What are good tank mates for male betta splendens?

Question

I know Neon Tetras are good, Ramshorn Mystery Snails and African Dwarf Frogs are alright (depending on the betta's attitude), but what else is acceptable to a betta to share the tank with? Are crabs ok? Any other frogs? What about turtles?

Answer 1

Crabs are out of the question, because they require salt water (even though some petstores sell them as freshwater crabs - they are either brackish or marine). Turtles would not be possible because they would eat the betta. The only other commonly available fully aquatic frog is the African Clawed Frog, and those would also eat the betta.
Anyway, bettas make fine additions to regular community tanks. That is, most livebearers (mollies, platies, endlers), most tetras (nippy or large tetras would be out the question - such as emperor, black skirt, buenos aires), community cichlids (kribensis, rams), glass catfish, rasboras, corydoras.

Answer 2

Fresh water crabs are dangerous to slow fish like betta. Turtles would likely eat betta. Neons are a mixed bag as some betta consider them small enough to be lunch. Cory cats, platty, molly.... Basically any fast, non showy finned, peaceful fish. No fancy guppy, gold fish, or angel fish. Avoid barbs and large tetras as they tend to fin nip. Avoid gourami as they are too betta like.

Answer 3

I think turtles may try to eat the betta. I once visited a page on the web: www.bettatalk.com and they had a lot of useful info. Maybe you should check it out if you haven't done this yet.

Answer 4

I've heard that algae eaters are great to put in with bettas. They aren't exactly the prettiest, but they'll keep your tank clean. My moms algae eater gets along fine with her male betta.

Answer 5

In addition to the post above, I will add platys as a good fish.