It is really my recommendation that the betta not be put in a community tank. The number of fish that they are compatible with is so small really that it is not a good idea. They are fairly compatible with cories in a big enough tank (at least 15 gallons as the cories need to be kept in groups of 3 to 6 depending which type you choose) and otos in at least a 10 gallon tank as they need at least 3 to 6 to be happy also. The problem is that most of the fish that are peaceful enough to be with them are also threats to the bettas fins. Tetras are for the most part terrible fin nippers and danios will shred the fins of your betta. Platies look too much like female bettas, mollies have long flowing fins and gouramis are related to the bettas and if one of them does not kill the other the other will oblige and do the killing. I do know that they get along with Dwarf Loaches as they simply ignore each other and get along famously if you want to try them but I would not try to keep less than 4 to 6 of them together. In the end it is probably just easier to keep the betta alone as the problem is still the personality of the betta. Some bettas will just not tolerate any other creature with them. It is not their fault. From birth those that are breeder raised are kept in solitary once their sex is determined. They live alone and do not learn how to play nice with other fish. They do not realize that other fish have the right and priviledge to be in their water. It is only food that comes into their water so don't be surprised if what they get in their water they consider free to be eaten. Also please do not be surprised to find that any shrimp you place in their tank is going to be eaten when they molt from their shells as shrimp is their first solid food and you do not punish them for doing what is natural.

Rose