Betta fish are a popular pet, and for good reason. They are attractive, easy to care for, and come in a variety of colors. However, many people who keep Bettas wish they can live with other fish. Bettas can thrive when housed with certain fishes but certainly not cichlids. This article will discuss the compatibility of Bettas and cichlids, as well as provide reasons why you should not house them together.
Why Bettas Cannot Live with Cichlids?
There are many different types of fish in the world, but not all of them can live peacefully together. Bettas, for example, and cichlids are two of the most incompatible fish species. Below are some of the reasons you should know if you wish to keep betta and cichlids together in a same tank:
Habitat
Bettas and cichlids come from different habitats and have different needs, so it is impossible for them live together. Bettas come from Southeast Asia and typically live in stagnant, warm water, while cichlids come from Africa and Central America and typically live in rivers with fast-moving cooler water. Cichlids need more space than bettas, and they also require a lot of rocks and plants to create hiding places.
Water Temperatures
Bettas and cichlids come from different parts of the world and therefore have different water temperatures. Bettas thrive in warm water, while cichlids prefer cooler temperatures. If these two fish are kept in the same tank, the temperature will be too warm for the betta or too cool for the cichlid, which can lead to health problems for both fish.
Territorial Behavior
Bettas and cichlids are two different fish species that have incompatible temperaments. Bettas are a timid species that prefers to live alone in a small tank, while cichlids are a more aggressive and territorial species that like to live in larger groups. Cichlids will probably attack and bully bettas, which can cause the betta to become stressed, sick, or even die.
Body Size
Bettas and cichlids come from different parts of the world and have different body sizes. Bettas are from Southeast Asia and have smaller, more compact bodies, while cichlids are from Africa and have larger, more elongated bodies. The different body sizes mean that the two fish cannot share the same environment without one or the other being severely disadvantaged.
What Happens if You Put a Betta in With a Cichlid?
In a situation where a betta is placed in with a cichlid, the betta will likely be killed. Cichlids are a large and aggressive fish that can grow up to 12 inches in length, while bettas typically only reach 3-4 inches in length. In an environment where the cichlid is larger and has the ability to bully the betta, the betta will not be able to survive for long.
Least Aggressive Cichlid Breeds
The cichlid family is a diverse group of fish that can be found all over Africa, Asia and South America. While many cichlids are aggressive, some are quite peaceful. The least aggressive cichlids can be a great choice for betta tankmates because they might be able to live with bettas instead of killing each others.
Bolivian Ram Cichlids
Bolivian Rams are one of the least aggressive African cichlids. This is likely due to their peaceful nature and small size. They do well in community tanks with other non-aggressive fish and can be housed with a wide variety of tank mates.
Keyhold Cichlids
Keyholes are a species of cichlid that is native to Africa. They are possibly the least aggressive cichlids and are popular for use in community aquariums. Keyholes are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of water conditions. They are known for their bright colors and unique body shape.
Yellow Lab Cichlids
The yellow lab cichlid is a type of cichlid that is native to the African continent. They are a popular aquarium fish and are known for their bright yellow coloration. They are a freshwater fish and can reach a length of up to six inches. They are generally peaceful fish and can be kept in community tanks with other non-aggressive fish.
How to Minimize Aggression in your Aquarium
One of the most important things to remember is to never overcrowd your aquarium. Fish need enough space to swim around and explore without feeling threatened or stressed. If there are too many fish in an aquarium, it can lead to competition for food and territory, which can often result in aggressive behavior.
One way to minimize aggression in your aquarium is by providing plenty of hiding places for the fish. This can be done by adding rocks, plants, and other decorations to the tank. The more places the fish have to hide, the less likely they are to become aggressive with one another.
Finally, remember to keep your tank clean and well-maintained. This means removing uneaten food and waste products, as well as cleaning the tank regularly. Fish are more likely to become aggressive when their environment is dirty, since they become stressed and have less space to swim. By keeping the tank clean, you can help to create a more peaceful aquarium environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is best not to house cichlids and bettas together because they have different needs and will likely not live harmoniously together. If you are looking for a fish that can live with cichlids, consider a community fish such as a rainbow fish or guppy.