Introduction
Bettas and goldfish are all aquarium enthusiasts’ favorite fish species. So it’s normal to think about getting a betta and crossing it with a goldfish. Well, bettas and goldfish love to interact with humans, and humans love them, but their similarities end there. I’m here. While this arrangement may seem like dating service at its best, shared accommodation is a recipe for disaster. Temperament aside, there are other reasons why these two fish species can’t be roommates.
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Betta fish and goldfish
Bettas and goldfish are coveted fish species in the aquarium industry. More than cats and dogs, they are popular pets, especially among children, due to their flowing beauty and ease of care. But that’s it!
These fish are two completely different species, from care requirements to temperament. Take a closer look at the two and find out why they’re so different they can’t be paired.
Goldfish
The goldfish you see in pet stores are distant relatives of wild carp, native to Central Asia. It is said that there are about 125 types of goldfish, all of which were born through artificial mating and captive breeding. Goldfish in the wild, unlike bettas in nature, are not recognized.
Betta fish
Betta is a tropical fish native to Southeast Asia, a fish of the Osphoromidae family. You can find about 73 breeds of betta fish, mostly captive-bred and extensively cross-bred to produce the showy fins and stunning colors most fish lovers covet. These pet fish exist in the wild, as opposed to artificially bred goldfish.
Why you shouldn’t keep bettas and goldfish together
- Temperament
Bettas are also known as “Siamese fighting fish”. These species of fish live by one rule. Anything else in the water is an enemy. Male Bettas are known to be aggressive, territorial and tyrannical. Their fighting tendencies date back to Thailand in the 1880s. Locals bred bettas specifically for fighting.
2. Water temperature difference
Bettas may look angry and fierce, but don’t be fooled by the fact that they are tough and hardy when it comes to water conditions. They are ideal tropical fish that need warm water temperatures of around 75-86 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive and be happy. I have.
Water below 75 degrees can cause temperature shock to your betta. Your body’s metabolism slows down, you stop eating, and you become extremely lethargic. These conditions can interfere with circulation due to inactivity and cause diseases such as fin rot.
3. Water hardness
You can tell if your water is hard or soft by looking at its mineral content. Fish require minerals in water as part of their nutritional needs, but not all species share the same mineral preferences and tolerance rates. thrives in soft water near 7.0. The lower the calcium level, the lower the P.H. level and happy fighting fish. Goldfish, however, prefer tanks with high calcium levels and a high pH of 7.2-7.6.
4. Goldfish are “too dirty” for bettas.
Goldfish excrete too much, which increases the level of ammonia in the water, making them “dirty” creatures. This is because they have no stomach, so whatever they ingest goes straight through the fish and into the water. For this reason, tanks must have a suitable filtration system to control nitrogen circulation and manage waste. Pet parents should also change the water frequently to keep the tank clean. This is a process that can stress your betta and ultimately affect their immunity.
5. Goldfish need a large tank
If you have a betta, it should be housed in a tank of about 5-10 gallons. Bettas are small and can grow up to 2 inches, so a tank size like this provides plenty of room for breeding. However, goldfish can grow to 6 to 8 inches in captivity and 12 inches in the wild, requiring larger tanks of 20 gallons or more.
The difference in size means that aquarium decorations such as hiding places, plants, caves, and ornaments suitable for goldfish will not work for bettas, which are an important part of the fish’s lifestyle.
Conclusion
There is no reason to keep bettas and goldfish in the same enclosure. These fish species have different needs and can generally be hostile to each other.
