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Is a male betta a compatible tropical community fish?

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Is a male betta a compatible tropical community fish?

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Lacy Sheridan

Male bettas are compatible with other fish, but the other fish must be chosen carefully. A male betta can never be kept with any other brightly-colored fish or fish with long, flowing fins like bettas, and under no circumstances can they be kept with any sort of gouramis. They will attack fish like these and in many cases kill them. A betta must also be have at least 5 gallons to themselves to be comfortable, as they are very territorial and will get either aggressive or stressed without this, either of which could lead to trouble. 

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It’s probably not a good idea to add a betta to the fish you have in that tank. Depending on the betta it might work, but the fish you have listed are mostly aggressive to semi-aggressive fish and your betta will likely get picked on when he tries to defend his territory, which he will do as bettas are territorial. Despite their reputation as “killers” bettas really don’t have much in the way of defenses and their huge fins are a major handicap when it comes to taking on other aggressive fish. They may be tough enough when it comes to other bettas or guppies & the like, but your shark, kribs, angels and apistos could easily make mincemeat out of him.

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