Betta fish or the Siamese fighting fish are generally considered aggressive fish who do not like the idea of the other tank mates. While this is true for betta fishes with a bad temperament, you can keep another fish like cory catfish and betta together in one tank.
There is absolutely no issue in keeping a cory catfish and betta fish together. The only thing to look into is the temperament of your betta fish. If the betta fish is too aggressive, then it can live with a cory catfish and any other fish. Thus, if the tank conditions and the personality of the betta fish are all compatible, it will be a success.
Cory Catfish And Betta Fish – Compatibility Factors
As previously stated, provided certain circumstances are met, cory catfish and betta fish can coexist in the same aquarium. In the end, it comes down to your betta fish’s personality and temperament and how it reacts to the addition of a new tank mate.
In cory catfish and male betta, a male betta tends to be more aggressive than a female betta. On the other hand, if we were to talk about cory catfish and female betta, then female bettas have a high chance of getting along with their tank mate.
Aside from the betta fish’s behavior, it’s important to evaluate whether a betta fish and a cory catfish are actually compatible. The required tank settings and each fish’s particular diet can be used to determine compatibility.
The most crucial factor to consider for the two tank mates to get along is tank condition. The success of your tank is determined by factors like water temperature, pH level, filtration system, and water quality. If the two fish are compatible in terms of such factors, then they can make excellent tank mates.
Water Temperature
Luckily, the water temperatures required by cory catfish and betta fish are nearly identical. A betta fish demands water that is between 76 and 82 degrees F. A cory catfish, on the other hand, requires water temperatures of 70 to 78 degrees F.
Therefore, it is quite evident that both creatures like swimming in warm water. Ideally, it would help keep the water temperature at 78 degrees F to suit both the fish—a few degrees here, and it is acceptable.
But one needs to remember that if the water temperature in the tank is too high or too low from the optimum level, it can cause stress to both the fish. Maintaining a suitable water temperature is important.
Water pH Level
Cory catfish and betta fish have similar water pH requirements, just like water temperature. A betta fish demands a pH range of 6 to 8, while a cory catfish necessitates a pH range of 7 to 7.8. It would help if you made sure that the water pH level is optimum for both the fish.
The only problem with the pH level is that betta fish can live in a slightly acidic environment. On the other hand, a cory catfish needs neutral conditions. Thus, if the water pH level goes too low (if the water becomes acidic), then it can cause stress to your cory catfish.
Tank Requirments
To keep cory catfish and betta fish together, you will need at least a 10-gallon aquarium. Cory catfish are usually kept in groups of five to six. As a result, it requires enough area to swim, whereas a betta fish need at least a 3-gallon tank.
As a result, a 10-gallon tank must be designed to allow both fish to swim freely. Keep in mind that greater is usually better. As a result, if you have the financial means to purchase a tank larger than 10 gallons, do it without hesitation.
Aside from the optimum tank size, you must also add tank decors like driftwood, plants, and caves to provide enough hiding places for both your fish. Both betta fish and cory catfish like hiding behind tank decors, and it would help reduce their stress if you add them.
Just make sure that the tank decors and substrate (gravels and sand) you will add do not contain sharp edges and hard surfaces. Cory catfish and betta fish swim close to these decors, and sharp edges injure their fins and barbels.
Water Quality
Aside from decors, you should also add a proper filtration system and heating equipment to your tank to keep the water quality high. The health of your fish corresponds directly to the water quality in the tank. Thus, efficient filtration and cleaning are necessary for your fish’s safety.
Also, make sure that you cover the top of your tank properly as both bettas and cory catfish try to jump out of the tank. While cory catfish does not jump out of the tank purposely, it can happen. Thus, make sure that your tank is properly covered from the top.
Dietary Requirements
Betta fish are carnivores, while cory catfish are omnivores. Being an omnivore, the cory catfish can eat many foods like flakes, pellets, and live foods. Thus, whatever your betta fish eats, you can feed the same to the cory catfish.
The only problem with this is that cory catfish is a bottom-dweller and betta foods usually stay at the top of the tank. Thus, it would help if you also tried feeding sinking wafers to your catfish to avoid confrontation with the betta fish.
If we were to talk about the food requirements of a betta fish, it is basically a high protein diet. Quality betta flakes, betta pellets, and live foods like bloodworms and brine shrimps are components of a betta diet.
Size & Lifespan
The size of both a cory catfish and betta fish is quite similar. A cory catfish can grow up to 1.5 to 2.5 inches in length. At the same time, a betta fish can also grow up to 2.5 inches in length. The lifespan of both fish is quite similar. Both the fish can live up to 3 to 5 years if good care is taken.
FAQs Related to Cory Catfish And Betta Together
Do cory catfish eat betta poop?
Occasionally. Cory catfish can eat betta poop, but this does not mean that they do not require a separate diet. Foods like pellets, flakes, and live foods are a good fit for a cory catfish diet.
Do cory catfish clean the tank?
YES. Cory catfish, being bottom-feeders, are amazing cleaners. They scavenge for food and leftovers at the bottom of the tank, thereby cleaning the tank. They are also efficient algae eaters.
How many cory catfish should be kept together?
5 to 6. Cory catfish must be kept in schools of 5 to 6 for maximum happiness. They can be kept alone with betta fish, but they must be kept in schools for maximum satisfaction.
Final Thoughts On Cory Catfish and Betta Fish
Keeping a cory catfish and betta together is not difficult as long as the tank conditions are ideal. The relationship between the two fish is determined by the betta’s individual personality and temperament, and adding a cory catfish is not recommended if your betta is too aggressive.
