Can bettas live with fancy goldfish?

No No, bettas and fancy goldfish should not live together.

  • They need different temperatures: Betta fish 24–28°C (75–82°F), fancy goldfish 18–23°C (64–73°F).
  • Betta fish tends to attack colourful, long-finned fish like fancy goldfish, mistaking them for rivals.

Side by side

Betta fishFancy goldfish
Adult size6.5 cm (2.6 in)15 cm (5.9 in)
Temperature24–28°C (75–82°F)18–23°C (64–73°F)
pH6–86.5–8
Minimum tank5 gallons (19 L)20 gallons (76 L)
Group sizeAlone (only one male)Can live alone
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atTopAll levels

Shared range: no overlapping temperature, pH 6.5–8.

Better tank mates

Frequently asked questions

Can bettas live with fancy goldfish?

No. They need different temperatures: Betta fish 24–28°C (75–82°F), fancy goldfish 18–23°C (64–73°F). Betta fish tends to attack colourful, long-finned fish like fancy goldfish, mistaking them for rivals.

What temperature suits both bettas and fancy goldfish?

There is no temperature that suits both: bettas need 24–28°C (75–82°F) and fancy goldfish need 18–23°C (64–73°F).

Verdicts come from our compatibility rules and researched species data. Individual fish vary, so add new fish gradually and watch them closely. Check other pairs in the compatibility checker.