Labyrinth - Aquarium Fish City: Freshwater Aquarium Setup, Care, and Maintenance

Male vs. Female Honey Gourami (What’s the Difference?)

If you just started the hobby, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of honey gourami. This small, brightly-colored fish is one of the most popular centerpiece fish, and for good reasons – they’re attractive, easy to care for, and relatively peaceful.

The honey gourami is similar to a betta but isn’t as aggressive and incredibly territorial. This fish can play well with other small, peaceful fish in small aquariums (10 gallons and up).

They also have an interesting breeding behavior, especially if you have never bred a bubble nest builder. If you are thinking about breeding honey gouramis in the home aquarium, accurately determining the sex of the fish is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn the differences between male and female honey gouramis, plus some extra breeding info that might be interesting.

Female Honey Gourami Facts

Let’s start with some fun facts about this peaceful fish and their easy care requirements. If you already have thriving honey gouramis in your aquarium, then you might want to skip ahead to the section on how to identify the gender.

Species Overview

The Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna) is sometimes called the Honey Dwarf Gourami, the Sunburst Gourami, or the Gold Honey Gourami, and is closely related to the Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius).

This species is a Labyrinth fish with a special respiratory organ that allows them to absorb oxygen from the surface of the water. This allows them to live in water with lower oxygen levels where most other fish could not.

Distribution and habitat

These fish are native to Bangladesh and northern India, where they can often be found in the top and middle levels of slow-moving rivers and lakes that are rich with plants and vegetation. Most waters are warm, shallow, and have poor oxygen levels.

Lifespan

Honey gouramis have an average lifespan of 4 – 8 years. This is assumed that you are keeping them in a stress-free aquarium with good water quality and diet.

Color

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All of these common names do a great job of describing the honey gourami’s appearance. The males have a beautiful, iridescent honey-yellow coloration on the entire body besides their throats and fins.

Unlike the popular Dwarf Gouramis, both the male and female honey gouramis are quite bland when seen in a retail setting (We’ll get into the color differences between their sexes in the following section). Hence, they are sometimes mistaken for female Dwarf Gouramis.

In captivity, two basic color morphs have been selectively bred: the red variety (Sunset or Robin Red Gourami) and the gold variety (Gold Honey Gourami). These man-made color varieties are more commonly seen in the aquarium trade than their wild type since they are more visually appealing.

However, this can often lead to confusion between the red variety and the flame-red variety of dwarf gourami.

Male vs. Female Honey Gouramis

It is not always easy to tell the male from female honey gourami when they are small. Both males and females have very similar coloration before they reach adulthood.

However, Honey Gouramis can show sexual dimorphism when they mature. Sexual dimorphism is when the male and female of a species have different physical traits. There are some physical and behavioral telltale signs that you can look for to help you determine the gender of your adult honey gouramis.

Coloration

Young honey gouramis look very similar, regardless of their gender. They take on a dull silvery to yellow base with a brown line running horizontally down their flat, oblong-shaped bodies, making it can be quite difficult for even experienced fish keepers to accurately sex them.

Female honey gouramis retain this basic coloration throughout their lives with little to no change. Male honey gouramis, on the other hand, will develop a much more vibrant honey color with a prominent blue-black marking on their undersides when breeding. The bright orange coloration on their throats becomes more intense, which may help them to get noticed when courting the female.

Author note: Keep in mind these color changes do not occur in males of various man-made color morphs.

Size

Honey gouramis (Trichogaster chuna) are the smallest species in the Trichogaster – even smaller than the dwarf gouramis (Trichogaster lalius).

The size of the fish can help determine the gender of honey gouramis, with males will only reach about 1.5″ (4 cm) long, while the female honey gouramis can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) long when fully grown.

In the wild, this species can reach a length of 2.2 inches (5.5 cm), but they stay much smaller in captivity.

Observe the Fins

The male honey gouramis have a distinct “V” shape dorsal and extended anal fin rays. When you look closely at their longer fins, you will see that there is somewhat of an orange hue absent on the caudal fin. Additionally, you may notice that the female honey gourami’s dorsal fin is more rounded than the males.

Breeding Honey Gouramis

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Honey Gouramis breeding is not difficult, and they are readily bred in the home aquarium. But you have to provide them with the right environment and trigger their spawning instinct by making some changes to their tank.

Like the dwarf gourami, the honey gouramis is also a bubble nest builder that uses saliva and plant matter to create a floating nest for hatching and protecting eggs and fry.

In order to increase the chances of breeding, I strongly recommend you use a small shallow breeding tank because you’ll need to remove females and males at different stages of the cycle.

A perfect breeding tank setup should be:

Tank size: 10 gallons and up
A gentle sponge filter (avoid strong surface agitation)
The tank should be sealed with a tight-fitting lid to increase the humidity and maintain a warm layer of water for the babies to develop the labyrinth organ.
Water Parameters: temperature should be 82°F (28°C) with a pH of around 7.
Add plenty of rooted and floating plants. Floating plants, like water wisteria and water sprite, are important for males to anchor their bubble nests.

Honey gouramis can be bred in pairs or a trio. Before breeding honey gouramis, you will need to condition them with live foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia. Once they are ready to spawn, the male will start building the nest. After the nest is complete, he will begin to display the female honey gourami by gently flaring his fins and swimming around her.

If she is ready to spawn, she will follow him and approaches the bubble nest, where she will embrace and release her eggs. The eggs are fertilized at the same time. They repeat the process until the female honey gourami runs out of eggs.

After spawning, the male honey gourami will become very protective of the nest and chase away anything close to it. The female honey gourami is usually not welcomed back into the breeding tank and should be removed.

These eggs will hatch between 24-36 hours, and the fry will start to swim toward the surface for air, depending on the temperature. At this point, you can remove the male honey gourami because he might eat the fry.

The fry will be free swimming after 3 days, and they can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp.

Wrapping Up

To conclude, the female honey gourami is larger than the male honey gourami and has a dull color with a horizontal stripe. The adult males have a bright orange hue in their dorsal fins that is absent in the female. Breeding males develop a dark underside and throat.

There are many honey gourami varieties available in the market today. Make sure you purchase fish that can be easily sexed if you intend to breed.

If you provide the right environment and understand their breeding process, honey gouramis are not difficult to breed. They are a great addition to any aquarium and make wonderful pets.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.

Male Vs. Female Dwarf Gourami (What’s the Difference?)

If you’re like me, your home aquarium is a source of constant fascination and delight. Watching the fish swim around in their little world never fails to make me feel calm and peaceful. And if there’s one fish that really captures my heart, it’s the dwarf gourami.

These lively little creatures are always a joy to watch, and they add a splash of color to your aquarium. Additionally, Dwarf Gourami won’t require a lot of work on your part to keep them healthy and happy.

However, telling the male from female dwarf gourami can’t be done the same way as determining the gender of most livebearers.

If you’re thinking about breeding dwarf gourami, it’s important to know how to sex them so you can choose a pair of fish that will be compatible.

In this article, we’ll learn some of the key differences between male and female dwarf gouramis and how they breed.

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Female Dwarf Gourami Facts

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Before we get into how to differentiate between male and female dwarf gourami, let’s take a quick look at some general facts about these lovely fish.

Species Overview

The dwarf gourami, also known as Trichogaster Ialius, belongs to a small genus Trichogaster, which only has four recognized species. Unlike these medium sized to large species from the genus Osphronemus, Belontia and Macropodus, the Trichogaster species are a peaceful and shy fish.

Dwarf gouramis are labyrinth fish. They have a labyrinth organ behind their gills, which acts like a primitive lung, allowing them to breathe air directly from the surface.

Origin and Distribution

Dwarf gouramis hail from the thickly vegetated waters in India, West Bengal, Assam, and Bangladesh in South Asia. They are sold as common food fish in many markets in northern India.

Lifespan

Both male and female dwarf gourami have an average lifespan of 4 years when well-cared for in captivity. Their lifespan may be much shorter due to stress, poor diet, and poor water conditions.

Color Variations

Since these fish are beautiful in nature, breeders have developed many color morphs over the years. The most common colors you’ll see in pet stores are neon blue, red flame, and powder blue.

Unfortunately, most selective breeding or dyed dwarf gouramis are typically only males. Female dwarf gouramis with these man-made morphs come with a hefty price tag.

Female Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami

The Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami gets its name from its beautiful, iridescent blue coloration than the standard variety. This is the most notable color morph in the trade.

Female Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami

Often referred to as Coral Blue Dwarf Gourami and Blue Dwarf Gourami, the powder blue morph is almost entirely bright blue with only a little red striping, which is one of the most solid varieties.

Female Red Flame Dwarf Gourami

The flame-red variety can be confused with the red honey gouramis. It takes on bright orange and red colors that resemble a flickering flame extending to its fins.

Male Vs. Female Dwarf Gourami

Now that we know a little more about these beautiful fish, let’s take a look at how to tell the difference between male and female dwarf gourami.

Dorsal (top) Fin

Why not start off with the most distinctive difference between adult males and females? The adult female dwarf gouramis have a curved and rounded dorsal fin, while the males are longer and pointier.

It’s hard to differentiate this characteristic when they are young since both females and males have short and rounded fins. The males’ dorsal fins will grow faster and become more pointed as they reach sexual maturity.

Size

Its common name “dwarf” describes this fish well. It stays small in any color variation. But female dwarf gouramis are a bit smaller than males, with the average length being 2.5 inches (6.4 cm), whereas males can grow up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length.

Body Shape

When it comes to the body shape of male and female dwarf gouramis, the males have a smaller belly, making them slimmer and more elongated in overall girth. While females develop a rounded belly, especially when they are ready to lay eggs.

Coloration

Because the dwarf gourami is considered a sexual dimorphism, not only do the males and females have differences in size, body shape, and dorsal (top) fin but their colors also tend to differ.

In the wild, female dwarf gouramis usually have a duller greenish silvery coloration overall. Males, on the other hand, are more boldly colored with alternating red and blue stripes that are much more defined. Additionally, they may also be seen to have bars of blue and black extending onto the fins and an iridescent blue throat.

Dwarf Gourami Breeding

Dwarf Gouramis are readily bred in aquariums. The breeding is not too difficult like many other species of Gouramis, but owners have always found the behavior of male Dwarf Gouramis to be somewhat

unpredictable, making the whole process a bit more challenging.

This species is a typical bubble nest builder. In a breeding aquarium, you can see a male busy constructing its bubble nest, usually near the surface of the water. When the female is ready to spawn, she will be introduced into the male’s territory.

When the female releases her eggs into the water, the male will quickly scoop them up into his mouth and spit them into the bubble nest. Once these eggs are secured in the bubble nest, the pair will repeat their spawning several times until all eggs (from 300 to 800 ) have been released.

If there are other female dwarf gouramis in the breeding tank, the male may spawn with all of them.

The male will then take care of the eggs solely. They often become territorial and aggressive when protecting their eggs and fry. So, in order to avoid any potential problems, it’s best to remove the female after spawning has occurred.

The incubation period for the eggs is usually between 12 to 24 hours, and after hatching, the fry will remain in the bubble nest for another 3 to 5 days until they are able to swim on their own.

Remove the male from the breeding tank once the fry are free-swimming to prevent him from eating them.

You will have to feed them live foods such as brine shrimp or finely ground flakes during this time.

Breeding Tips

To help increase your chances of success, here are a few tips:

Use a separate breeding tank that is at least 10 gallons in size.
In the wild, they live in a trio, so it’s best to have a male-to-female ratio of at least 1:2.
Provide plenty of live plants for the female to hide, such as Hornwort or Milfoil. Floating plants are appreciated for comfort. Sometimes, the male will use bits of plant material into the bubble nest.
This species is a bubble nest builder. Thus, it is important to make sure your filtration is not too strong. An air-powered sponge filter or peat filtration will work.
Try to adjust the water temperature to 82 degrees Fahrenheit to trigger spawning.
It is critical to maintain a warm layer of water at the surface for the bubbles to float in and for the fry to develop their labyrinth organ, especially during the first few weeks.
Keep an eye out for Dwarf Gourami Disease (aka Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus), a condition that is often fatal and has no known cure.

FAQs:

Are Female Dwarf Gouramis Aggressive?

Female Dwarf Gouramis are generally peaceful fish and can be kept with other peaceful community fish.

Do Female Dwarf Gouramis Build Bubbles Nests?

Yes, female Dwarf Gouramis may assist the male in building the bubble nest, but only males will take sole responsibility for the eggs and fry.

Can Female Betta Live with Dwarf Gouramis?

I would suggest not doing it unless your gouramis have different colors than the female betta in a large tank. In addition, the gouramis might nip at her tail.

What Do Female Dwarf Gouramis Eat?

In the wild, female Dwarf Gouramis eat mainly small bugs and larvae on the surface of waters. In captivity, they will accept a variety of living, fresh, and flake foods.

Where to Buy Female Dwarf Gourami?

The female Dwarf Gouram is widely available for purchase online and in pet stores. But females are generally less expensive than males.

How Many Female Dwarf Gouramis Can I Put in a 10 Gallon Tank?

Keep them in trios, with one male and two females in a 10-gallon tank. If you have four or more fish, I recommend adding an additional 5 gallons for each fish.

Why is My Female Dwarf Gourami Chasing/attacking the Male?

The female Dwarf Gourami might be chasing/attacking the male because she is either pregnant or wants to lay eggs.

Can You Keep Male and Female Dwarf Gourami Together?

Males and female Dwarf Gouramis can be kept together, but it is best to have a ratio of at least 1:2 (one male to two females). This will help avoid any aggression from the male.

Conclusion

Female Dwarf Gouramis can be distinguishable from males by their curved and rounded dorsal fin and duller silvery coloration.

Dwarf Gouramis are peaceful fish that makes a great addition to any community tank. They are hardy and easy to care for.

I hope this guide was helpful in giving you a better understanding of female Dwarf Gouramis. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask in the comments below!

Gourami Bubble Nest: All You Need To Know

Gourami fish are beautiful creatures that can make a great addition to any aquarium. However, when it comes time to breed, there are many things that could easily go wrong.

One of the most important things to understand is your role in the process. Yes, you’ve read that correctly – you have a role to play in whether or not your gourami fish will successfully breed.

In this post, you’ll learn what the gourami bubble nest looks like and how you can help ensure that your gourami fish have the best chance of successfully breeding.

Let’s get started.

Do Male or Female Gouramis Make Bubble Nests?

Males Gouramis will build bubble nests among the floating plants or objects with different sizes and thicknesses, depending on their size, territory, and personality. They prefer to use a tank corner to anchor the bubble nest. Typically, bigger males build larger bubble nests. They can also build bubble nests without females or fry, but females swimming close by will often stimulate males to start building frantically.

Some males are natural-born builders; they’ll spend their days constructing intricate bubble nests out of saliva and plant matter to attract a mate. Other males are less industrious, only building a nest when they’re introduced to a female. Many specimens do not even begin until after spawning.

The female Gouramis usually don’t have anything to do with the construction of the nest and don’t really care about it too much. In some cases, she might help arrange some of the bubbles or add a few of her own, but this is rare.

What Does Gourami Bubble Nest Look Like?

Dwarf gourami bubble nest (Photo: Dunkelfalke CC BY 2.0)

The gourami bubble nests are basically air bubbles that are held together by a mucus-like substance. During breeding, the male gouramis will initiate the process by going to the surface, breathing air, and releasing it inside the water to form a circular or oval shaped nest.

Author notes: Gourami has a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air directly from the surface. This is one of the reasons they can live in water with low oxygen levels.

Inside the nest, you’ll also find floating objects such as plants. That means that you’ll need to include floating plants inside your aquarium so that it’s easy for the male Gourami to make the nests. The alternative to floating plants could be to use styrofoam which is also light enough to float in the breeding tank.

Gouramis Breeding

The Gourami fish has been bred in captivity for years, but some effort is required to grow the fry.

To ensure a greater chance of success, you should start with a group of juveniles and allow them to pair up at their own pace.

When the male Gourami is ready to breed, he will start to build the bubble nest. He will use his mouth to collect air at the surface and then release it into the water. This will create a stream of bubbles that rise to the surface and stick together to form the nest.

You will need to set up a breeding tank before starting the breeding process. The breeding tank should be at least 20 gallons, and it should have a layer of gravel on the bottom. You will also need to add some plants to the tank. The plants will provide shelter for the fry.

The ideal water depth for breeding gourami fish is 6-inches. If you’re breeding larger breeds of Gourami, the depth should be at least 8-10 inches. The lighting shouldn’t be blindingly bright. Another important thing is to ensure that there’s minimal water movement so that there are no chances of disturbing the bubble nest.

It’s also recommended that you use sponge filters for your breeding tank so that it prevents the baby fish from being sucked up. To help your fish build their nests with ease, you can include some floating plants in the tank so that the nests are attached to them.

The bonded pair must be well-fed before spawning. A good diet of live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms will help condition the fish.

Transfer the female to the breeding tank first and let the fish adjust to the new surroundings and locate her hiding places. After a few days, you can then add the male Gourami to the breeding tank.

Several days prior to spawning, you’ll need to increase the temperatures steadily up to 82-85 degrees.

When the female Gourami is ready to spawn, the male will start to chase the female around the tank and lead her to the nest, where she will release her eggs. The male will then fertilize the eggs.

The female Gourami will usually lay 500-1000 eggs that will be caught by the male in his mouth and brought into the bubble nest individually. The male Gourami will guard the eggs until they hatch. The female should be removed as soon as she has laid her eggs as she may eat the eggs.

When the fry is free-swimming, you should also remove the male at this point and feed the fry with live foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.

How do I Move Gourami Fish Into the Breeding Tank?

As we mentioned earlier, if you need to move or transfer the fish into a breeding tank, the female should be the first to go. After that, allow the females to get acquainted with their new home, locate hiding spots and resume their normal activities. A day or two should be enough for that.

Next, move the males into the females and monitor to ensure that the males aren’t harassing the females. Where the harassment is too much, you can diffuse the situation by adding another female into the tank so that they distract the male.

FAQs

Why Are My Dwarf Gourami Blowing Bubbles?

Gourami belongs to a group of fish known as Anabantidae. These have an organ referred to as the labyrinth that gives the fish the ability to blow bubbles. Usually, the dwarf gourami fish will breathe in the air while at the water’s surface and release it through their gills.

When the water gets into their body, it’s mixed with mucus, making the bubbles stick together and forming the bubble nests. The nests will then act as the places for spawning and raising the fry.

Other reasons for blowing bubbles could be to communicate their mood, trap larvae or insects, and release air onto the surface.

Can I Ruin a Gourami Bubble Nest?

No. You should not destroy or ruin a gourami bubble nest. That’s because it’s the onset of the breeding process where the male will make the bubble.

After spawning, the same bubble will be used to raise their fry. There is no need to worry if you’ve already ruined the nest. The male Gourami will always make another one.

Why Did My Gourami Bubble Nest Disappear?

There are several reasons that could make a gourami bubble nest disappear. For one, if there are a lot of movements inside the tank, the bubble will burst. Also, a lack of balance in the temperature could make the eggs become too cold, making the nest go away.

Final Thoughts

Gourami fish are a good species to have in your aquarium. They’re beautiful, so you don’t have to try so much to fall in love with them.

However, it’s not just enough to stop at their physical appearance as there’s much that goes into caring for and making them comfortable.

Equipped with such useful tips, you’re all set to become a better gourami fish aquarist. Remember, the breeding phase for this type of fish is a delicate season, and therefore you need to dedicate your time to ensure that nothing goes wrong.

Cory Catfish and Betta: Do They Get Along Well?

Bettas are notorious for their aggressive behavior, but this doesn’t mean that they should always be isolated.

This is good news for first-time fishkeepers, who may want to breed multiple species in one tank. And one such variety that complements bettas is corydoras catfish. However, there are some things you should know before starting out.

That’s why we are here to tell you how cory catfish and betta can peacefully coexist.

Things You Need to Know about Corydoras

They are Active Schooling Fish

Corydoras are among the most active schooling varieties, whether in the wild or in an aquarium.

In fact, it’s not unusual to spot them swimming synchronized in large groups in the wild, ranging from 20 to even 100. Not only that, but they may also collaborate with other schools (primarily of tetra fish) within their region.

That’s why it’s always recommended to keep at least 3 corys in an aquarium, with 6 being the preferred number. A lone cory will either try to blend with the other fish in the aquarium or do away with any activity whatsoever.

Lots Of Species

Corydoras species are primarily native to South America and are by far the largest genus of Neotropical fishes in the world. Currently, there are close to 170 identified species, with about 100 more yet to be classified or categorized but kept by aquarists.

Most of them grow between 1 and 3 inches long in aquariums and prefer temperatures between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

For instance, the peppered cory and julii cory varieties thrive in colder temperatures, while the sterbai cory catfish love warmer regions.

Min Tank Size for Corydoras

The dwarf cory species may be bred in a 10-gallon tank, but a 20-gallon aquarium is recommended for a majority of the other species. Besides, almost all of them are peace-loving bottom dwellers, so it’s safe to say that they can coexist with other community fish varieties as long as they aren’t attacked.

Can Cory Catfish Live with Bettas?

The short answer would be yes, cory catfish and bettas can live with each other in the tank. Most corys aren’t too brightly colored and don’t have any long fins either, meaning they are less likely to intimidate the bettas.

Besides, they usually occupy the bottom of the tank, whereas bettas like staying on the top. The former also have different diet preferences, meaning you shouldn’t have to worry about “food fights.”

That said, these situations are largely applicable to bigger tanks, like the 20-gallon ones. As you may be aware, bettas don’t like crowded aquariums. So, too many fishes in a small tank (less than 10-gallon) can get them agitated and they may start fighting with their “neighbors” to free themselves.

Tricks To Help Your Cory Catfish And Betta To Get Along

Consider The Betta’s Temperament

Whether or not you can successfully add corydoras to a betta tank will depend on the betta’s temperament. So, keep a close eye on the betta after the entry of the cory school. If you see that it’s chasing or trying to harm the corydoras, separate them immediately.

Tank size

Since corys like staying in groups of 5 or 6, they need adequate water to swim around the tank. And bettas usually thrive in at least 10-gallon tank, so the minimum tank size requirement for keeping them together is 20 gallons. But if you have the space and budget, you can even opt for a larger tank.

Type Of Corydoras

Although you may want to go with physically attractive species like albino cory or spotted cory, pygmy corydoras are considered the most suitable companions for bettas.

This is because they grow to a size of less than 1-inch, making them almost invisible to the bettas, especially in smaller tanks ranging from 10 to 15 gallons. Besides, they are extremely easy to care for.

Lots of Places To Hide

Both bettas and corys like having plenty of hiding spots in their habit. So, ensure that you decorate the aquarium with enough plants, caves, and driftwood to prevent them from any stress.

How to Introduce Corydoras to an Established Betta Tank?

The best way to introduce corydoras to your bettas is to shift them to another tank or bowl for some time and slightly change the decoration in the aquarium. This will disrupt their existing territory, meaning they will be less likely to fight for space with the new occupants.

Then, add the corydoras and let them get used to the setup for a couple of hours to get accustomed to the environment. Once they settle behind their hiding spots, put back the bettas and observe for some time to see any aggressive behavior.

Add Indian Almond Leaves in the Tank

Indian almond leaves may help create an environment that mimics the natural habitat of bettas, making them more comfortable in the tank. Plus, their antibacterial and antifungal properties may prevent infections and diseases.

FAQs

Can Cory Catfish Eat Betta Food?

Corys are practically scavengers and often referred to as bottom-cleaners, so they will eat pretty much everything in the tank, including betta food. However, they also need a balanced diet containing the right amounts of animal protein and vegetation like algae.

Do Cory Catfish Eat Betta Poop?

No, corys don’t eat betta poop. Since they often dig through the substrate to find food, they end up burying the poop, which may give an illusion that they have consumed it.

Final Thoughts

We hope that we could help you understand if you can keep corydoras catfish together.

Female bettas are said to be less aggressive than males, so you may want to consider them for your bettas. But even then, make sure that you observe their temperament and provide the required space and nutrition for both.

We will see you next time. Goodbye!

Best Betta Fish Treats (Enhancing Color and Maximizing Growth)

Do your betta fish look sluggish and are unable to display their bright colors?

Maybe it’s time to change their diet and add a healthy mixture of proteins, nutrients, and minerals. The best way to do this is to give them treats from time to time so that they are happy.

These treats could be live food or even homemade recipes provided that you add the correct ingredients. So, today we will discuss betta fish treats to help you chart a proper diet.

Do Betta Fish Need Treat?

Betta fish do need treats if you want to keep them healthy and happy. It’s important to remember that they never lose their wild traits completely and normally feed on the surface of the water, scooping up live food.

By mimicking their natural habits and adding treats to the water, you can ensure that they get regular exercise.

What Are The Best Treats (Or Snacks) For Betta Fish?

Frozen Brine Shrimp And Bloodworms

When charting out your betta fish’s diet, you must include foods that are rich in proteins. While most fish owners might be skeptical about feeding them frozen food, freeze-dried brine shrimp are extremely nutritious.

Similarly, bloodworms are a rich food source that the betta fish may enjoy. Moreover, bloodworms and frozen brine shrimp contain essential minerals like iron which many live foods lack.

So, remember to include tiny portions of these treats as part of their main diet, and the fish should be fine.

Live Food

In the wild, betta eats mostly live prey. There are tons of live food options out there but not all will get you that perfect glowing color. I have listed some great choices below.

Blackworms

Coming to live foods, betta fish love to eat blackworms, although it may not be the first choice for aquarists. But you might want to reconsider your options, given that they are rich in nutrients and crucial for a healthy diet.

Moving on, thanks to the nutrients found in blackworms, feeding them may improve the betta’s color and growth. That said, betta fish can eat a lot if you give them the opportunity, so make sure you don’t include blackworms for every meal.

Daphnia

Daphnia is perfect if you are looking to add protein and fiber to the betta fish’s diet. What’s more, people who feed their fish pellets and flakes will benefit from this live food as it may clear their digestive system.

In short, it may keep the fish healthy but what’s even better is that it’s a readily available food source found in most LFS in your area.

Buy from Amazon: 500+ Live Daphnia Magna

Live Mysis Shrimp

Compared to frozen brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp are full of fiber which may improve the betta fish’s digestion. The fascinating thing is that even fussy betta fish that are hard to feed usually love eating these shrimp.

Other than that, Mysis shrimp don’t have a lot of fat and are suitable as a source of roughage.

Things To Remember When Feeding Your Betta Live Food

Even though feeding betta fish live food is healthy, there are certain things that you need to be aware of.

For instance, where you buy live food is crucial because they often contain bacteria and parasites. If the fish consume these, it may get sick, so you need to find a reputable seller.

Also, make sure that the live food doesn’t contain chemicals like pesticides as it could poison betta fish. That’s why most people grow or breed their own food to be absolutely sure that it’s free of impurities.

Homemade Betta Fish Treats Recipe

In case you can’t trust the quality of the live food, it would be best to make any of the following homemade recipes:

Meat-Free Food

For a meat-free diet, you need to mix ingredients like ground corn, ground soybeans, and whole wheat flour. Then, add some garlic powder, four eggs, azomite, and half a cup of dehydrated milk before mixing the paste thoroughly.

Proceed to place the mixture in an oven at 180 degrees Fahrenheit; after 2.5 hours, it will crumble into little pieces – ready for use.

Seafood

It’s natural for fish to like seafood, so you will have to collect cod, muscles, raw shrimp, tuna, clams, and scallops. You can even include some Mysis shrimp and nori before cutting up all the ingredients into little chunks.

Add the small chunks, some broccoli stock, unsweetened gelatin, and 3/4ths of Kent marine garlic in a blender to create a paste. Finally, place the mixture in an ice cube tray and use the cubes for feeding the fish.

Nutrient Burst

This recipe consists primarily of vegetables and fruits, such as oranges, broccoli, carrots, apples, and lettuce. Along with that, you can add shrimp, crab legs, and yams before using the blender to turn the ingredients into a paste.

If the mixture is too thick, you may add some water to the pan, following which pour some gelatine into it. You can either pour the resultant slushy liquid into an ice cube tray or place the pan into the freezer.

Once the solution sets, break up the ice cubes and drop little bits into the tank for the fish.

How Often Should You Feed Betta Fish Treats?

The worst thing you can do is overfeed betta fish; that’s why you should give them treats only once or twice a week. Remember that this is not their primary diet and is good in small quantities to improve their health.

Final Thoughts

That’s about it when it comes to giving your betta fish treats; hopefully, our guide was able to clear your queries.

If you can’t breed live food, contact reliable sources to purchase premium-quality worms, shrimps, or plants. This will help your betta live longer and display gorgeous colors to brighten up the aquarium.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below, and keep an eye out for more interesting articles. See you!

Fat Betta Fish: Why is My Betta Fish SO Fat?

Has your betta fish gained more weight accompanied by a loss of appetite?

While it’s not uncommon, betta fish gaining weight could mean a lot of things. It could be that it’s a female fish ready to lay eggs, or perhaps you gave it too much to eat.

However, fat betta fish may be afflicted with tumors or dropsy, so you need to be vigilant. That’s why, in today’s guide, we will be discussing all the things related to betta fish and weight gain to help you.

Can Betta Fish Get Fat?

Betta fish are usually small, so you wouldn’t expect them to be fat. But contrary to popular opinion, betta fish can get fat if they don’t receive the right amount of care.

There could be several reasons why betta fish may gain weight or look bloated. If you are lucky, it may be a simple case of feeding them too much, which you can easily rectify.

That said, weight gain often results from diseases like dropsy or tumor, meaning you need to be watchful.

What Does A Fat Betta Fish Look Like?

It is crucial to know what fat betta fish look like so that you can quickly prevent the onset of any disease. Since these are small fish, it’s easy to identify if they look different.

When viewed from above, betta fish will have a slightly rounded and plump stomach, which may result from overfeeding. But if you are careful, they will return to their original size by the next feeding session.

However, bulging or abnormally overweight betta fish may be suffering from certain diseases.

Why Is My Betta Fish Getting Fat Belly?

So, what are the reasons for a betta fish to gain weight? We have shortlisted some of the most common causes why your betta fish may have put on extra pounds.

Overfeeding

It’s always suggested that given their small size, keeping betta fish on a nutrient-rich diet may lead to weight gain. Similarly, having sufficient fibers in their meals is necessary to keep the fish healthy.

Foods with a high concentration of nutrients break down quickly and don’t allow enough time for the fish to empty their stomach. This is a common problem, especially if you are a budding aquarist and are unsure about the quantity and variety of a healthy diet.

Bloating From Dropsy

Sometimes bloating may result from dropsy, so there are certain tell-tale signs you should know about for easy identification. Dropsy is characterized by elongated fins that look like pine cones. Not to mention, the fish may lose their color and develop clamped fins with a swim bladder disorder.

There are several causes of the disease, including imperfect water conditions, parasites or bacteria, and overfeeding. If not treated quickly, it may affect the major organs of the fish, leading to its loss of life.

Tumor

Unknown to many, betta fish may develop tumors, although it is a rare disorder. You can usually tell by their large and bloated belly, which is out of the ordinary with a visible lump on one side.

What’s more, asymmetrical bloating may point to the fact that there is an internal tumor. Now, there could be several causes for a tumor, such as poor water conditions, genetic traits, and improper diet.

The best thing to do would be to consult a vet, as in most cases, tumors are benign.

Pregnant Female Betta

If none of the above reasons hold weight, it could be that the female betta fish is pregnant. Naturally, the fish develop a large belly to carry eggs till they are ready to lay the cluster in a suitable spot.

Given that betta fish can lay between 100 and 150 eggs, it is no surprise that the females develop a big belly. Now, let’s look at how you will determine whether the fish is pregnant or just fat.

Is My Betta Fish Pregnant Or Fat?

To solve the mystery, you need to confirm whether it is indeed a female fish and secondly if it’s healthy. One surefire way to identify a pregnant female is if she has white vertical stripes along with a white tube on the underside of her belly.

In some cases, it’s a dot instead of a tube situated at the point where the eggs will come out. Once you confirm that the female is about to lay eggs, it would be best to plan how to deal with the fry.

FAQs

Are Betta Fish Supposed To Be Fat?

Most people believe that betta fish should be skinny, but the reality is that they can be fat. You need to make sure that you provide them with a healthy diet and maintain the right water conditions so that the fish can thrive.

That said, if you notice an unnatural change in weight, don’t waste time consulting a vet. Even though they can gain a little weight, their overall body fat should not be more than 5%.

How Big Is A Betta Fish Stomach?

The stomach of a betta fish should not be bigger than its eyeballs, and you must feed it a similar amount of food to promote good health. So, to ensure that the fish are well fed without them turning overweight, you need to feed them twice a day, rather than all at once.

Conclusion

Are you confident that you can take care of betta fish better?

When owning an aquarium, you need to recreate the natural habitat of the fish as closely as possible. Also, ensure that they are not stressed and prevent sudden changes to the fish tank or its surroundings.

In case you notice that their belly is bulging for no apparent reason, take action immediately.

That’s it for now, see you soon with another informative guide!

Why Is My Betta Fish Hiding? (What Should I Do Next?)

The feisty Siamese Fighting fish, also known as Betta fish, can sometimes be a shy species that like to hide under rocks and inside caves.

Some may argue that they are cautious creatures who are planning their next attack in stealth mode. And yet, other aquarists may say that an unusually timid Betta is distressed or feeling threatened.

With so many possibilities, it doesn’t come as a surprise that many concerned pet owners are often left wondering, “Why is my Betta fish hiding?” Fortunately, a few signs may help determine if a hiding Betta is a cause for concern. Read on to find out what they are.

Is It Normal For A Betta Fish To Hide?

Betta fish often come up to the surface to breathe in atmospheric air, so it is unlikely that the fish will hide at the bottom for long hours. At the same time, even perfectly normal Betta fish may hide in the corner of the tank or behind aquarium decor to have some time to themselves.

The key in differentiating whether the hiding behavior is normal or not is to monitor their day-to-day activities.

For instance, notice whether your Betta only started hiding after you brought in new tank mates or shifted its home. Or perhaps, it always had a shy personality, but lately, it has been hiding all day.

And if you suspect that your Betta has indeed been acting strange, consider making some changes around the fish tank to encourage the fish to come out.

Why Does My Betta Fish Hide? (The Potential Causes)

Poor Water Quality

Usually, a Betta will seek refuge behind a plant or inside the caves designated for hiding purposes. However, if you find your Betta squeezed behind the filter unit, the problem may lie in the tank’s water parameters.

That said, clean water is usually concentrated around the filter, and the Betta may be lurking here to avoid the poor water conditions in the rest of the tank. Or perhaps, the water is too cold for this tropical fish, which feels more comfortable behind heater units.

What To Do

For starters, you need a water testing kit to check the water parameters and diagnose the problem. Ideally, the nitrite and ammonia levels should be at zero ppm.

And if you find a high quantity of these contaminants in the water, you should consider changing the tank water more frequently and investing in a better filtration system. If not, your fish may succumb to ammonia or nitrite poisoning, which are most identifiable by red or black spots around the body.

As for water temperature, ensure that it stays between 75 and 80 degrees F.

LED Lights Too Bright

Betta fish are native to the paddy fields, ponds, marshes, and other murky waters of Southeast Asia. And as any fishkeeper knows, you must replicate its natural surroundings in all aspects, including the lighting conditions.

That said, the lighting in the tank may be too high for your Betta, which usually thrives in a dim environment shrouded by mud and vegetation.

What To Do

Try lowering the brightness and notice if the Betta fish comes out of its hiding place. Alternatively, you can place floating plants to block out the light. However, be careful not to block the entire surface as Betta fish often come up to breathe in surface air.

Filter Current Too Strong

Betta fish are lazy and bad swimmers that don’t particularly enjoy swimming against the current, even in the wild. That said, a Betta hovering around the bottom of the tank or stationed in dead spots, particularly behind aquarium decor, could be avoiding an aggressive current.

What To Do:

The quickest solution is to turn down the settings but that may compromise the filter’s cleaning ability. So, instead, you may invest in a new adjustable filter or a pre-filter sponge that you can attach to the old system.

You may want to know: Is The Filter Too Strong for Betta? (3 Ways to Fix It)

Limited Hiding Spaces

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In the wild, Bettas are usually found in waters with plenty of hiding spaces and visual barriers to keep them hidden from predators. And while Bettas do enjoy swimming around freely from time to time, a tank full of hiding holes may help them feel more secure.

What To Do

Consider adding rocks and plants, such as Java fern and Betta bulbs to the tank. Not only do aquarium decor provide new hideaways for your Betta, but they also serve an aesthetic purpose while controlling the filter current.

Is It A New Tank?

Not just Bettas – any fish may show signs of skittishness when you first introduce them to a new tank. While some curious fish may instantly feel at home and happily explore their surroundings, the notoriously cautious Betta may take time to fit in.

What To Do

All you can do is wait for your Betta to get acquainted with its new environment and come out of hiding when it feels ready. In the meantime, keep checking the tank parameters and maintain optimal water conditions to allow the Betta to feel at home as soon as possible.

Injury Or Sickness

Bettas in the wild often attempt to camouflage themselves behind vegetation and among murky waters to stay hidden from predators. This survival instinct kicks in especially when they are injured or suffering from sickness – and therefore, ill-equipped to defend themselves.

What To Do

A Betta that is sick or injured will often refrain from eating and show other signs of distress, such as discoloration and lethargy.

In case of any visible injuries, add some API stress coat to help with the pain. For illnesses, you first have to diagnose the disease and follow the treatment accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Perhaps you have just introduced your Betta to its new home or tankmates.

That said, a hiding Betta may simply be cautious about the changes in its life. Moreover, Bettas are not the most social fish and tend to attack others of their own kind – whether a male or a female Betta.

However, if your Betta has lost its appetite or appears unusually lethargic, something fishier may be going on. So, don’t forget to check the tank parameters daily and keep a close watch on your pet.

Indeed, there’s no other way to know whether it is hiding from danger or playing a game of hide-and-seek!

How Many Female Bettas In A 10 Gallon Tank?

Bettas or the Siamese fighting fish are one of the most common aquarium fishes found worldwide.

These small fishes tend to be quite colorful, and because of their easy availability, they have become a popular starter fish for budding aquarists. However, as a fighting fish, the chasing and nipping behavior of Bettas is also quite evident and makes people worried about keeping them in community or sorority tanks.

Hence, this guide will answer the burning question “how many female Bettas in a 10 gallon tank?” to help take better care of these feisty fishes.

How Many Female Bettas In A 10 Gallon Tank?

One of the typical tank sizes found in fish stores is the 10 gallon variant. It may seem large enough to accommodate multiple female Bettas, but don’t make that mistake.

When kept in a group, female Bettas need a lot of space, so a 10 gallon tank would fall short for even a couple of them. Hence, if you plan on getting the 10 gallon tank, think about including a single female Betta along with a snail or a few shrimps.

The best tank mates for a single female Betta include Apple snails and Turret snails, Ghost shrimps, and Amano shrimps. Remember to keep an eye on these creatures after introducing them to a tank with Bettas.

Female Betta Sorority Tank Setup

Female Betta Sorority Tank Size

The minimum tank size to choose for setting up a female Betta sorority is at least 30 gallons. However, going for a larger tank works out better to maintain the parameters of the aquarium.

In a 30 gallon tank, you can keep about three to four female Bettas, and never more than five at a time. Overcrowding in a tank may lead to chasing and nipping behavior in the group, which is undesirable.

How Many Female Bettas Can I Keep In A Sorority Tank?

Well, technically, if you have a large enough tank for accommodating a lot of Bettas, there’s a scope to create a large sorority. But, it’s best to stick with a group of six to eight Bettas as it’s easier to keep an eye on the fishes.

Moreover, it’s much easier to manage a 50 gallon tank to accommodate the six to eight female Bettas. And, adding too many can often lead to aggressive behavior in the group.

If you’re looking to introduce the female Bettas into a community tank, adding four or five fishes is preferable to maintain a balance.

Heavily Planted & Decorated

While styling a Betta tank, another aspect to keep in mind is to provide as much cover as possible. You can add rocks, driftwood, and live plants to the tank. These crevices would let the Bettas hide if there’s a bully and cut down on any emerging conflicts.

Try to break up the eyeline of the Bettas while adding decor to the tank. The simplest way to do this is by adding pieces in such a way that the entire back of the tank isn’t visible from the front.

Having said that, it’s also necessary to make sure that the covers aren’t placed so that the Bettas get trapped.

The Younger The Better

While creating a sorority, it’s better to choose Bettas that are younger and smaller. As young Bettas tend to be less aggressive, they will have a longer time acclimatizing with the tank mates.

And, when you move the female Bettas to a bigger tank, they won’t show chasing and nipping behavior. However, while getting young Bettas, you need to ensure that the fish isn’t a male.

Accidentally, adding a male to the group can lead to more aggression, especially when trying to create a sorority. Also, both sexes should only come together during intentional mating.

Add ALL Bettas At The Same Time

When you’re establishing the sorority tank, don’t add the female Bettas in intervals. Instead, introduce all of them to the tank at the same time to give the fish time to get used to each other.

If you suddenly introduce a new female into the tank, the older Bettas can gang up for bullying, and it may cause damage to the fins of the new fish.

Don’t Introduce Female Bettas That Have Been Housed Alone

A common mistake made by new aquarists is to introduce a single Betta into a group tank. If prior to this, the Betta had been kept alone in a tank, it would be tough for it to survive in a sorority.

Apart from taking time in acclimatizing, the fish would also face bullying while searching for its territory. Moreover, as the lone fish comes from an entirely different tank, it may carry some disease or a parasite.

Consider The Personalities

What most people fail to understand is that even fishes have personalities just like any other pet. And even though aggression is common between Bettas, it quickly subsides when each fish has acclimatized to the tank. That’s why it’s crucial only to introduce the Bettas in a new tank when a cycle has been completed.

Nevertheless, if you can, try to observe the Bettas in the store and pick the fish that appear calm. But, that isn’t a sure-shot way of deciding on the personality of Bettas.

So, it’s best to spend two weeks observing how the female Bettas are putting up in the group and to take out any fish that behaves too aggressively.

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Final Thoughts

We hope that the guide will help you figure out the right tank size for setting up a sorority for female Bettas. For amateur aquarists setting up the tank, it may take some time before you get a group of thriving female Bettas.

Just be a little careful while feeding the Bettas, so there isn’t much aggression like chasing and nipping during eating. Also, have an eye on the growth of the Bettas, and change the tank size if needed.

Finally, if you’re still unable to choose the right tank size, do let us know for further help.

Brine Shrimp For Bettas (Freeze-Dried vs. Live)

Do you want your betta fish to display vibrant colors and live healthy lives?

All you need to do is clean the tank, choose suitable mates, and provide them with the right food. The latter is particularly essential; that’s why in today’s guide, we’ll discuss the importance of brine shrimp as a suitable food source.

Now, you might be wondering whether brine shrimp for Betta will help them lay eggs and stay healthy? Let’s find out.

Is Brine Shrimp Good For Bettas?

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Brine shrimp may be an excellent food source for bettas, provided you keep them on a varied diet. For the fish to live long, healthy lives and display vibrant colors, you may feed them brine shrimp in any form.

Not to mention, these shrimp species have more nutrients than regular frozen or dry fish food, thereby proving beneficial for the fry.

Does Brine Shrimp Help With Bettas Constipation?

If you find that the fish appear bloated or are producing stringy feces, it may be a sign of constipation of your betta. Luckily, it is easily solvable with a little change to the diet.

Now, brine shrimp fall under chitinous foods that have high-fiber content and may act as a laxative. Until the fish recover, you should maintain this diet and provide them with live shrimp from time to time.

Freeze-Dried & Frozen Brine Shrimp For Bettas?

Freeze-dried brine shrimp are rich in proteins and could act as a vital source of additional supplements. But they can never constitute the main diet of bettas.

What’s more, if you purchase frozen brine shrimp, remember that they may break up into little cubes or disintegrate into powder, thereby proving useful while feeding the fish. Rest assured, it won’t affect their quality but try to prepare a varied diet plan to keep the fish healthy.

How Much Should I Feed My Betta Fish Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp?

You won’t need a large stock of freeze-dried brine shrimp because betta fish are small, and overfeeding may prove detrimental to their health. We recommend feeding ½ or 1/3rd of a cube per fish, depending on the number of tank mates.

The best way to gauge the correct amount is to observe. If the fish eat everything, add a tiny bit more to see if they are still hungry.

On the other hand, if a certain amount lies untouched, consider feeding them less.

How To Feed Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp To Bettas?

You should store the freeze-dried brine shrimp in the cooler and pop one frozen cube for feeding purposes. Place the cube in a plastic bag and lightly hammer it into little pieces or crumbs.

Next, pick up the required portion with a toothpick and directly feed the fish, or you can wiggle it around in the water to further break it down. If the baby fish like it, they will search for tiny bits and gobble them up.

Live Brine Shrimp For Bettas?

It’s always a good idea to feed your betta live foods like brine shrimp, which are great at supplementing their diet. However, you should only use these in moderation so as not to overdo it!

Can I Feed My Betta Live Brine Shrimp?

Betta fish are carnivores, and to keep them healthy, you can feed them live brine shrimp without any hassle. Live food keeps the fish’s natural instincts alive; not to mention, they are rich in proteins and fibers.

That said, do remember to include them sparingly, as they are a great supplementary food source but may not be suitable as the main food item.

How Often/Much Should I Feed My Betta Fish Live Brine Shrimp?

Since bettas are small fish, you should not feed them live brine shrimp more than two or three times every week. Moreover, include other food sources to keep them healthy, as having a brine shrimp staple diet may not be the best idea.

The best way to judge their appetite would be to add one or two shrimp to the tank and see how the fish respond.

How To Feed Betta Live Brine Shrimp?

Cultivating brine shrimp is difficult as they need salt water to survive. Also, you can feed the Betta fish only five or six at a time.

So, it would be best to catch them with a net, rinse them, and add the necessary number of shrimp to the tank. Place the rest back in a shallow pot of saltwater and keep them disease-free.

FAQs:

Can I Feed My Betta Brine Shrimp Every Day?

You can feed betta fish brine shrimp every day, provided they are frozen or freeze-dried. If you choose to include live betta fish, ensure that you don’t feed them more than five to six per week.

But when it comes to the former, you can feed them two to three times every day. However, each portion should be less than the size of their eyeballs.

Can I Feed My Fish Only Brine Shrimp Or Bloodworms?

While brine shrimp and bloodworms form an essential part of your betta fish’s diet, we recommend including various foods for their overall well-being. Both these food sources are great as supplements, thanks to their rich protein and high fiber content.

However, brine shrimp and bloodworms are good in small quantities.

Brine Shrimp Vs. Bloodworms For Betta

It’s challenging to distinguish between brine shrimp and bloodworms as both have their advantages. Some aquarists prefer the former as it may prevent constipation and reduce the chances of bloating.

On the other hand, bloodworms are easier to feed and contain essential proteins that may prove beneficial.

Final Thoughts

Are you convinced about the benefits of brine shrimp? Hopefully, you’ll include them as part of the betta fish’s diet.

It would be best to let the fish decide what they want to eat, so add tiny portions of nutritious food and observe what they like. Rest assured, with the right amount of care and a proper diet in place, your betta fish will live out their lives in harmony and lay many eggs.

Best Betta Tank Mates in a 10 Gallon Tank

The betta, or Siamese fighting fish, is a beautiful but solitary creature. Male Bettas, in particular, can be very aggressive and nippy with other males when they feel threatened in a small tank. However, did you know you can put him into a community tank or find some tank mates to keep him company? The answer is maybe. It’s all depending on your little guy’s personality and the tank size. Yes, betta fish has the temperament and needs space.

You MUST get at least a 10-gallon tank with live plants and lots of cover for a betta fish if you plan on adding anyone to his tank. With a 10-gallon betta fish tank, the best choice is shrimp and snails. We also recommend 20 gallons long or more for a betta community tank.

Wondering what can live with betta fish? Here’s our top list of excellent tank mates for betta fish in a 10-gallon tank.

Best Betta Tank Mates in a 10 Gallon Tank

First things first:

Your betta fish is not lonely. Unlike puppies or corys, they are not schooling fish, and they prefer living alone.
Knowing your betta’s personality as much as you can before getting other tank mates in his tank. Some are more aggressive, and some can be quite docile.
When it comes to Bettas, the fins are what makes them so beautiful. Their large flowing tails may get damaged if you house them in a tank containing aggressive fish with more intense swimming behavior, like cichlids.
It’s also important to learn the needs of each species like tank size, temperature, and diet.

Cory Catfish

Want to keep your betta’s tank peaceful? Get the cory catfish, or Corydoras! These fish are so happy-go-lucky and easy for beginners. They’ll spend their time on the bottom, out of your betta’s way. The best part? These little guys are full of personality and often help keep your tank clean by eating that leftover food from your betta.

Varying according to species, the average size of a cory catfish is usually around from about 1 inch to over 4 inches long. However, the older females will regularly reach more than 3 inches in length in the aquarium hobby.

Author note: For a 10-gallon tank, the smallest pygmy cory catfish species are perfect since they stay very small and have an average length of an inch.

The Corydoras is a peaceful schooling fish that should gladly be the school in groups of five or six. Corydoras have wispy whiskers to help them find food, so they prefer smooth sand and gravel. When you’re thinking about adding pygmy corys to your tank, put them in before or at the same time as the betta.

A word of caution: Make sure your tank is covered because corys have a habit of jumping up for air or food.

Ember Tetra

Is there any way Ember Tetras can live with a betta fish in a 10-gallon tank? The answer to the question is maybe. It largely depends on the betta’s type and personality. The main risk of housing bettas with tetras is whether the tetra will nip at the betta’s fins, especially Halfmoon bettas. There is a chance the betta will be more aggressive and kill the Ember Tetras, and they will completely destroy his fins.

A female betta fish that displays less aggressive behavior can get along with Ember Tetras in a heavily planted tank. Like corys, Ember Tetra is a docile schooling fish that should be kept in groups of six or more. You need to maintain a wary watch for their interactions and a backup option is necessary if it doesn’t work out.

Shrimp and Bettas

Believe it or not, shrimps are the best tank mates for betta fish in a ten-gallon tank. In most cases, bettas and shrimps will be able to live together peacefully. But of course, it depends on the temperament of your betta! There are three common types of shrimp to house your betta with.

Ghost Shrimp and Bettas

Ghost Shrimp, also called Glass Shrimp, are aptly known for their clear coloration, making them hard to spot and seem invisible, just like a ghost! With their frenetic food-searching behavior, they are a fun addition to your betta’s tank.

Ghost shrimp are pretty small invertebrates, reaching a maximum size that can be as small as 2″, which reduces the chances that your betta fish will eat ghost shrimps.

When keeping ghost shrimp with a betta fish, you should do it in a group of 2-4. Less than or more is not ideal.

Cherry Shrimp and Bettas

The cherry shrimp are also highly recommended by aquarists everywhere for their hardiness and personality, making them popular among aquarium enthusiasts!

Their small size and bright red color make them stand out against the tank that’s filled with live plants and black gravel or substrate. Just because of this, it’s a little risk that keeps cherry shrimp with a betta fish in a ten-gallon tank – they might be the prime targets for some bettas.

Unless your tank is very heavily planted and has lots of hiding places, then chances are your cherry shrimp will be eaten by bettas.

Amano Shrimp And Bettas

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The Amano Shrimp, also known as the Japanese Swamp Shrimp, is a peaceful freshwater aquarium inhabitant that eats algae. Its popularity has been growing recently because of how well it does in captivity with other species; the betta fish is no exception.

Unlike the cherry shrimp, these guys are not brightly colored. Amano shrimps have a grey coloration with stripes and dots running along their sides. A full grown Amano Shrimp can reach upwards of two inches in length, the biggest shrimp out here. You’ll never have a worry about your Amano shrimp being eaten by bettas because of their large size.

The best part is Amano Shrimp are renowned for eating algae; sometimes, they are considered the best algae eater for a 10-gallon betta tank. But that doesn’t mean they can live on only the algae in the aquarium. The sinking pellets will keep your Amanos happy and healthy!

Snails and Bettas

If you don’t hate aquatic snails, they can be great tank mates for bettas in ten gallons tanks. You can find a variety of exciting and exotic-looking breeds to add to your tank. In most cases, adding a snail or two to your aquarium will not bother the betta or make it aggressive, but this always depends on your betta’s personality and the type of snails. Let’s take a look at the best options:

Nerite Snails (Best Choice)

Nerites make great beginner aquarium pets because they require little maintenance while still having fascinating behavior patterns, which will keep even avid hobbyists entertained with their antics from time to time.

Nerite snails will reach up to 1 inch if kept healthy. A multitude of different species can be found in pet stores today, including Zebra, Tiger, Olive and Horned. There are a variety of Nerite Snail colors, including striped ones that can have dark green or black ridges.

Like the Amano Shrimp, Nerites have a reputation for being outstanding and efficient cleaning aides with their natural talent at algae eating and any free-floating critters that come along. However, you need to be a little bit more careful because their favorite pH is slightly alkaline than bettas. But as long as temperature and PH levels stay stable, these snails will thrive!

Mystery Snails

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There is nothing more intriguing and stunning than the beautiful colors of a mystery snail as well as their practical benefits. Not only do they make your tank cleaner by snacking on algae throughout the day, but their darting and chasing motions help keep everything else alive too!

Mystery snails are completely peaceful in behavior and temperament, which is exactly what you would expect for a betta’s tank mates. Another biggest advantage to adding a mystery snail to your betta fish tank is that they feed on algae and fish flakes. This means less waste for you, which in turn is a good, healthy betta fish tank!

Don’t get confused between mystery snails and some apple snails species. Technically, all mystery snails are apple snails, but mystery snails are smaller. Mystery snails have an average size of 2 inches when fully grown. What’s more, apple snails are not algae eaters.

Author note: Depending on the species, the most common apple snails can reach a huge size (as large as a softball). They are not suitable for a 10-gallon betta fish tank.

FAQs:

Can I put a Kuhli Loach with betta fish in a 10-gallon tank?

Unfortunately, Kohli Loach will grow between 3-4 inches and must be kept in groups of 6 or more groups. A ten-gallon tank is too small for Kuhlis and a betta fish. I would strongly recommend at least a 20-gallon long tank.

Can dwarf gouramis live in a 10-gallon betta tank?

Bettas and gouramis come from the same Anabantidae family and are also pretty territorial in nature. They will turn at any time and fight for the same territory in a 10-gallon tank. I always advise against keeping a betta fish with another labyrinth fish in any smaller than a 30-gallon tank.

Can I keep African Dwarf Frogs and a Betta fish in a 10-gallon tank?

It mostly depends on the temperament of your betta. The betta fish would go down and steal the frogs’ food, which it’s potential aggression.

Bottom line

If you’re looking for tank mates for bettas in a ten-gallon tank, consider shrimps and snails instead of fish, as they are much less likely to provoke aggression. Always watch for your betta’s interaction and have a backup plan!

We’d love to hear more about your experiences and add them to the list.

Good luck!