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)
Filter
Hang-on-back or large sponge filter
Easy to maintain and strong enough for a community without blasting the fish.
We are still choosing products for this.
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.
We are still choosing products for this.
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
Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es
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
Maker's page · Sold at The Shrimp Farm · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
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.