fish for larger community tanks. | medium | Read guide |
| Peppered coryCorydoras paleatus | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 6+ | Cooler-water Corydoras; often mismatches warm betta setups. | medium | Read guide |
| Yoyo loachBotia almorhae | Possible with caution | 55+ gal / 208+ L | 5+ | Large active loach; not suitable for small betta tanks. | medium | Read guide |
| Zebra loachBotia striata | Possible with caution | 30+ gal / 114+ L | 5+ | Active social loach; group size and tank footprint matter. | medium | Read guide |
| Dwarf chain loachAmbastaia sidthimunki | Possible with caution | 30+ gal / 114+ L | 6+ | Smaller loach but still active and social; not for tiny tanks. | medium | Read guide |
| Honey gouramiTrichogaster chuna | Avoid | 10+ gal / 38+ L | 1+ | Peaceful gourami, but avoid mixing labyrinth fish with bettas in beginner setups. | medium | Read guide |
| Pearl gouramiTrichopodus leerii | Avoid | 30+ gal / 114+ L | 1+ | Peaceful for a gourami but large and surface-oriented; not a betta tank mate for beginners. | medium | Read guide |
| Bolivian ramMikrogeophagus altispinosus | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 1+ | Dwarf cichlid with territory needs; check bottom-space conflicts. | medium | Read guide |
| German blue ramMikrogeophagus ramirezi | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 1+ | Warm-water sensitive cichlid; usually not a beginner community choice. | medium | Read guide |
| ApistogrammaApistogramma spp. | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 1+ | Territorial cave-using dwarf cichlid; check bottom territory and species details. | medium | Read guide |
| KribensisPelvicachromis pulcher | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 1+ | Territorial, especially when breeding; avoid cramped peaceful communities. | medium | Read guide |
| Rubber lip plecoChaetostoma spp. | Possible with caution | 30+ gal / 114+ L | 1+ | Peaceful but higher bioload and oxygen/flow needs matter. | medium | Read guide |
| Clown plecoPanaqolus maccus | Possible with caution | 20+ gal / 76+ L | 1+ | Small pleco, but still needs wood, caves, and filtration. | medium | Read guide |
| Amano shrimpCaridina multidentata | Possible with caution | 10+ gal / 38+ L | 3+ | Larger shrimp but still vulnerable to some bettas and predatory fish. | medium | Read guide |
| Malaysian trumpet snailMelanoides tuberculata | Possible with caution | 5+ gal / 19+ L | 1+ | Peaceful snail; population control depends on feeding and maintenance. | medium | Read guide |
Other supported fish pairings
The tool also checks non-betta freshwater pairings. This table shows explicit pair records currently available beyond the betta-focused matrix; other combinations still run through the checker rules.
| Fish A | Fish B | Result | Tank floor | Main risk | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goldfish20+ gal / 76+ L - peaceful messy coldwater | Neon tetra10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful schooling | Avoid | 20+ gal / 76+ L | Coldwater and tropical temperature mismatch | high |
| Guppy10+ gal / 38+ L - active peaceful | Molly20+ gal / 76+ L - active peaceful | Risky | 20+ gal / 76+ L | Both are livebearers and may breed quickly | medium |
| Tiger barb20+ gal / 76+ L - active semi-aggressive schooling | Guppy10+ gal / 38+ L - active peaceful | Avoid | 20+ gal / 76+ L | Tiger barbs are known fin nippers | high |
| Guppy10+ gal / 38+ L - active peaceful | Neon tetra10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful schooling | Risky | 10+ gal / 38+ L | Both are peaceful but prefer different water tendencies | medium |
| Angelfish29+ gal / 110+ L - semi-aggressive cichlid | Neon tetra10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful schooling | Avoid | 29+ gal / 110+ L | Adult angelfish may eat small tetras | medium |
| Dwarf gourami10+ gal / 38+ L - semi-peaceful territorial labyrinth fish | Guppy10+ gal / 38+ L - active peaceful | Risky | 10+ gal / 38+ L | Dwarf gouramis can be territorial | medium |
| Neon tetra10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful schooling | Cory catfish20+ gal / 76+ L - peaceful bottom dweller | Safe | 20+ gal / 76+ L | Peaceful species using different tank zones | medium |
| Ember tetra10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful schooling | Pygmy cory10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful schooling bottom dweller | Safe | 10+ gal / 38+ L | Small peaceful species | medium |
| Harlequin rasbora10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful schooling | Bronze cory20+ gal / 76+ L - peaceful bottom dweller | Safe | 20+ gal / 76+ L | Peaceful midwater and bottom-dwelling species | medium |
| Black neon tetra20+ gal / 76+ L - peaceful schooling | Cory catfish20+ gal / 76+ L - peaceful bottom dweller | Safe | 20+ gal / 76+ L | Peaceful community combination | medium |
| Glowlight tetra15+ gal / 57+ L - peaceful schooling | Cherry shrimp5+ gal / 19+ L - peaceful shrimp | Risky | 15+ gal / 57+ L | Peaceful fish but tiny shrimp may be eaten | medium |
| Chili rasbora5+ gal / 19+ L - peaceful tiny schooling | Cherry shrimp5+ gal / 19+ L - peaceful shrimp | Risky | 5+ gal / 19+ L | Both are tiny and peaceful | medium |
| Celestial pearl danio10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful shy schooling | Cherry shrimp5+ gal / 19+ L - peaceful shrimp | Risky | 10+ gal / 38+ L | Small peaceful setup | medium |
| Honey gourami10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful labyrinth fish | Harlequin rasbora10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful schooling | Safe | 10+ gal / 38+ L | Generally peaceful community fish | medium |
| Honey gourami10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful labyrinth fish | Cherry shrimp5+ gal / 19+ L - peaceful shrimp | Risky | 10+ gal / 38+ L | Gouramis may eat small shrimp | medium |
| Pearl gourami30+ gal / 114+ L - peaceful labyrinth fish | Rummy nose tetra20+ gal / 76+ L - peaceful schooling | Risky | 30+ gal / 114+ L | Both prefer warm stable water | medium |
| Black skirt tetra20+ gal / 76+ L - active semi-aggressive schooling | Guppy10+ gal / 38+ L - active peaceful | Avoid | 20+ gal / 76+ L | Fin-nipping risk with guppy fins | medium |
| Serpae tetra20+ gal / 76+ L - semi-aggressive schooling | Guppy10+ gal / 38+ L - active peaceful | Avoid | 20+ gal / 76+ L | High fin-nipping risk | medium |
| Serpae tetra20+ gal / 76+ L - semi-aggressive schooling | Angelfish29+ gal / 110+ L - semi-aggressive cichlid | Avoid | 29+ gal / 110+ L | Fin-nipping risk against long angelfish fins | medium |
| Tiger barb20+ gal / 76+ L - active semi-aggressive schooling | Angelfish29+ gal / 110+ L - semi-aggressive cichlid | Avoid | 29+ gal / 110+ L | Tiger barbs are fin nippers | medium |
| Rosy barb29+ gal / 110+ L - active semi-aggressive schooling | Guppy10+ gal / 38+ L - active peaceful | Avoid | 29+ gal / 110+ L | Rosy barbs are large and active | medium |
| Zebra danio10+ gal / 38+ L - very active schooling | White cloud mountain minnow10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful active schooling | Risky | 10+ gal / 38+ L | Both are active cooler-water schooling fish | medium |
| Goldfish20+ gal / 76+ L - peaceful messy coldwater | White cloud mountain minnow10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful active schooling | Risky | 20+ gal / 76+ L | Temperature overlap can work cooler | medium |
| Bristlenose pleco29+ gal / 110+ L - peaceful territorial bottom dweller | Cory catfish20+ gal / 76+ L - peaceful bottom dweller | Risky | 29+ gal / 110+ L | Both use bottom space | medium |
| Clown pleco20+ gal / 76+ L - peaceful bottom grazer | Neon tetra10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful schooling | Risky | 20+ gal / 76+ L | Peaceful species but tank maturity matters | medium |
| Rubber lip pleco30+ gal / 114+ L - peaceful bottom grazer | White cloud mountain minnow10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful active schooling | Risky | 30+ gal / 114+ L | Cooler water can overlap | medium |
| Bolivian ram20+ gal / 76+ L - semi-peaceful cichlid | Cory catfish20+ gal / 76+ L - peaceful bottom dweller | Risky | 20+ gal / 76+ L | Both use lower tank areas | medium |
| German blue ram20+ gal / 76+ L - sensitive semi-peaceful cichlid | Cardinal tetra15+ gal / 57+ L - peaceful schooling | Risky | 20+ gal / 76+ L | Both prefer warm soft water | medium |
| Apistogramma20+ gal / 76+ L - territorial dwarf cichlid | Neon tetra10+ gal / 38+ L - peaceful schooling | Risky | 20+ gal / 76+ L | Water preferences can overlap | medium |
| Kribensis20+ gal / 76+ L - territorial cichlid | Cory catfish20+ gal / 76+ L - peaceful bottom dweller | Avoid | 20+ gal / 76+ L | Kribensis can defend bottom territory | medium |
| Yoyo loach55+ gal / 208+ L - active semi-aggressive bottom dweller | Nerite snail5+ gal / 19+ L - peaceful snail | Avoid | 55+ gal / 208+ L | Yoyo loaches eat or harass snails | medium |
| Zebra loach30+ gal / 114+ L - active bottom dweller | Nerite snail5+ gal / 19+ L - peaceful snail | Avoid | 30+ gal / 114+ L | Loaches may eat snails | medium |
Warnings
These are the failure points that hurt beginner tanks most often. Do not read the chart as a final stocking plan. A safe-looking row can still fail in the wrong tank size, group size, layout, or temperament.
- Tiger barbs - Confirmed fin-nippers; do not keep them with bettas, angelfish, guppies, or other long-finned fish.
- Goldfish - Coldwater, high-waste fish that do not belong with warm tropical community species.
- Angelfish - Adults become territorial and may eat very small fish such as neon tetras in cramped tanks.
- Pea puffers - Aggressive hunters that bite fins and attack snails; treat them as species-only unless experienced.
- Temperature mismatch - White cloud mountain minnows and goldfish prefer cooler water than bettas and many tropical fish.
Editorial notes
How this page is maintained: The matrix exposes uncertainty instead of hiding it. Missing, low-confidence, or setup-dependent pairings are not promoted as safe just to fill the chart.
This page uses conservative local care data, explicit compatibility records, and established aquarium care references rather than store-label shorthand.
Combinations are reviewed before they are promoted as indexed guides, and uncertain pairs stay cautious or marked as needing more research.
The recommendations are intentionally conservative because most readers are planning beginner tanks, where water quality and backup options are limited.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-30.