Can bettas live with tiger barbs?
Verdict
No
No. Bettas and tiger barbs should not share a tank. Tiger barbs nip fins, and the long fins of bettas are an easy target.
What to watch
- Deal breakerTiger barbs nip fins, and the long fins of bettas are an easy target.
What works
- Both are fine at 76–81°F.
- pH 6.5–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: bettas the top, tiger barbs the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Betta | Tiger barb | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82 °F | 72–81 °F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 6–7.5 |
| Adult size | 2.5 in | 3.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 5 gal | 30 gal |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Semi-aggressive |
| Swims at | Top | Middle |
| Group | One per tank | Groups of 6+ |
| Diet | Carnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for bettas
Better tank mates for tiger barbs
Questions
Can bettas live with tiger barbs?
No. Bettas and tiger barbs should not share a tank. Tiger barbs nip fins, and the long fins of bettas are an easy target.
What temperature suits both bettas and tiger barbs?
76–81 °F. Bettas need 76–82 °F, tiger barbs need 72–81 °F.
What size tank do bettas and tiger barbs need together?
At least 30 gal, set by the tiger barb. Add space for each extra fish.