Can Bettas Live With Neon Tetras?
Edited by Ivan F.
Short answer
With caution
With caution. It can work in a large, well-planted tank with a proper school, but a betta may chase them and neons may nip back.
Neon tetras are quick and spend most of their time in midwater, below a betta's usual spot near the surface, so they can often stay out of reach. A school also makes it harder for a betta to single one out. The water is the tighter fit: neons prefer cooler water, so the tank has to sit at the warm end of their range and the cool end of a betta's.
How they compare
Figures come from our species pages. Shared ranges are where both animals are comfortable.
Betta and Neon Tetra
- Adult size
- Betta: 2.8 in (7 cm)
- Neon Tetra: 1.2 in (3 cm)
- Minimum tank
- Betta: 11 US gal (41 L)
- Neon Tetra: 14 US gal (54 L)
- Temperature
- Betta: 72–86°F (22–30°C)
- Neon Tetra: 70–77°F (21–25°C)
- pH
- Betta: 6–8
- Neon Tetra: 4–7.5
- Hardness
- Betta: 1–15 dGH
- Neon Tetra: 1–12 dGH
- Temperament
- Betta: Territorial/Aggressive
- Neon Tetra: Peaceful
- Swim zone
- Betta: Top
- Neon Tetra: Mid-Water
Shared by both
Temperature: 72–77°F (22–25°C)
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness: 1–12 dGH
Largest species minimum
14 US gallons (54 L), from Neon Tetra. This is a starting point, not a stocking plan.
What to watch for
- A small group is more likely to be stressed and to nip the betta's long fins, so keep a proper school.
- Add adult tetras, because a very small one can still be eaten.
- Chasing that lasts beyond the first few days means they should be separated.
- Their shared temperature range is narrow, so use a reliable heater and thermometer.
Tank setup
Gear for the largest setup on this page
A forgiving setup with room for a small community.
Tank size for the largest species (Neon Tetra)
At least 14 US gallons (54 L)
Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium 20 Long US
Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium 29 Gallon US
Eheim clearTank 73 Spain
Why we chose these (Best 20-Gallon Fish Tank: 20 Long or 29?). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Filter
Hang-on-back or large sponge filter
Easy to maintain and strong enough for a community without blasting the fish.
Seachem Tidal 55 Power Filter US
Marineland Penguin PRO 175 Power Filter US
Eheim LiBERTY 130 Hang-on Filter Spain
Seachem Tidal 35 Power Filter Spain
Why we chose these (Best Filter for a 20 to 29-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Heater
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 100 W at 20 gallons, about 150 W at 29
Enough power to hold a stable temperature in most homes. Size up for a cold room.
Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater 100 W US
Aqueon Submersible Glass Heater 100 W US
Eheim Thermocontrol e 100 Heater Spain
Tetra HT 100 Electronic Heater Spain
Why we chose these (Best Heater for a 20 to 29-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Water Conditioner
Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es · Maker's details
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test Kit
Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
See it at The Shrimp Farm (a retailer; affiliate link) · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply · Maker's details
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.
Frequently asked questions
Will a betta eat neon tetras?
Sources disagree. One guide says it will not happen, while another warns that a betta may take a small tetra if it gets the chance. Fully grown, healthy neons in a school have the best odds.
Do neon tetras nip betta fins?
They can, especially when kept in too small a group or too small a tank. A bigger school and more swimming room are the usual fixes.