Betta and Cichlid

[nfeagle5]

I want to know...my friends tank has a problem in it......for whatever reason he wants me to take care of his betta. I wanna know, hes been keepin it with a yellow lab cichlid.
Is this safe?
There is no damage to the beta and the cich is 3"
Is this common?

 

[TankGirl]

Not a common combo at all. Yellow labs are African mbuna and are not a bit wise as tankmates for a betta. They have different water requirements, to say the least, but that betta is not going to be safe.

Get a 5-10gal tank for the betta and he will be safe and sound.

 

[Menagerie]

Just because there is no damage yet, doesn't mean there won't be tomorrow!

 

[An t-iasg]

8O
I agree with TankGirl and Menagerie! Bettas and cichlids are totally incompatable. When the cichlid gets bigger, (or...we're talking about a cichlid, so...anytime!) the betta will be in trouble. The betta simply can't swim fast enough, constantly enough, to get away from the cichlid when it decides to attack.

It's very easy to set up a 5 or 10 gallon tank for a betta. We can help you get started!