Betta Imbellis - community fish?

[LuvaBetta]

I've got a new 20 gallon and was going to add Gouramis, but started thinking about the Imbellis instead. I've read where they're more peaceful and can be kept together, can they be kept with other fish also? Like tetras?

[Barbrella]

Yes, the beautiful betta Imbellis can be kept together, both males and females, and 20 gallons is a good size for them. They are peaceful for bettas - probably more peaceful than some types of gouramis - but they will flare and spar but mostly do no real damage.

I would put a lot of plants and hiding places in the tank. Not sure about the tetras, but maybe someone else can answer that!

[COBettaCouple]

I'd probably not put other fish in with them unless they were bottom dwellers like cories or otos. They would probably get pretty stressed to be in a tank with other roaming fish. I believe they're like the Mahachai in that they get along better with their own species, but are more likely than pet-store Bettas to be stressed by other fish. They'll probably be more timid around you and other people too and would love a big clump of java moss to hang out in.

[LuvaBetta]

There are some beauties out there, but I'm beginning to think that I'd be irresponsible to buy them as pets. And I don't want to get into breeding bettas - of any kind! Time-space-money not all coming together!

[COBettaCouple]

There are quite a number of Betta wild species that would make wonderful tank residents and breeding most is a job and a half, but a few of them, like the Mahachai, are relatively easy to breed once you have information on them. I hope we can get a new Mahachai breeding pair in time.