Can Wild Betta Splendens live with Black Skirt Tetra?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 6–7.5 dGH.
- Black Skirt Tetra is a fin-nipper and will shred the long/flowing fins of Wild Betta Splendens.
Sweet spot: both do well at 75–82°F and pH 6.5–7.5 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Wild Betta Splendens | Black Skirt Tetra | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–86°F | 70–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.6 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 6–7.5 dGH | 3–15 dGH |
| Adult size | 2.5" | 2.5" |
| Temperament | Aggressive | Semi-aggressive |
| Min tank | 10 gal | 20 gal |
Together, plan on at least 20 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
- Keep a large, established shrimp colony in a heavily planted tank with moss and cover so enough survive to breed.
- Keep the nipper in a bigger group (8+) to spread out the nipping, and avoid long-finned tankmates.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Wild Betta Splendens: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Black Skirt Tetra: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Live-animal shipping: add a heat pack below 50°F, expect weather holds above 90°F, and schedule delivery for a moderate week when someone can receive it promptly.
Build a full tank around this stocking →Everything compatible with Wild Betta Splendens · …with Black Skirt Tetra