Can Guppies Live With Bettas Peacefully?

Guppies and Bettas are two beautiful fish any aquarist would love to add to their home aquarium and make it look colorful.

But…

Can Guppies live with Bettas?
What kind of guppies can live with bettas?
How many guppies can live with a betta?

These are some of the questions you have over keeping them together.

I get it. You have your doubts.

So, I’ll take your queries one by one & let you know whether it’s a good idea for you to keep them together.

Guppy vs. Betta: Requirements

Two species of fish can’t coexist unless their environmental constraints are compatible. Guppies and bettas have similar ecological requirements, so this isn’t an issue.

Guppies require water should be between 75°F and 82°F to survive and thrive. Bettas thrive in water that is a constant 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Although guppies prefer cooler temperatures, they can tolerate marginally more significant temperatures than a betta fish requires, so they are a better choice for aquariums.

In terms of pH, they are also very comparable. Guppies require a pH range of 7 to 7.2, whereas bettas require a pH of 7. Again, it is easy to find a compromise that works for both fish because the numbers are close.

The guppies cannot survive in too soft water for betta fish. But, on the other hand, Bettas can get used to hard water if you give them a gradual introduction to it.

It’s also worth noting that guppies and bettas are clean fish that are highly sensitive to higher ammonia levels in the environment. However, in tidy tanks, they flourish. Unless other fish quickly clog the tank, water changes are not required.

As a result, guppies and bettas can coexist in a tank where certain conditions are met.

Guppies vs. Bettas: Behavioral Compatibility

It is common for guppies to communicate directly with each other and with other fish in the aquarium. They avoid engaging engagement in any combat. Bettas, on the other hand, have an extremely separate personality.

Bettas are territorial and combative animals. They are incompatible with other fish and will even attack other bettas. As a result, you should exercise extreme caution when selecting tank mates for your betta fish.

Male guppies seem to be more prone to causing issues when housed with bettas. Male guppies, like bettas, have bright colors.

Betta fish may mistake the guppy for another betta if they see it. The betta will attack the guppy male to form its superiority in such a scenario.

Guppies are peaceful fish and will not defend themselves. Bettas, however, are known to be aggressive, and their relentless attacks on each other will put them under a lot of stress.

Male guppies are more vibrant than females, but the difference isn’t as noticeable. As a result, the betta will not be intimidated by their presence. Bettas are highly cautious of other fish, but they don’t pay attention to those they don’t interpret as provocations.

Despite this, it’s important to remember that bettas are natural predators. In the presence of guppy females, they may attack and eat the fish’s follicles. In addition, guppies with shortened fins are at risk of developing health issues.

To minimize the potential threat, it’s wise to keep multiple guppies with a single betta fish. It will lessen the likelihood that the betta will become obsessed with a single fish.

If the guppy is even a tiny teeny, the danger factor increases significantly. In addition, your betta will undeniably gobble up the guppy fry. So, if you want to keep guppy fry alive, wait until they are big enough to stay alive in the betta’s tank before introducing them.

It is incredibly blessed that not all bettas are mean-spirited. Selecting betta fish with lower levels of aggression will benefit your guppies. If you’re looking for a hostile fish, you’ll want to avoid Halfmoon and Delta bettas.

Guppies won’t be bothered by them. Compared to males, female bettas tend to be calmer. If you’re going to keep things peaceful in the tank, you should get a female betta.

Do Guppies Eat Bettas?

Goldfish and tetras are known for their tendency to nip at the betta’s fins and tails. Bettas have a short fuse since they don’t enjoy being intimidated. As a result of these clashes, both fish may sustain injuries. If you have a fin-nipper in your betta tank, you should not hold it there. Because guppies are not fin-nippers, they’re safe.

Guppies aren’t known to be aggressive towards their tank mates. They’re carnivores who’ll devour almost anything that comes along, including the flesh of their own young. As a result, little fish should avoid guppies.

Guppies cannot swallow adult bettas because they are too large.

Guppy may eat betta fry if they are introduced to the tank. Allow the betta to grow to its full potential to avoid this unfortunate situation.

Betta & Guppies: Choosing a Male or Female Partner

Depending on the gender of your fish, they may or may not be able to dwell together. Males are known for their aggression. Female bettas are less aggressive doesn’t imply they can’t be. They’re speedier than the guys; thus, they can be worse occasionally.

Male Bettas With Male Guppies

A tank with this mix is doomed from the start. The guppies with the most vibrant colors and long, swirling fins are all males. Both of these things can cause bettas to become aggressive and territorial. This will almost certainly end in the death of your guppies, as a male guppy and a male betta do not mix well.

Male Bettas With Female Guppies

Male guppies have a much more vibrant appearance, whereas female guppies have a much more drab appearance. As a result, you should consider keeping them in the same tank as your betta.

But if you have a female guppy that is excessively bright, the ultimate result could be disastrous. If you put female guppies with male Bettas, you should exercise extreme caution.

Female Betta With Male Guppies

Bettas are less hostile than males, so you’d assume that male guppies wouldn’t be a problem. However, this is something you should usually ignore doing. Male guppies frequently confuse female bettas for their species. Therefore, aim to mate with them as well. Because of this, your betta is likely to target your guppy.

Female Bettas With Female Guppies

Guppies and bettas are the balanced mates you can have. The difference between male and female betta is clear regarding aggressiveness. As for female guppies, they’re least prone to make female Bettas aggressive. So for those eager to keep Bettas and Guppies together.

There is, however, one thing to keep in mind when it comes to the female guppy: Bettas might confuse it for their “sorority sister.” Female bettas may bully your guppy if this occurs, as they are trying to build a hierarchy of dominance.

Things to Keep in Mind When Keeping Guppies And Bettas Together?

Can Guppies Live With Bettas Peacefully?

Choosing the Ideal Tank Size

Every fish require a large tank to thrive. It’s more of a problem when the fish in a tank aren’t all getting along. Bettas tend to become aggressive when they feel threatened. They are wary of any intrusions into their personal space.

Guppies will not be able to invade the betta’s territory if the tank is large enough. It will lessen the likelihood of a conflict occurring.

Should Have Plenty Of Hiding Places

Guppy tanks benefit from having native plants since they provide a variety of hideouts for the fish. For example, when a betta fish gets frightened, it will take asylum in the aquarium’s plants. Because of this, guppies and bettas will enjoy the existence of natural plants in the aquarium.

Your guppies may eat aquatic plants. As a result, select plants that are safe for guppies to consume.

Add Limited Betta Fish

It would be best to restrict the betta fish population to prevent them from chasing and eating the guppy fish. Even though they can battle, betta fish should only be kept in a single tank at a time. Generally speaking, male betta fish are more aggressive than females.

They are predatory Betta fish. As a result, the guppy fish’s fins are frequently nibbled on. Most guppies may tolerate truncated fins, but they might create health problems in certain circumstances.

One betta fish and several guppies are the ideal combinations. However, the betta fish will be unable to focus on one particular guppy because of this arrangement.

Fill it up With Live Plants.

It would be best to have many live plants to give the guppy fish a native habitat and a relaxed atmosphere. But unfortunately, as soon as the guppy fish breaks the sightlines in an aquarium with live plants, the Betta is no longer involved.

Time-to-time Also, betta fish will lurk in living vegetation. This is what they’re used to doing. Guppies benefit from adding a few live plants, and so does the Betta fish.

It’s possible to grow several varieties of plants in your tank, including:

Amazon Swords
Guppy grass
Hornworts
Java Ferns
Java Moss
Watersprite

These plant types will provide plenty of spaces for the guppies and betta fish to hide.

Shouldn’t Add Larger Betta Fish Breeds

It would be best to look for calm breeds of betta fish before adding them to a fish tank containing guppies. At the same time, it’s a wise option to choose a smaller breed. If you have a colossal betta fish, your guppies will be at greater risk.

Get the Feeding Right

As predators, Betta fish devour insects, worms, and smaller fish in the habitat. So meat-based diets are needed to keep your betta fish thriving.

Betta Fish loves eating live black worms or frozen blood worms. However, you should not just provide both insects together. To ensure that your betta fish gets all the nutrients it needs, you must feed them three or four different kinds of food.

Guppies are meat eaters, which means they’ll eat everything you put in front of them, including your hands. Plus, they’ll consume the better stuff. Although betta food can sustain guppies, far too much protein-based diet is not beneficial.

You should also provide vegetarian food for your guppies.

Because of this, I suggest starting with your guppies to ensure proper feeding. The betta fish probably won’t eat the veggie pellets or flakes.

You may begin feeding your betta the special meal after your guppies are satisfied. They will consume exceptional food. Additionally, this way, your guppies will no longer be able to steal it.

It would help if you did not overfeed your fish, as this is a significant cause of fish illness. However, it would help if you fed your fish occasionally.

What Part Of The Tank Do Guppies Occupy?

Guppies frequently prefer to stay in the tank’s center and along the rim when swimming. If your guppies start swimming into your betta’s zone, this might lead to trouble. On the other hand, Guppies are much less inclined to swim in your betta’s territory.

How Many Guppies Recommended With Betta?

If you want to maintain bettas and other fish in the same tank, make sure your tank can accommodate them.

You should have one gallon of water for each fish in your aquarium as a basic rule. However, since you’ll be keeping a betta in addition to your guppies, you’ll need a bit more space. A 10-gallon tank with a betta and three guppies is the smallest I’d consider. I’d also include three more guppies for every five gallons.

Just because of that, your fish should have enough space to avoid suffocating one another.

Guppies typically require a male to female ratio of 1:2. Usually, avoid males as much as possible due to the heightened risk of aggressiveness.

Do Guppies Nip Fins?

Whenever you introduce guppies to your aquarium, you need not just be concerned about your bettas’ aggression towards the new inhabitants. Instead, it would be best if you also considered whether or not they will attack your betta.

Fish with their fins nicked are far more likely to suffer from Fin Rot (a condition that gnaws at the fins and eventually kills the fish if left untreated). But, again, stress and open sores are likely to blame for this development.

And don’t forget those male guppies are territorial, but only when it comes to their little kind. But, conversely, they have been known to attack and nip members of other species, especially if their stories are extensive and colorful.

Placing just female guppies in your aquarium is a good idea because of all this. There are very few female guppies who display aggression or territorial instincts, and the odds of them nipping, and fighting are exceedingly minimal.

What Do Guppies Eat?

It should go without saying that bettas must be fed a wide variety of foods to be healthy. You must also offer them meat in addition to fish flakes or granules. Guppies, too, are subject to the exact needs. You may give your betta mosquito larvae, daphnia, or bloodworms to your guppy!

Guppies do not even require a lot of food and feeding them 2 – 3 times a day is enough. However, to make your bettas’ feeding regimen consistent, you may feed them twice daily.

Guppies, like bettas, can spend a day or two without food, very much like bettas.

Also, guppies consume algae in the aquarium. So even though they can’t keep your tank spotless, they can assist remove most of the accumulated debris.

What To Do If Guppies Are Eating Your Bettas Food?

It was formerly stated that bettas and guppies consume similar foods. But on the other hand, guppies do not need any meat in their diet, but bettas thrive on them. Therefore, the only way to prevent your guppies from devouring all of your food sources is to stop it.

There are two ways to go about it.

First, force-feed your betta at one side of the tank while feeding your guppies at the opposite discharge end. A small amount of food ought to be provided to each end one at a time. Anything else should be added once your betta has finished eating.
To keep your guppies from getting into your betta’s food, the second thing you can do is use a net to separate them while he’s eating.

Precautions You Can Take

If you’re determined to keep guppies with your betta, you should know a few things. First, it doesn’t matter how calm your betta appears if you put guppies into the mix.

Increase the number of plants and hideaway spots in your aquarium. The smartest thing you can do for your guppies is to provide them with places to hide in an emergency. Additionally, this will ensure that your betta has secure havens where it may rest and recuperate.
First, you should have a tank or divider that you can utilize to hold the fish apart in an emergency.
If you intend to maintain male guppies alongside male bettas, try every effort to keep the guppies as plain as possible.
Later in the aquarium setup process, adding a betta fish is not always bad. In this manner, it won’t even feel endangered since it doesn’t have any area to protect.

Conclusion – Do You Have A Better Understanding NOW?

I hope with this post; you will have a better understanding of dealing with guppy and betta fish in a fish tank.

Now as to answer the main question — Can Guppies Live With Bettas?

Yes, you can keep a guppy fish together with a betta fish. The only condition is you must meet their requirements.

That’s all for now.

If you’ve got any questions, do let us know in the comments section below or reach out at [email protected].