Betta fish, often known as Siamese fighting fish, are quite aggressive fish with a territorial nature. They despise sharing their tank with other fish. While this is true for a betta fish with a bad temperament, a betta and angelfish can be kept together.
It is possible to keep a betta and angelfish together. The only thing you need to consider is your betta fish’s and angelfish’s individual temperament and personalities. They cannot live together if both the fish are always aggressive toward one other. It will be a success if the tank conditions and the personality of the betta fish are compatible.
Keeping A Betta And Angelfish Together
As previously stated, a betta and angelfish can live in the same tank if certain conditions are taken into consideration. The most important factor to consider is not only your betta fish’s personality and temperament but also the temperament of the angelfish.
It is a known fact that male betta fish are more aggressive than female betta fish. Owing to this we can say that a female betta fish has a better chance of getting along with their tank mate if the betta and angelfish are living together as compared to a male betta fish.
The tank condition is the most important factor to look into for the two tank mates to get along. Water temperature, pH level, filtration system, and water quality all have a role in the success of your tank. If the two fish are compatible in these areas, betta and angelfish can surely make good tank mates.
Apart from the betta fish’s behavior, it is also crucial to consider whether a betta and angelfish are compatible. Compatibility may be determined using the appropriate tank conditions and each fish’s specific diet.
Additionally, it is also sometimes observed that an angelfish is comparatively less aggressive to other fish when they are young. Thus, you can also try to add young angelfish first. However, this is not a permanent solution as the angelfish may get aggressive once it gets old enough.
Betta And Angelfish: Compatibility Factors
Water Temperature
The water temperatures that betta and angelfish require are quite identical. Betta fish require water at a temperature of 76 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Angelfish, on the other hand, needs water temperatures between 74 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, it is clear that both betta and angelfish like swimming in warm water. It would be ideal if you could keep the water temperature at 78 degrees F, which would be ideal for both the fish. However, if the water temperature in the tank is too high or too low from the ideal range, it might stress the fish.
Water pH Level
Betta fish require a water pH level ranging between 6 and 8. On the other hand, an angelfish requires a water pH level between 6 and 7.5. Thus, keeping the pH at a neutral level of 7 will be optimum for both fish.
Temperament
Generally speaking, both the betta and angelfish are aggressive. Betta fish are said to have a bad temperament and a territorial nature. However, this behavior differs from betta to betta. Some are rather peaceful while some are overly aggressive.
Angelfish are aggressive in the sense that they grow more aggressive as they grow old. Additionally, they can grow up to 8 inches in length so they require a large tank size. Insufficient space in the tank can cause it to become more aggressive and territorial than usual.
Tank Requirements
Firstly, if we talk about the minimum required tank size then we first need to understand the individual requirements of both the fish – betta and angelfish. A betta fish needs at least a tan size of 3 to 5 gallons. An angelfish, on the other hand, needs a tank size of at least 29 gallons.
Owing to their individual temperament and aggressive nature, it is advisable not to put betta and angelfish together in a tank that is less than 55 gallons. Additionally, you must also add a sufficient quantity of tank decors like plants to provide both your fish with sufficient hiding spots within the tank.
Dietary Needs
Betta fish are born carnivores. On the other hand, an angelfish prefers a diet that includes both meat and plants. Thus, it might be difficult for you to maintain a proper diet for both the fish if they are living in the same tank.
An ideal betta fish diet consists of quality betta flakes, betta pellets, frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. You can feed live foods to your angelfish as well. Just make sure not to overfeed your betta fish as they are highly susceptible to constipation.
You should feed your betta fish only once or twice per day and only that much amount which it can eat fully within 45 or 60 seconds. For an angelfish, you can feed it 4 to 5 times a day for about 60 seconds.
Lifespan
An angelfish can grow up to 6 to 8 inches in length as they get older. Thus, they need a large tank. If proper care is taken then an angelfish can live up to 10 years in a tank. A betta fish, on the other hand, can live up to 2 to 5 years in a tank and can grow up to 2.5 inches in length.
FAQs on Betta And Angelfish as Tankmates
What fish can be kept with an angelfish?
– Tetras
– Rasboras
– Corydoras
– Barbs
– Gouramis
– Rainbow fish
Who will win in a fight between betta and angelfish?
It is pretty hard to determine who will win a fight between a betta and an angelfish. We would give a little edge to an angelfish, owing to its larger size and aggressive nature.
How many angelfish to keep with a betta fish?
For a 55-gallons tank, you must keep 5 to 6 angelfish with a betta fish. For a 29-gallons tank, you should keep 3 to 4 angelfish with a betta fish. Remove the angelfish that is getting too aggressive towards other fish.
Final Thoughts
If you were thinking of putting betta and angelfish together then you should go for it as long as both your fish have a low temperament and are rather peaceful. If aggression is not the problem, make sure that proper tank requirements are met for both the fish.
