What fish can live with a betta?
Bettas can sometimes live with small peaceful schooling fish like neon tetras, ember tetras, corydoras catfish, kuhli loaches, and snails or shrimp (with risk). Avoid fin-nippers (tiger barbs, serpae tetras), bright or long-finned species that trigger aggression (male guppies, gouramis), and any fish that needs cold water (goldfish). Always 10 gallons minimum and heavily planted.
What fish can live with goldfish?
Goldfish are best kept with other goldfish of the same variety (oranda with oranda, ranchu with ranchu, fantail with fantail). Mixing fancy with single-tail goldfish leads to bullying. They can sometimes coexist with white cloud minnows, weather loaches (dojo loaches), and rosy barbs because all three tolerate cold water. Never with tropical fish — goldfish need 18-22°C while tropicals need 24-28°C.
Can male and female bettas live together?
Long-term cohabitation is risky. Males will kill females after breeding if not separated. Sororities of 5+ females in 20+ gallon heavily planted tanks can work but failure rate is 40-60%. Always have a backup tank ready for the loser.
What fish can live with cichlids?
Cichlids are best kept with same-region cichlids only. African Mbuna cichlids with other Mbuna, American cichlids with American cichlids. Bottom dwellers like Synodontis catfish (Africa) or plecos (America) can coexist if the tank is 75 gallons or larger. Never mix cichlids with timid fish — even dwarf cichlids will harass guppies and tetras.
Can guppies live with neon tetras?
Yes — this is one of the most popular community tank pairings. Both species prefer 24-26°C water, neutral pH (6.5-7.5), and gentle current. House guppies in 2 females per 1 male ratio (3+ males per female), neon tetras in schools of 6+. Minimum tank size 15 gallons.
What can live with a flowerhorn?
Flowerhorns are best kept solo. They are bred for aggression and will attack tank mates including their own kind. Some keepers have success with one Pleco (sailfin or common) as a tank-cleaner in 75+ gallon tanks, but the Pleco must be larger than the flowerhorn. Never put fish smaller than the flowerhorn — they will be eaten or killed.
How big does an arowana tank need to be?
Adult arowanas reach 24-36 inches. Minimum 75 gallons for juveniles under 12 inches, 200 gallons for adults, 500+ gallons for groups. Tank length matters more than depth — arowanas swim in long horizontal strokes. The tank must have a tight lid because arowanas jump.
Can you mix African and American cichlids?
No — mixing African and American cichlids is not recommended. African cichlids need hard alkaline water (pH 7.8-8.6, hardness 10-25 dGH) and American cichlids need soft acidic water (pH 6.0-7.5, hardness 4-12 dGH). Water chemistry alone makes long-term cohabitation harmful.
What is the most peaceful community fish?
For a peaceful community tank, consider neon tetras, harlequin rasboras, ember tetras, corydoras catfish, otocinclus, kuhli loaches, cherry barbs, and platies. All tolerate similar water parameters (24-26°C, pH 6.5-7.5) and rarely show aggression. A 20-gallon long tank can house 3 species of 6 each.
What fish should never be kept together?
Never combine: (1) Betta with male guppies — guppies trigger betta aggression. (2) Goldfish with tropical fish — temperature mismatch. (3) African with American cichlids — water chemistry conflict. (4) Flowerhorn with anything smaller — predation. (5) Arowana with small fish — arowanas eat anything bite-sized. (6) Two male bettas — guaranteed death.