Most experts and experienced aquarists strongly advise against keeping betta fish and angelfish together, even for short periods. Although both species are beautiful and popular, their aggressive and territorial nature frequently leads to injuries, illness, or death — especially as angelfish mature. In rare, carefully managed situations with large tanks and docile fish, coexistence may work temporarily, but successful long-term cohabitation is the exception, not the rule.
Betta and Angel fish can live together peacefully, but most of the time, it is not recommended. Even when they can be better tank mates, there are times when you may notice that they begin having compatibility issues. That is perhaps why you should not keep Betta and Angelfish together, and if you have kept one, make sure to keep a spare tank ready just in case something goes wrong.
Can Betta Fish Live With Angelfish?
There is no simple yes or no answer available for that question. There may be a few things that you may need to keep in mind. Each of them has their own personality and may or may not be compatible. So, you may need to go with the trial-and-error method. Keep them together and be vigilant. If they get along well, good enough. Otherwise, make sure to shift the Betta fish to another tank or bowl.
Whether your betta fish will live with Angelfish may be dependent on the temperament of the fish you have kept. If both your Betta and angel fish happen to be aggressive, they will convert the tank into a battleground. However, if they are both docile, you may be lucky enough to have them together in the same tank. If you do not want to take a chance, avoid keeping them together. Typically speaking, betta fish and angel fish may not get along well.
Differences Between Betta Fish and Angelfish
Typically, a beta fish may not be compatible with an angel fish in almost all circumstances. If they have an aggressive temperament, then all hell is likely to break loose.
Betta behaviour
Even when they are so tiny and small, Betta fish is known to belong to a fighting genre. Male betta fish are known to be very fighting in nature. In fact, they were used for fighting for monetary gains in the good old days – somewhat like bullfights.
When a betta fish is threatened, it flares its gills and fins to appear bigger. They will then begin nipping at the fins and rest of the body of other fish, until the opponent fish backs off. In fact, these fights are also known to cause the death of one or both betta fish. This is one of the common reasons why betta fish tend to suddenly disappear from the tank.
Angelfish behaviour
The Angelfish belongs to the category of cichlid fish. They are known well enough for their aggressive behavior. However, their aggression remains specific to itself, but otherwise, they tend to be peaceful. They may also fight between themselves.
Angelfish prefer to stay in the middle and upper water column. Even the betta fish prefer these locations. This can be one of the reasons for the fight between them. You will witness a fierce nipping between the two fish.
Betta Fish with Angel Fish – What Factors to Consider?
If you decide to keep both Batta fish and Angel fish together, there are several factors that you may need to give thought to.
Space requirements
Angelfish and betta fish have different needs for space. Betta fish can live comfortably in a tank measuring 5 to 10 gallons. However, Angelfish needs at least 20 gallons of tank space.
Temperature
Betta fish require temperatures in the range of 70 to 80 degrees F. On the other hand, Angelfish may need it a bit cooler. They would be fine with 72 to 78 degrees F. Make sure to maintain a normal temperature suitable for both betta fish and Angelfish.
Diet
Bettas are primarily carnivorous in nature. They would prefer brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Angelfish are known to be omnivorous in nature. It would prefer a diet of algae, vegetables, and high-quality dry foods.
Temperament
Both Angel fish and betta fish are aggressive in nature. That is why they may not make the best tank mates. They can get a little more aggressive when it comes to the breeding season. When you decide to keep both betta and angel fish together, you need to ensure that they are both in a “mood” to get along.
Remember -
According to the Aquarium Co-Op and PetMD, bettas and angelfish frequently exhibit territorial aggression, resulting in persistent fin-nipping, stress, and a high risk of injury.
Stress
Chronic stress from incompatible tankmates doesn't just lead to aggression—it can suppress the immune system, increasing the likelihood of infection and disease (PetMD). In community discussions, hobbyists often report fin damage, loss of appetite, or lethargy when attempting this combination—even when precautions are taken.
Age
The age of the fish may also be a consideration. When the fish - either betta or Angelfish - they may get along very well because they have not yet established their territory. Older fish can be a little aggressive and territorial.[/su_note]
The Comparison Table for Betta and Angel Fish
The table below should give you an idea of the specific aspects of the two fish types –
| Betta Fish | Angelfish | |
| Care | Easy to care | Easy to care |
| Life expectancy | 3 years | 10-12 years |
| Temperament | Aggressive | Semi-aggressive |
| Diet | Primarily carnivorous | Omnivorous |
| Habitat | Slow-moving waters | Slow-moving waters |
| Scientific Family | Osphronemidae | Cichlidae |
| Temperature: | 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit | 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5-10 gallons | 20 gallons |
What To Do If Betta and Angel Fish Do Not Live Together?
Despite following the precautions, if you still find that the Betta and Angelfish do not get along well enough, you can take the following steps to make the Angelfish live with the Betta –
Move around the tank decorations
Changing and rearranging tank decorations can help the two fish plan their territorial tendency. You can even consider adding a few new decorations if your tank size permits. Or else, replace some of the decorative items.
Add more hiding space
Adding more hiding spaces, such as caves and plants, can provide the betta fish a good space to hide. More plants and accessories can help reduce aggression and territoriality.
Get a bigger tank
Changing to a bigger tank can also be a good option to help ensure that the aggression between the two fish species is reduced.
Best Tank mates for Betta fish
If you find it not possible to keep Angelfish and Betta fish together, it may be worthwhile to check for the best Betta fish tank mates.
Some good tankmates for betta fish would include
Platies
Platies are peaceful and easygoing. You may add three to four platies along with betta fish. Make sure to choose platies with different colors.
Corydoras Catfish
The Catfish are another easy-going fish that can go well with betta fish. Since they stay at the bottom of the tank, they would never threaten Betta fish in terms of territorial war.
Kuhli Loaches
Loaches are again bottom dwellers, making them an excellent choice to live with your betta fish. Since loaches are nocturnal, they will be active when the Betta fish is sleeping.
Best Tankmates for Angel Fish
If you are looking for the best tank mates for your Angelfish, you can check out the following –
Cichlids
Since the angelfish belongs to the cichlid family, other cichlid fish will get along well with the Angelfish. Some of the cichlids that can be practical can include Discus fish, Blood parrot cichlid, Convict cichlid, and Oscar fish.
Plecostomus
These are yet another excellent option for the tankmates for Angelfish, thanks to their peaceful and non-aggressive nature. They can also help you keep your tank clean, as they belong to the category of fish that clean the tank.
Platies
Platies can be the best tankmates for Angelfish for the same reason as that for Betta fish. They are non-aggressive and cool.
Tetras
You can find a huge variety of tetra fish, and they can add more color to your tank. Tetras are social and friendly fish that can get well with practically any fish community.
The Concluding Thoughts
In most cases, keeping Angelfish with Betta fish may not be ideal. They may not get along well. However, there are instances, where fish owners have been able to keep both angel fish and betta fish together. Remember that if you are not very sure about both betta fish and angel fish getting along well, it may not be a good idea to keep them together.
If you are lucky enough and get a good pair of Betta and Angelfish that are friendly to each other, congratulations – you might be the one who has achieved the impossible!
Can Betta Fish and Angel Fish live in the same tank?
Betta fish and Angel fish can ideally live in the same tank, but you need to be very careful in making them compatible with one another. You cannot be sure when they may get into a fighting mood. Consistent observation of their behaviour would be a must even when they appear to be getting along well enough.
Can Angelfish Live With Female Bettas?
Female bettas or male bettas, it is most likely for a territorial war to break out between betta fish and Angelfish. You can ensure that they can live together by providing enough space and hiding spaces for them.
Can Betta fish kill an Angelfish?
It is observed that betta fish can kill an angel fish. Even though Angelfish may be larger than Betta fish, they are very delicate and a slight injury can kill them off. However, a betta killing an angel fish can be quite rare unless there is a territorial conflict or the betta fish feels threatened by the Angelfish.
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