Betta fish are often perceived as some of the most popular types of fish that one could have. They are known for their long, flowing fins and vibrant colors.
On the other hand, neon tetras are a more common type of schooling fish that you may see in your local pet store. The two types of fish seem to be very different from each other, but can neon tetras live with bettas? This article intends to explore if it is possible for bettas and neons to live together peacefully or not.
Why Can Tetras Live With Bettas?
Neon tetras are generally very peaceful fish. They do not have spines, which would make them easier to swallow if they were to be eaten by another fish. Instead of having spines, the fins on their backs look like little sails that help them swim faster in the water. They also tend to be passive and will actually school with other friendly fish.
Betta fish are often considered the opposite of this– they have large, flowing fins that can easily be seen as some sort of danger to other fish. Rather than swimming gracefully in the water, bettas tend to be rather aggressive.
Temperament Of Tetras
Neon tetras are generally very passive fish that will not show aggression toward other fish in the tank. However, if they have been attacked or feel threatened, they will lash out and try to protect themselves.
One of the reasons why bettas can live with neons is because betta fish tend to be rather aggressive– so even though the neon tetra will swim away to protect itself, the betta fish is likely to leave it alone.
Similar Diet Of Tetras And Bettas
Another reason why bettas and neons can live together is because they have similar dietary requirements. It is actually very easy for these two types of fish to share the same environment because their needs are so similar.
Betta fish typically thrive on eating insects, worms, and other invertebrates– whereas neon tetras eat insect larvae, worms, and other invertebrates. The two types of fish also need to be fed pellets in order to get the proper nutrients that they need.
Betta fish are generally very territorial– which means that they defend their territory fiercely. They will not allow other fish into their area, which makes it easy for neons to co-exist because the neons are not entering the bettas’ area.
There is enough room for both of them, so they will live peacefully– but at the same time, it is easy for neon tetras to escape if any sort of danger arises. If you have neons in your tank with betta fish, there are no chances that either one of them will be harmed.
Tetras Are Bottom Dwellers
Tetras are bottom dwellers; bettas are top dwellers. Neon tetras like to live on the bottom of the tank, whereas betta fish tend to live towards the top. Since they prefer different areas of the aquarium, this means that their paths will not cross very often– which also means that there is no chance of conflict.
Tetras Are Very Active Fish
Neon tetras like to swim around and explore their surroundings. They are not sitting ducks, and if there is a threat they will flee. Since the bettas tend to be more bulky and slow-moving fish that do not like to leave the top of the tank very often, they won’t attack neon tetras.
One of the best ways to keep bettas and neons together is by having a large tank. A bigger environment will mean that there is more room for both types of fish.
Although betta fish are territorial, they generally find it easy to ignore their surroundings because they tend to keep to themselves. Tetras need space in order to be able to swim around and explore, so it is best to give them an environment that will allow this.
Neon tetras look very strange when they are swimming around with betta fish because there are two different colors– but the neons don’t seem to mind flying solo, and the bettas don’t notice at all. If you want to put neons in your betta tank, there shouldn’t be any problems. Just make sure that you have a large environment so they are able to explore without bumping into each other.
Conclusion
Overall, you should not have any problems keeping betta fish with neon tetras in the same tank. Both types of fish are safe around each other because they do not bother one another.
The neons are able to stay out of the bettas’ territory while still being part of a school, and the bettas are not worried about chasing them out of their area. The two types of fish can also thrive together because they have similar dietary requirements.
Jenn Frazier
Aquarist & Writer 22+ Years