Neon tetras and bettas can live together. However, caution is always advised when adding a new fish to your tank. You may have heard that bettas are aggressive and neon tetras are fin nippers.
In the wild, both species coexist with each other in certain regions but they tend to stay away from one another in others. It’s important not to add too many fish at once or you will overstock your aquarium which could lead to low oxygen levels for all of your fish. Read on to find out more about how to safely keep tetras and bettas together.
Can Neon Tetras And Bettas Live Together?
Neon tetras and bettas can live together, however, not all neon tetras will be able to coexist with a betta. In the wild, both species tend to stay away from each other when there is more than one of either species in the area.
Neons are extremely small and have been known to get eaten by bettas. If you want to add a neon tetra to your betta’s tank, it is important to make sure that the tank is large enough and that there are plenty of hiding places for the tetra.
Aquarium Size
In order for neon tetras and bettas to live together peacefully, the aquarium size should be at least 10 gallons. If you have a smaller tank, you may be able to add one or two neon tetras but if you have a larger tank, you can add more.
When adding new fish to your tank, it is important to remember that you should only add a few fish at a time in order to avoid overstocking your tank.
Tank Decor
In order for both neon tetras and bettas to feel comfortable in the tank, it is important to provide plenty of hiding places. This can be done by adding plants, rocks, or driftwood to the tank. You should also make sure that there are plenty of areas where your fish can swim without being harassed by other fish.
Water Parameters
In order for neon tetras and bettas to live together peacefully, the water parameters should be similar for both species. The pH level should be between 6.5 and 7.5, the water temperature should be between 74 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and the water hardness should be between 5 and 19 dGH.
It is important to test the water parameters regularly and to make any necessary adjustments in order to keep your fish healthy.
Neon Tetra Behavior
In the wild, neon tetras are known to school together in large groups. This means that they will usually stay near the bottom of the tank and swim in unison. They are a timid species and will often hide when they are stressed or scared.
Betta Behavior
In the wild, bettas are known to be aggressive and territorial. They will often stake out a territory and aggressively defend it against other fish. Bettas are also known to be very curious and will often explore their surroundings.
Tips For Keeping Neon Tetras And Bettas Together
In order for neon tetras and bettas to live together peacefully, it is important to follow a few simple tips:
- Make sure the aquarium size is at least 10 gallons.
- Add plenty of hiding places for both fish.
- Keep the water parameters similar for both species.
- Make sure the pH level is between 6.5 and 7.5, the water temperature is between 74 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and the water hardness should be between 5 and 19 dGH.
- Add new fish to your tank in small numbers.
- Regularly test the water parameters and make adjustments as needed.
- Neon tetras are timid, so it’s important to make sure they don’t get stressed or scared when adding them to the betta’s tank.
- Bettas are curious and will often explore their surroundings. Make sure there are plenty of places for them to hide.
- If the betta is harassing the neon tetras, try adding more plants or decorations to the tank to give the tetras more places to hide.
- If the betta is still harassing the neon tetras, you may need to add another tank for the tetras.
Diet
Neon tetras will do best when they are fed a varied diet. They can eat flakes, freeze-dried bloodworms, and frozen brine shrimp.
Bettas will also do best when they are fed a varied diet. Some of their favorite foods include live or frozen brine shrimp or daphnia, live blackworms, live bloodworms, and frozen bloodworms.
Conclusion
Keeping neon tetras and bettas together is possible, however, caution should always be advised. You may have heard that bettas are aggressive and neon tetras are fin nippers. In order for these two species to live harmoniously in the same aquarium, you’ll need a bigger tank with plenty of hiding places for both fish.
Jenn Frazier
Aquarist & Writer 22+ Years