Do Betta Fish Belong To The Tetra Family: Facts And Guide

Do Betta fish belong to the Tetra family? Can you keep both Bettas and Tetras in the same tank? Can you feed them the same types of food? Do their temperaments match with one another?

There might be several reasons for you wanting to know whether Betta fish belong to the Tetra family. The truth is Bettas do not belong to the Tetra family. However, when it comes to their living conditions and the level of care they require, they are a lot more alike than you might expect!

Hence, in this article, I will be talking about whether Bettas and Tetras can live together in consideration of their temperaments. Then I will talk about which family Bettas actually belong to, and then I will conclude with the ideal water parameters for both the fish.

Table of Contents

Do Betta Fish Belong to the Tetra Family?

As I just mentioned, Bettas do not belong to the Tetra family. However, despite their different origins, they have a lot in common, which leads us to the next section of this article. Can they live together harmoniously?

Can Betta Fish and Tetra Fish Live Together?

When it comes to different fish getting along in your fish tank, you need to keep a few key things in mind. First is where each type of fish likes to spend the majority of their time. Second, the size of each fish. Third, each fish’s ideal water parameters. If these three things are compatible, then it is likely that your fish will get along with each other!

Hence, the same can be said in the case of Bettas and Tetras. They are compatible with living with each other as they often occupy different parts of the tank (i.e., they stay out of each other’s way), they are both small fish, and they both require similar water parameters.

Can Neon Tetras and Bettas Live In A 10-Gallon Aquarium? Find out in detail about it from our next article.

However, sometimes there are more reasons why tetra and betta fish may not be fit for living in the same tank. The number one reason is the difference in their temperaments. Hence, let us look at how similar their temperaments are to decide whether they are compatible tankmates!

Are Tetras Schooling Fish? List of The Easy Schooling Fish you can pet.

Will a Betta Fish Kill a Tetra?

When placing Tetras in your tank, you need to be mindful that they are schooling fish. This means that you will need to add at least 6 tetras to your tank.

However, 10 to 12 tetras are the ideal number so that your tetras’ stress levels are minimal. So, this rule applies too when you add Tetras to a tank that already has Bettas.

Although both Bettas and Tetras are relatively peaceful fish, if you add Tetras to a tank with aggressive Bettas, then it is highly likely that your Tetras will die. This will come about for two reasons: either because their stress levels are at a peak or because the aggressive Bettas will kill your Tetras outright.

Are Tetras Aggressive? You have to know the List Of Aggressive Tetra Fish to maintain a tank with the bettas.

Which Type of Betta is the Most Aggressive?

Now, let us look at which types of Bettas are the most aggressive. Once you know this, it will be easier for you to avoid adding Tetras to a tank that has these types of Bettas.

Experts say that Plakats are the most aggressive types of Betta fish. This is mostly because they were bred in South East Asia specifically for fighting. This specific reason for breeding led to them having shorter fins and strong bodies. Hence, it would be a good idea to keep your Tetras far away from these Plakat Bettas.

Furthermore, it would also be a good idea to put a lid over your fish tank if you own Plakat Bettas as they have a habit of jumping out of their tanks!

Then next are Crowntail Bettas, which frequently display signs of dominance in a fish tank. They like to live alone and get very territorial in their living space. Hence, it is also best to keep your Tetras away from Crowntail Bettas!

Are Tetras Aggressive?

In general, all Tetras are considered highly peaceful fish. Most aquarists buy them for their dazzling colors but also because they are calm and hardy fish.

I have written an article on why tetras are hardy fish and how they can adjust well to different parameters.

However, under certain conditions, they can become slightly to very aggressive. This change in temperament is usually caused by an increase in their stress levels. And the increase in their stress levels can be due to their aggressive tankmates, the lack of space in the tank, or the number of fish in their school of Tetras.

A study of one of the species of tetras will help you get an idea of how to do so. Learn about How Many Neon Tetras Should You Keep In School?

Therefore, as long as you provide them with enough space, keep them in schools of at least 6 fish, and keep them with suitable tankmates, your Tetras will be happy!

Some articles I would suggest you embark on are Lifespan of Tetra Fish | Keeping you Tetras Healthy and Happy and 4 Step Process on How To Keep Tetra Fish Happy And Healthy.

Which Family Do Betta Fish Belong To?

Now that we have established that Bettas do not belong to the Tetra family, which family do they belong to? The answer is the Gourami family.

The Gourami fish are freshwater fish from the families Osphronemidae, Helostomatidae, and Anabantidae. Most Gourami fish have a distinct oval-shaped body and have a labyrinth organ, which allows them to ingest oxygen from the air.

Furthermore, the size of the Gourami fish ranges from a mere 3.5 inches to 28 inches!

Other Fish that Belong to the Gourami Family

Along with Bettas, many other fishes belong to the Gourami family. Some of the most notable ones are as follows.

Giant Gourami
Dwarf Gourami
Paradise Gourami
Pearl Gourami
Sunset Gourami
Three Spot Gourami
Kissing Gourami

Many more fish belong to the Gourami family as there are now about 133 species recognized as Gouramis!

Fish that Belong to the Tetra Family

The Tetra species are especially popular amongst aquarium hobbyists as they are peaceful, small, and fairly easy to take care of. Hence, if you are looking to add these dazzling little beauties to your fish tank, then I have just what you are looking for. Below I have listed some of the most popular fishes that belong to the Tetra family!

Ideal Water Parameters for Both Bettas and Tetras

Now, let us finally compare the ideal water parameters for both Betta fish and Tetra fish. This will help you to understand just how much of a difference there is between Bettas and Tetras in their living conditions. Let us first look at the ideal water parameters for Bettas.

Temperature: 75° F to 81° F (23.8° C to 27.2° C)
pH: 6.5 to 7.5
Nitrate: <20 ppm
Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm
General Hardness (GH): 3 dGH to 4 dGH (50 ppm to 66.7 ppm)
Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3 dKH to 5 dKH (53.6 ppm to 89.4 ppm)

Then, the ideal water parameters for Tetras are as follows.

Temperature: 75° F to 80° F (23.8° C to 26.7°C)
pH: 6.8 to 7.8
Nitrate: <20 ppm
Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm
General Hardness (GH): <10 dGH (<166.7 ppm)
Carbonate Hardness (KH): 1 dKH to 2 dKH (17.8 ppm to 35.8 ppm)

Here, you can see that the difference in the ideal water parameters for Bettas and Tetras are negligible. Hence, you will not have to monitor the water parameters and adjust them constantly if you put them in the same tank!

Final Words

In conclusion, although Bettas do not belong to the Tetra family, both fish have many similarities. These similarities include their size, their water parameters requirements, and even their temperaments!

You have got the answer to “Do Betta Fish Belong to the Tetra Family?”. Although, if you want to make sure that there are no issues between these two fish in your tank, then make sure not to get the aggressive Bettas like Plakats and Crowntails, and you are good to go!