What Fish Can I Keep With Goldfish – A Guide To Creating A Harmonious
That beautiful goldfish gliding through its tank is a classic image, but maybe you’re dreaming of a little more action. A bustling, vibrant community tank is the goal for so many of us. But as you stand in front of the fish store tanks, the big question hits: what fish can I keep with goldfish without turning my peaceful aquarium into a chaotic battleground?
It’s a question we get all the time at Aquifarm, and I’m here to tell you that you’re right to be cautious. Choosing the wrong tank mate is one of the most common—and heartbreaking—mistakes a goldfish owner can make.
I promise this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll demystify the process, showing you exactly which fish make fantastic friends for your goldfish and, just as importantly, which ones to avoid at all costs.
In this complete what fish can i keep with goldfish care guide, we’ll cover the core rules of goldfish compatibility, the best and worst tank mate choices, and the exact steps to set up your community tank for long-term harmony and success. Let’s build that dream tank together!
The Goldfish Golden Rules: Why Finding Friends is So Tricky
Before we even name a single species, we need to understand why goldfish are in a class of their own. It’s not that they’re divas (well, maybe a little), but their needs are very specific. Getting this right is the foundation of all our what fish can i keep with goldfish best practices.
Understanding these three “golden rules” will save you a world of trouble and is the first step in learning how to find compatible tank mates.
Rule #1: The Chilly Factor (Temperature)
This is the biggest hurdle. Goldfish are coldwater fish. They thrive in unheated, indoor aquariums with temperatures between 65-74°F (18-23°C). Most of the popular, colorful fish you see at the pet store—like Tetras, Guppies, and Bettas—are tropical and need water consistently above 75°F (24°C) to survive and thrive. Keeping them together means one group will always be stressed, sick, or worse.
Rule #2: The Big Mess (Bioload)
Let’s be friends here: goldfish are adorable, but they are messy. They eat a lot and produce a tremendous amount of waste. This waste creates ammonia, which is toxic to fish. This heavy “bioload” means they need huge tanks with powerful filtration just for themselves. Adding more fish increases that bioload, making a large tank and a robust filter absolutely non-negotiable.
Rule #3: The Personality Problem (Temperament & Size)
Goldfish are generally peaceful, but they have two quirks. First, they are opportunistic omnivores with big mouths, meaning any fish small enough to be considered a snack will become a snack. Second, “fancy” goldfish—the beautiful, slow-moving Orandas, Ryukins, and Telescope Eyes—are easily bullied. Their long, flowing fins are a tempting target for nippy fish, and their slow speed means they can be outcompeted for food.
The “Absolutely Not” List: Fish to Avoid with Goldfish
Let’s get the painful part out of the way first. Part of a good what fish can i keep with goldfish guide is knowing what to avoid. Steer clear of these fish to prevent disaster and address the most common problems with what fish can i keep with goldfish.
Most Tropical Fish
As we covered, the temperature difference is a deal-breaker. This includes nearly all of the most common pet store fish:
- Tetras (Neons, Cardinals, etc.)
- Guppies, Mollies, and Platies
- Bettas (Siamese Fighting Fish)
- Gouramis
- Rasboras
- Angelfish
It’s simply not fair to either the goldfish or the tropical fish to force them into the wrong temperature zone.
Aggressive & Fin-Nipping Fish
These fish will relentlessly bully your slow-moving fancy goldfish, causing stress, injury, and infection. This group includes most types of:
- Tiger Barbs: Notorious fin-nippers.
- Most Cichlids: Including Convicts and Jack Dempseys, which are far too aggressive.
- Chinese Algae Eaters: They become very aggressive as they age and are known to latch onto the sides of slow fish like goldfish, sucking off their protective slime coat.
Anything “Snack-Sized”
If it can fit in a goldfish’s mouth, it will eventually end up there. This unfortunately rules out many charming nano-fish and invertebrates.
- Small Tetras and Rasboras: Even if they could handle the temperature, they are bite-sized.
- Dwarf Shrimp: (Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, etc.) They are an expensive snack for a goldfish.
- Small Snails: Ramshorn or bladder snails will be eaten.
The Common Pleco Misconception
So many people buy a Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) thinking it will clean their goldfish tank. This is a huge mistake. Common Plecos grow into two-foot-long river monsters that produce even more waste than a goldfish! They also require tropical temperatures and have been known to suck the slime coat off goldfish when hungry.
The A-List: Your What Fish Can I Keep with Goldfish Guide
Okay, now for the fun part! Finding the right friends for your goldfish can bring so much life and joy to your aquarium. The benefits of what fish can i keep with goldfish in a community setting include more activity, natural behaviors, and a more dynamic ecosystem. Here are the top contenders.
White Cloud Mountain Minnows
These are, without a doubt, one of the best choices. They are a true coldwater species that are peaceful, hardy, and active. They tend to swim in the middle and upper levels of the tank, staying out of the goldfish’s way.
- Why they work: Perfect temperature match, peaceful nature, and too fast for a goldfish to bother.
- Pro Tip: Keep them in a school of at least 6 to see their best colors and shoaling behavior. Don’t worry—these fish are perfect for beginners!
Zebra Danios (Danio rerio)
Zippy, hardy, and endlessly entertaining, Zebra Danios are a fantastic choice. They are technically sub-tropical but have a very wide temperature tolerance that overlaps perfectly with a goldfish’s ideal range. Their frantic energy at the top of the tank adds a wonderful contrast to the slow grace of a goldfish.
- Why they work: Temperature tolerant, extremely fast swimmers, and they stay near the surface.
- Pro Tip: Like White Clouds, they need a school of 6+ to feel secure. A larger group will spread out any playful chasing amongst themselves.
Weather Loaches (Dojo Loaches)
If you have a large tank (think 75 gallons or more), a Weather Loach is one of the most personality-packed fish you can own. These “water sausages” are friendly, curious, and great at cleaning up leftover food. They get their name from their tendency to become more active when barometric pressure changes.
- Why they work: They are peaceful bottom-dwellers that thrive in cold water.
- Pro Tip: They are notorious escape artists! You must have a very tight-fitting lid on your aquarium.
Bristlenose Plecos (The Cautious Yes)
Wait, didn’t I say to avoid plecos? Yes, Common Plecos. The Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.) is a much better, albeit conditional, option. They only grow to about 5-6 inches, are peaceful, and do a great job on algae. However, they still prefer slightly warmer water, so aim for the higher end of the goldfish range, around 72-74°F (22-23°C).
- Why they work: Manageable size and peaceful temperament.
* Critical Care Tip: This is for large tanks only (55 gallons minimum). You MUST feed them specifically with algae wafers and driftwood to chew on. A hungry Bristlenose might still try to latch onto a goldfish.
Other Goldfish!
Sometimes the very best friend for a goldfish is another goldfish. They provide companionship and understand each other’s social cues. However, there is one major rule here: do not mix fancy and single-tail varieties.
Fast, streamlined single-tails (like Comets and Shubunkins) will outcompete the slow, clumsy fancy goldfish (like Orandas and Fantails) for every single flake of food. Keep fancies with other fancies, and single-tails with other single-tails.
How to Set Up Your Community Tank for Success: Best Practices
Simply tossing new fish into the tank is a recipe for failure. Following these what fish can i keep with goldfish tips will ensure a smooth transition and a healthy, stable environment for everyone.
Step 1: Get the Right Size Tank
This is the most important step. Do not compromise here. A larger volume of water dilutes waste and provides more territory, reducing stress and aggression.
- For Fancy Goldfish: Start with a minimum of 20-30 gallons for the first fish, and add 10-15 gallons for each additional fancy goldfish.
- For a Community: If you plan to add a school of minnows or danios, add another 10-20 gallons to your total. A 55-gallon tank is a fantastic starting point for a small community.
Step 2: Over-Filter Your Aquarium
Because of the high bioload from goldfish, you should always use a filter rated for a tank larger than the one you have. For a 55-gallon tank, choose a filter rated for 75 or even 100 gallons. This extra power is essential for keeping the water clean and safe.
Step 3: Quarantine All New Arrivals
Never add a new fish directly to your main tank. Set up a separate, smaller “quarantine” tank (10 gallons is fine) with a simple filter. Keep all new fish in quarantine for 4-6 weeks to monitor them for any signs of illness. This single step can prevent you from wiping out your entire aquarium with an introduced disease.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Goldfish Keeping
Being a great aquarist also means being a responsible one. A focus on sustainable what fish can i keep with goldfish practices ensures the long-term health of our hobby and our planet. This is a core part of the Aquifarm philosophy.
Choose captive-bred fish whenever possible. Species like White Cloud Minnows and Zebra Danios have been bred in captivity for generations, which reduces pressure on wild populations. This is an eco-friendly what fish can i keep with goldfish approach.
Incorporate live plants like Anubias, Java Fern, and Hornwort. These hardy plants can survive a goldfish’s nibbling and help improve water quality by consuming nitrates. They provide natural hiding places and make the tank more beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goldfish Tank Mates
Can I keep a Betta fish with my goldfish?
No. This is a very common but dangerous myth. Bettas are tropical fish that need warm water (78°F+), while goldfish need cold water. Furthermore, a betta’s long fins could trigger aggression in a goldfish, or the betta could become aggressive towards the goldfish. It’s a bad match all around.
What about snails or shrimp with goldfish?
It’s risky. Goldfish will view most small snails and any type of dwarf shrimp as a tasty snack. You might have some success with larger snails like Mystery Snails or Nerite Snails, but even they are not 100% safe. A curious goldfish might pick at their antennae, causing them to hide constantly or eventually perish.
How many tank mates can I add to my goldfish tank?
This depends entirely on your tank size and filtration capacity. The golden rule is to stock slowly and never overcrowd. For a 55-gallon tank with two fancy goldfish, you could comfortably add a school of 6-8 White Cloud Minnows or Zebra Danios. Always prioritize water quality over the number of fish.
Your Harmonious Aquarium Awaits
Creating a thriving community tank for your goldfish isn’t about just picking pretty fish—it’s about understanding and respecting their unique needs. By focusing on coldwater-tolerant, peaceful tank mates of a similar size and providing them with a large, well-filtered home, you set the stage for success.
You now have the expert knowledge and the confidence to move beyond a single-species tank. You know the rules, you have a list of compatible friends, and you understand the best practices to bring them all together safely.
Go forth and build that beautiful, active, and harmonious aquarium you’ve been dreaming of. Happy fishkeeping!
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