Can bettas get along in a community tank?
I was told o the american side if this site that putting one in is a big taboo. Is this true??
I have many community tanks with bettas in them, both male and female. Bettas should not be in a tank with another betta, but in my experience, other fish are usually fine. I have had a couple males that needed to be kept solo, but most have been community safe. I've had so many females over the years and I've never had one that wasn't a good candidate for a community, though they do exsist as well.
If you want to try to add a betta to the community, as a general rule, it's good to add the betta last. That way there aren't any established territories set up for it to defend. Also avoid mixing it with other labyrinth fish, such as gourami's, if you want to be on the safe side. Also to be avoided are fish with long flowing fins. Especially in the case of the males since it may trigger their insinct to fight other male bettas. Fish that may be attracted to nip at long fins should be avoided as well. Because they are labyrinth fish that rise to the surface to breathe, I recommend floating plants, especially if there are zippy schoolers around. Bettas love to nestle up into the floating plants for easy access to the surface air, and it will help them feel more secure in a busy community setting.
Bettas are often short-changed and labeled as "fighters" that must be kept alone, usually in a small tank. They love to be in larger tanks, and in general, are model community citizens. Still, that being said, it's wise to have a back-up plan in case the mix of fish you decide on doesn't quite work out.