jj

Hi, Would a Betta get along ok in a tank with two Rainbow fish?

chickadee

Bettas are raised in cups and do not have contact with other fish unless you happen on a very good pet store that puts them in the tanks. They are, as a result, not sure at all that other fish have the right to occupy the same water that they are in. They are territorial and skittish with most fish and it seems that most of the fish that they do not bother think the betta's fins are open for nipping or chewing on. They need to have fish around them who are going to stay out of their way and not put themselves in harm's way.

Rainbowfish are quite a bit bigger than bettas and need to school so you would need several of them. It would be intimidating to a fish who has not been about others to be in a tank with fish (and a school of them) 1 1/2 to 2 times his size. He would more than likely be aggessive to bluff and blow or else depressed and inactive. (Yes bettas do get depressed)

Tank mates known to get along with bettas are Corydoras catfish or if the tank is smaller or you want a few Otocinclus catfish. I am going to put a betta into my tank with the Dwarf Loaches but it is going to be an experiment and I have another tank for him to go to if it does not work. The thing with putting bettas into a community or mixed species tank is every betta is different. you may get a lamb and he will accept almost any other tank mates or you may get the little demon who will kill everything you put into the tank and then again you may get the little guy who is so laid back that he lets the others nibble his fins to bits and ends up dying of a horrible infection in his fins. Bettas have such distinct personalities that you never know what you are getting until you get them home and into the tank. ALWAYS have a back-up plan and another container to use if the situation warrants it. Please never just put a betta in with other fish and walk away. They need supervision for a period of time and that will only be with luck that nothing happens one way or the other during the night while you are sleeping.

Rose

cherryrose

jj

Thanks for replying so quickly. I was 'curious'. I just keep looking at Betta's and wondering wether or not to buy one. I wont put it in with rainbows.

Nyquist05

I have 5 australian rainbows. and i had my betta in with them for awhile and they were all good. i guess its up to the betta.

Anthony,

suer

I tryed a betta in with my bows but I think it starved to death. Bettas are slow rainbows are very fast when it comes to feeding. I don't think my poor little betta ever got much food.

LetDiceFly

I strongly suggest if you want a betta get a 5 gallon tank just for him. Anything else is highly unpredictable and generally bad for the fish.