Tank Requirements and SetupĬreating an ideal tank setup is vital for keeping happy and thriving pets, and this is where it gets a bit tricky if you want to house betta fish and crabs together as they require different setups.Ī lot of crabs are semi-aquatic or even land-based and need to live in a paludarium (An enclosure that incorporates both terrestrial and aquatic elements). The downside to these crabs is they are both small (Thai 0.5 inches, Pom Pom 1 inch), so a betta fish may harass or even try to eat them, but if you choose a larger crab, like the Panther crab (4 inches), they are more aggressive and have larger claws, so can inflict more harm to your betta.įinding a good balance of size and temperament for these two species to happily coexist is difficult as there’s always a risk that one will harm the other. Two of the most peaceful fully aquatic freshwater crabs are:

This varies for each type of crab, some crabs are peaceful and won’t bother tankmates unless they feel threatened, while others are more aggressive and territorial and your betta fish could end up getting seriously injured or worse. If your betta is feisty, do not risk adding any crabs or other tank mates in with them, as it won’t end well for one of them. There are a few things to consider when establishing whether can crabs live with betta fish in the same tank successfully or not.īetta fish don’t have the nickname Siamese fighting fish for no reason! Having said that the majority that I have kept have been pretty laid back, you do get the occasional feisty one though!īetta fish can be very territorial and may not tolerate sharing their home with any crabs, if you choose smaller crabs they may harass or even eat them. Final Thoughts On Can Crabs Live With Betta Fish Happily….Ĭan Crabs and Betta Fish Coexist Happily?.

Suitable Panther Crab Tank Mates – None!.Ideal Temperature & pH For Freshwater Crabs.

Can Crabs and Betta Fish Coexist Happily?.

Live beta fish