Will it affect the life span of a Betta if i have other fish with it?

Answer 1

Betta's are an often misunderstood fish. They are only aggressive toward their own kind, or fish that look too closely like it. They can certainly be kept with many types of fish and live their full, thriving life span. Admittedly, you may come across the odd betta that shows unusual aggression, but this is not the norm. They do better in a properly filtered and heated tank with peaceful tankmates then stuffed into a tiny dirty bowl.

How can I know this for sure? My current betta is over 3 years old and thriving in a planted 15 gallon tank with cardinal tetras and corydora catfish and he keeps to himself and is very active.

When choosing tankmates:

Avoid fish known to be fin nippers, like most barbs and feisty tetras like serpaes and black widows.

Avoid fish known for being territorial, like cichlids, chinese algae eaters, and many gouramis.

Avoid fish that look similar to the betta, and those with large, flashy fins.

Also keep in mind that bettas are most secure in tighter spaces. While most people figure this is a good reason to stuff them into a bowl, its actually a good reason why to put them into a tank, and then supply plenty of plants (real or fake) for security. The plants will also block the line of sight from one end of the tank to the other, encouraging the betta to move around and explore more.

Answer 2

Ok everyone seems to have missed a big point here. It dpends on the tank. If you are still talking about a beta bowl, the there may not be enough clean water for all fish.
If you are putting it in a larger tank this problems is lessened. Everyone looks at the aggression issues, but misses issues that may be caused by amonia build up. If u use at least a 10 gallon tank there are some goo choices. Stay away from gourami, other fights and barbs, possibly danios, depends. Neon and cardinal tetra are good choices, cory catfish are also a good choice. If u have few other fish and at least 10-15 gallons you can put in a crayfish, though you need to watch this carefully. I had this set up for years. The beta lived at the top, as betas often do, and the cray cr walked mostly at the bottom as the chief scavenger, just watch them. ;)

Answer 3

I have a betta in all three of my tanks....the only problem is the tank with large Koi Angel fish ....I have tried two different Betta's in this tank and both have had aggression towards the Angels...I guess they look to much like Betta's. Otherwise Bettas seem to enjoy the community tanks life....I have also heard that Bettas can live up to 10 years in a large tank where they can build up their muscle tone and swim freely.

Answer 4

Coming from a Betta owner, as long as the other fish aren't agressive and don't have flowy fins, they SHOULD be fine and not affect the lifespan of the betta.

However, Bettas are fragile fish in a community tank and don't take well to being bossed around and stressed out.

They get their name of fighting fish as they fight each other - or anothing that kinda looks like another betta - so basically anything brightly coloured with long, flowy fins.

Answer 5

depends on the aggretion of your betta and the other fish cause its a fighter and all lol but it shoudlent change the life span if its healthe and stuf

Answer 6

I will have to agree with Ghapy on this one. Betta's are very peaceful fish when they are placed with other peaceful species. Your fish should live a long life in the proper tank with a heater. I have mine in a 36 gallon Tank and he does great with the big tank and with his tankmates which include swordtails, platies, barbs, neon and bleeding heart tetras, dwarf rainbows, corydoras, and even a kissing fish. Alot of people are misinformed about them, example some of the answers above Ghapy.

Answer 7

Betta requires a very different environment compared to other fish. There are a few reasons for their incompatibility:

(1) Bettas are territorial. They may attack other species of fishes in the same aquarium. If the other fishes retaliate, you get a fish fight. Betta could get hurt (usually causing damage to their beautiful fins).

(2) Bettas, unlike other fish do not live well in deep tanks. Ideally, the depth of water should not be more than 6 inches. If you ever notice, they frequently blow air bubbles by coming to the surface of the water. This is because bettas can breath through their gills as well as lungs. They can gasp air from the water surface - reason for them to be hardy even in a small containter without filter. It is not particularly torturing for the bettas to continue their 'blow bubble' habits, but especially if your bettas spawn, keep the water level no deeper than 4 inches. The male betta needs to constantly blow bubbles to keep the fries afloat.

(3) Most fishes, unlike bettas will not survive very well in shallow waters. If you are keeping a tank of small community fishes (such as tetras), they can be easily attacked by bettas. If you have an aquarium with fishes not swimming freely - it can be quite tense and uninteresting.

So... I feel it is better to keep your bettas in seperate containers. In that case, all will be happy.

Answer 8

depends on how clean the environment is my Betta is 3 yrs old

Answer 9

supposedly bettas - both male or females, are social and peaceful towards other fish.
if u had a male, don't add another male betta 'cause they'll fight... females aer ok together...
good luck

Answer 10

yes it will=your betta is a chinese fighting fish they do not do well with certain type of other fish check with the pet store. Other fish with betta will eat pick at the betta's pretty fins.
Betta like being hiding in plant roots, so if you get a glass container put marbles in the bottom and buy aquarium plant set it in the water with the betta and it should live for a long time keep the water clean