Can male bettas and fancy goldfish live together?

No

Male bettas and fancy goldfish should not share a tank.

Betta (male) Fancy goldfish

Why

  • Male bettas need at least 76°F (24°C), but fancy goldfish should stay at or below 72°F (22°C). No temperature suits both.
  • Goldfish are slow, messy, cold-water fish. They do best in a tank with other goldfish.

What each one needs

Betta (male)Fancy goldfishBoth
Temperature76–82°F (24–28°C)65–72°F (18–22°C)No overlap
pH6.5–7.57.0–8.07.0–7.5
Minimum tank5 gal (19 L)20 gal (76 L)20 gal (76 L)
Keep at least11
Adult size2.5 in (6.4 cm)7 in (17.8 cm)

Better tank mates for male bettas

Better tank mates for fancy goldfish