Can male bettas and tiger barbs live together?

No

Male bettas and tiger barbs should not share a tank.

Betta (male) Tiger barb

Why

  • Tiger barbs nip long fins and will shred a betta's.

What each one needs

Betta (male)Tiger barbBoth
Temperature76–82°F (24–28°C)68–79°F (20–26°C)76–79°F (24–26°C)
pH6.5–7.56.0–7.56.5–7.5
Minimum tank5 gal (19 L)20 gal (76 L)20 gal (76 L)
Keep at least16
Adult size2.5 in (6.4 cm)2.8 in (7.1 cm)

Better tank mates for male bettas

Better tank mates for tiger barbs