Have you ever wondered what fish can live with goldfish? Goldfish are popular pets due to their low maintenance and variety of colors, so it’s natural to want to know about their tank mates.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all fish are compatible with goldfish due to differences in size, swimming speed, and temperature preferences.
In this article, we will cover some of the best tank mates for goldfish, to help you create a harmonious and healthy aquatic environment in your tank.
What Fish Can Live with Goldfish?
Although goldfish can live alone, they make a great addition to community tanks. But, creating a community tank with goldfish isn’t as easy as it seems.
The hardest part of creating a thriving community with this fish is finding the right tank mates.
Compared to other popular tropical fish, goldfish are rather unique.
Here are several things you need to consider when choosing tank mates for goldfish:
- Avoid aggressive fish: Choose peaceful fish as tank mates for your goldfish to avoid stress and aggression.
- Consider the size of potential tankmates: Goldfish are curious fish that like to explore everything with their mouths, including other fish. It’s best that you avoid any species that are small enough to fit inside the goldfish’s mouth. When choosing tank mates consider the goldfish’s adult size and choose tank mates that won’t be easy to swallow.
- Temperature range: Keep fish that thrive in cold water, as goldfish require temperatures between 65-72°F (18-22°C).
- Choose tank mates that thrive in the same conditions as goldfish: Research the specific needs of any potential tankmates to ensure compatibility with your goldfish in terms of water temperature, water quality, and dietary requirements.
13 Best Goldfish Tank Mates
The best tank mates for goldfish are other peaceful, cold-water fish that are similar in size and temperament.
It’s important to research the specific needs of any potential tank mates and ensure they are compatible with goldfish in terms of water temperature, water quality, and dietary requirements.
Here are some of the best tank mates for your goldfish:
1. Dojo Loach
Dojo loaches can make good tank mates for goldfish, as they are peaceful and thrive in similar water conditions.
They are also bottom-dwelling fish, which can help to keep the tank clean and prevent the buildup of waste.
However, it’s important to monitor the tank closely and ensure that the dojo loaches are not outcompeting the goldfish for food, as they can be quite active feeders.
2. White Cloud Mountain Minnow
White cloud mountain minnow is a hardy and adaptable fish that can coexist with goldfish in similar water conditions, creating a harmonious and beautiful aquatic environment.
Just be sure to keep an eye on feeding time, as these little guys can be quite active and may need some extra food to keep up with their larger tank mates.
3. Rosy Barb
Rosy barbs are beautiful and active fish that add color to your tank. They are compatible with goldfish as they both prefer cooler water.
The rosy barb’s speed keeps them safe from becoming a goldfish snack.
4. Bristlenose Pleco
Bristlenose plecos are a popular species of catfish that can make good tank mates for goldfish.
They are peaceful and can help keep the tank clean by eating algae and other debris.
Keep in mind that plecos can be quite active feeders and can outcompete goldfish for food.
5. Hoplo Catfish
Hoplo catfish are a peaceful species of catfish that can make good tank mates for goldfish.
They are hardy and adaptable and can tolerate similar water conditions as goldfish.
Make sure to provide enough food for both the Hoplo catfish and the goldfish, as the catfish can be quite aggressive eaters and may consume more than their fair share.
6. Platy Fish
If you’re looking for a peaceful and hardy live-bearing fish to coexist with your goldfish, consider the platyfish.
These colorful and adaptable fish can thrive in similar water conditions as goldfish and add a vibrant touch of color to your tank.
7. Hillstream Loach
Hillstream loaches are bottom-dwellers that prefer cool water.
They coexist well with goldfish because they eat algae and don’t compete for food. These attractive fish add variety to your tank.
8. Cherry Shrimp
Cherry shrimp are a peaceful species of freshwater shrimp that can make good tank mates for goldfish.
They can help keep the tank clean by eating algae and other debris.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that goldfish may view cherry shrimp as a food source. So it’s important to monitor the tank closely and ensure that the shrimp are not being eaten or stressed out by their larger tank mates.
9. Mystery Snail
Mystery snails are gentle and hardy creatures that can coexist with goldfish.
They clean algae from the tank and can tolerate colder water conditions. They add a unique touch to your aquarium.
10. Banded Corydoras
Banded Corydoras, also known as cory cats, are a popular species of catfish that can make great tank mates for goldfish.
They are peaceful and hardy and can tolerate similar water conditions as goldfish. They forage for food on the tank floor and keep the tank clean.
11. Giant Danio
Giant Danios bring vibrant energy to your tank. Their fast speed keeps them safe from goldfish nibbles, and their preference for cooler water makes them compatible.
12. Zebra Danio
Zebra danios are small, energetic fish that add an extra level of excitement to your tank.
They share similar water requirements and coexist well with goldfish. These social fish create an active and lively environment.
13. Rubber Lip Pleco
Rubber lip plecos, also known as rubber nose plecos, are a popular species of catfish that can make great tank mates for goldfish.
In addition to being visually striking, rubber lip plecos are also hardy and adaptable, and can tolerate similar water conditions as goldfish.
They can also help keep the tank clean by eating algae and other debris, making them a valuable addition to any aquarium.
Worst Tank Mates for Goldfish
While there are many fish that can coexist peacefully with goldfish, there are also some species that should be avoided as tank mates.
Aggressive or territorial fish can stress out and harm goldfish. Tropical fish that require warmer water temperatures are also unsuitable tank mates for goldfish, as they prefer cooler water.
Additionally, fish with delicate or flowing fins, such as angelfish or guppies, may be injured by goldfish, which can mistake their fins for food.
Here are some of the worst tank mates for goldfish:
- Cichlids: These aggressive fish can cause injury to your goldfish, as they tend to nip at their fins. Additionally, cichlids have different temperature requirements, making it difficult to maintain a suitable environment for both species.
- Plecos: While they might seem like a good match due to their algae-eating abilities, plecos can grow large and potentially harm your goldfish. Plus, they often require warmer water temperatures that may not be suitable for goldfish.
- Tropical fish: Fish such as guppies and tetras belong to tropical environments, meaning they thrive in warmer water than goldfish. Mixing these species can lead to stress, illness, and even death for your goldfish.
- Predatory fish: Fish like puffer fish and Oscars are problematic, as they can view your goldfish as prey. These fish are best kept in separate tanks to avoid any dangerous encounters.
FAQs About What Fish Can Live with Goldfish
Are Goldfish Happier with Other Fish?
Yes, goldfish can be happier when they have suitable tank mates. They can form schools or shoals with other goldfish or compatible species, which can help reduce stress and promote natural behaviors.
However, it’s important to ensure that the tank is large enough to accommodate multiple fish and that the water quality is maintained at appropriate levels to avoid overcrowding or health issues.
Additionally, it’s important to research the specific needs of any potential tank mates and ensure they are compatible with goldfish in terms of water temperature, water quality, and dietary requirements.
Can I put Danios with Goldfish?
Danios can be compatible tank mates for goldfish, as they are peaceful and can tolerate similar water conditions. However, it’s important to consider the size of the tank and the specific needs of both species before adding them together.
Goldfish are relatively large and produce a lot of waste, so they require a large tank with strong filtration to maintain good water quality. Danios, on the other hand, are smaller and more active swimmers, so they may prefer a tank with more open swimming space and less debris.
Overall, if the tank is large enough and the specific needs of both species are met, Danios can make good tank mates for goldfish and add an extra level of activity and color to your aquarium.
Can I Keep Guppies with Goldfish?
While guppies are small and colorful, they may not be the best tank mates for goldfish.
Guppies are tropical fish and require warmer water temperatures than goldfish.
Also, guppies are small enough to become snacks for larger goldfish, so it’s best to avoid combining them in the same tank.
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