Nov 24 2007
Mixing Goldfish and Bettas is a no-no
A reader wishes to mix goldfish and betta fish - not the best idea, but not for the reason you think. The letter is to the point -
“Dear Jilly, I was wondering if a betta fish will kill our goldfish. Thank you.”
I don’t expect a goldfish and betta to have problems together as far as personality. Bettas have a mean rap because they will viciously attack males (and even females) of their own species when kept together in one tank. Bettas don’t attack other species of similar size (unless they have flowing fins - those might be seen as competition). A betta might nip and harrass a smaller fish, however, like a neon tetra. See my article on this subject!
But back to goldfish and bettas. They absolutely will not be healthy and happy in the same tank, because a goldfish is a coldwater fish and a betta likes warm water.
A goldfish is best with 60-72 degrees F, and a betta is happy at 75-82 degrees F. So, they are incompatible as far as habitat.
Also a betta is a carnivore and a goldie is omnivorous - so it’s important that they are each getting their dietary requirements. Hope this helps!
Stumble it!
