Betta fish and goldfish are two of the most popular aquarium pets. Betta fish are small and colorful and often live in a small bowl or tank. They are reasonably easy to care for and require weekly water changes and regular feedings. Goldfish are larger and can grow up to 10 inches long. They are more active than betta fish and need more space to swim. They also require more frequent water changes and feedings. Both fish are relatively low-maintenance and can provide a pleasing addition to any home aquarium.
Betta fish can live with goldfish, but while these two species can coexist in the same aquarium, I recommend against it. There are certain conditions in which both species can survive, but neither will thrive.
There are some important considerations to remember if you are dead set on keeping these different fish together. Betta fish are territorial and may become aggressive towards goldfish, while goldfish require more room to swim than bettas and can outcompete them for food. As such, it is crucial to ensure that the tank is adequately sized and that there is enough food to support both species.
In the following paragraphs, we will explore these considerations further to give you the best chance of success.
Compatibility Between Betta Fish and Goldfish
The main differences between goldfish and betta fish are:
- Size: Betta fish are typically smaller than goldfish, with a maximum size of around 2.5 inches, while goldfish can range from 2-18 inches.
- Temperament: Goldfish are typically more social than betta fish, which are more solitary and aggressive. Bettas will fight with each other, while you can keep goldfish in groups without issue.
- Habitat Preferences: Betta fish are tropical fish and prefer warmer water with a temperature range of 76-82 degrees Fahrenheit, while goldfish prefer colder temperatures and can tolerate temperatures of 65-72 degrees Fahrenheit. Betta fish prefer more stagnant water, while goldfish prefer more oxygenated, moving water.
Territorial Behavior and Aggression Between Goldfish and Betta
There is a potential for aggression and territorial behavior between betta fish and goldfish, although it is generally more common between male betta fish. Betta fish are known for their territorial behavior and often become aggressive towards other males of their own species and other fish they perceive as a threat. This can be especially problematic when betta fish are kept in a tank that is too small or lacks sufficient hiding places.
On the other hand, goldfish are generally not aggressive toward other fish and can coexist with various species in a community tank. However, it is essential to remember that goldfish can grow quite large and may become aggressive towards smaller fish if housed in a too-small tank.
Water Values
You can keep betta fish and goldfish in the same tank, but water temperature, pH level, and water quality need to be monitored and adjusted accordingly to ensure that both species are compatible. Betta fish prefer water temperatures between 76 and 81°F, while goldfish prefer cooler temperatures between 65 and 72°F. Therefore, if you want to keep both species in the same tank, the water temperature should be comfortable for both.
In this case, we recommend setting the temperature between the two ranges, 74°F. It will be a little too cold for comfort for the betta and a little too warm for the goldfish.
The pH level of the water should also be monitored and adjusted to suit the preferences of both species. Betta fish prefer a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, while goldfish prefer a pH between 7 and 8. Try to keep it between 7 and 7.5.
Finally, you should monitor the water quality regularly to ensure that the levels of ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite are low and that the tank is kept clean. The presence of these substances in high concentrations can be detrimental to a betta fish’s health, so regular water changes are a good way to help mitigate this. We also recommend you have lots of life plants in the aquarium to help keep the levels low.
Factors to Consider when Keeping Betta Fish and Goldfish Together
Setting up an aquarium is essential for the health and well-being of all fish, including goldfish and betta. A critical aspect of setting up an aquarium is to provide plenty of hiding places for the fish. You can add plants, rocks, and other decorative elements to the tank. Hiding spots allow the fish to feel secure and reduce stress, which can help prevent illness and improve their overall health.
Another important aspect of setting up an aquarium is providing sufficient filtration. Filtration helps to keep the water clean and healthy by removing harmful substances, such as excess waste and chemicals, from the water. Proper filtration is essential when keeping goldfish and betta together, as both species produce a large amount of waste and are sensitive to water quality.
Another factor we think aquarists often overlook is betta fish and goldfish have different space and water flow requirements. Bettas are known for their long, flowing fins and prefer still or slow-moving water, while goldfish are more active and need more space to swim and a moderate to strong water flow. These differences in habitat preferences can lead to stress and aggression in both types of fish when you keep them together.
Success Stories of Keeping Betta Fish and Goldfish Together
Here are two examples of success stories I’ve found.
The maker of this video had kept his betta for three years with his goldfish.
Although his video explains why you shouldn’t or couldn’t keep a betta with goldfish, a lot of people commented they had success keeping them together
Can Goldfish Eat Betta Food?
We don’t recommend you feed goldfish betta food or bettas goldfish food as the nutritional requirements of these two types of fish are quite different. Betta fish require a high-protein diet to support their active lifestyle and colorful fins, while goldfish have a more omnivorous diet and require a wider variety of nutrients.
Betta food is typically formulated with higher protein content and may not provide the balanced nutrition that goldfish need. Similarly, goldfish food may not provide the necessary protein and other nutrients that betta fish require.
It is important to feed each type of fish a diet specifically formulated for their nutritional needs. This will help ensure that they receive the proper balance of nutrients and can thrive in their environment.
In general, it is a good idea to avoid mixing different types of fish food and provide each kind of fish with a diet appropriate for their specific needs. It is always best to consult with a professional or do thorough research before choosing a food for your fish to ensure they receive the proper nutrients.
Conclusion
Overall, it is best to house betta fish and goldfish separately to ensure they have the appropriate habitat, water conditions, and diet to thrive.
It is also vital to do thorough research and consult a professional before trying to keep any fish together. Each species has specific care requirements, and it is crucial to ensure that all fish in a tank can thrive in the same environment. It is always best to err on caution and provide the best care for all the fish in your tank.