What Other Fish Can Go With Goldfish – Your Complete Guide
Ah, the classic goldfish. It’s often our first foray into the wonderful world of aquarium keeping. You look at your beautiful, water-wiggling friend swimming in their tank and think, “You look a little lonely. Maybe you need a friend?” It’s a thought every caring goldfish owner has.
But then the confusion sets in. You head to the pet store and see a dazzling array of fish, but which ones are safe? The wrong choice can lead to stress, injury, or worse. The big question looms: what other fish can go with goldfish?
Imagine your aquarium transformed from a solitary home into a vibrant, bustling community where your goldfish peacefully coexists with other fascinating species. A tank that’s not just beautiful, but balanced and full of life. It’s completely achievable, and you don’t have to be a seasoned expert to do it.
In this complete guide, we’ll dive deep into the best (and worst!) tank mates for your golden pals. We’ll give you the confidence to create a thriving, harmonious aquatic ecosystem right in your own home. Let’s get started!
The Golden Rules: Understanding Goldfish Before Choosing Tank Mates
Before we even start listing names, let’s talk about the star of the show: the goldfish. Understanding their specific needs is the most important step in choosing compatible tank mates. Getting this right is the foundation of a successful community tank.
Cold Water is Key
This is the number one rule. Goldfish are coldwater fish. They thrive in temperatures between 65-72°F (18-22°C). Most of the popular fish you see in stores, like Tetras, Guppies, and Angelfish, are tropical and need much warmer water (75-80°F / 24-27°C).
Keeping them together means one group will always be stressed and prone to illness. Always prioritize the temperature needs of your goldfish first.
Big Eaters, Big Mess-Makers
Goldfish are endearing because they’re essentially swimming stomachs. They eat a lot, and consequently, they produce a lot of waste. This high “bioload” means you need powerful filtration to keep the water clean and healthy.
Any tank mates you choose must be able to handle these water conditions and not be overly sensitive to the nitrates that can build up in a goldfish tank, even with good maintenance.
Temperament and Size
Goldfish are generally peaceful but also a bit clumsy and boisterous. They are also opportunistic omnivores, which is a nice way of saying they will try to eat anything that fits in their mouths. This immediately rules out very small fish.
Also, consider the type of goldfish you have. Long-finned, slow-moving “fancy” goldfish (like Orandas or Fantails) are vulnerable to faster, fin-nipping fish. Sleek, fast “common” goldfish can outcompete slower species for food.
So, What Other Fish Can Go With Goldfish? Our Top 7 Picks
Alright, now for the fun part! Based on the golden rules above, here are some of the best and most reliable tank mates for your goldfish. This is the core of our what other fish can go with goldfish guide, designed to set you up for success.
1. Rosy Red Minnows
These little guys are a classic for a reason. They are hardy, active, and share the same temperature requirements as goldfish. They are often sold as “feeder fish,” but when cared for properly, their rosy-orange color is quite beautiful. They are fast enough to avoid being eaten and are very peaceful.
2. White Cloud Mountain Minnows
Don’t worry—these fish are perfect for beginners! White Clouds are small, beautiful, and incredibly resilient. They prefer cooler water and are completely peaceful. They tend to swim in the upper levels of the tank, creating a lovely contrast to the mid-level swimming goldfish.
3. Dojo Loaches (Weather Loaches)
If you want a fish with personality, look no further! Dojo Loaches are long, eel-like bottom dwellers that are incredibly peaceful and entertaining to watch. They are fantastic scavengers, helping to clean up leftover food. A word of caution: they can grow quite large (up to 10 inches), so they are only suitable for larger goldfish tanks (55 gallons+).
4. Bristlenose Plecos
This is one of the only plecos we recommend for a goldfish tank. Unlike the “common” pleco that can grow to two feet long, the Bristlenose stays a manageable 4-5 inches. They are excellent algae eaters and generally ignore their goldfish tank mates. Just be sure to provide them with driftwood to munch on, as it’s essential for their digestion.
5. Hoplo Catfish
The Armored Catfish, or “Hoplo,” is a fantastic and often overlooked choice. They are incredibly peaceful bottom dwellers that are too large to be eaten and too gentle to cause trouble. Their armored plates protect them from curious goldfish, and they do a great job cleaning up the substrate.
6. Zebra Danios
Zebra Danios are the energetic sprinters of the aquarium world. They are fast, hardy, and stay near the top of the water, well out of the goldfish’s main territory. Their constant activity can make a tank feel more dynamic. They are also very tolerant of the cooler temperatures that goldfish love.
7. Giant Danios
For those with very large tanks (75 gallons or more) housing larger goldfish, Giant Danios are an excellent option. They have the same energetic and peaceful nature as their smaller Zebra cousins but grow larger (around 4 inches), making them a more size-appropriate companion for full-grown goldfish.
The “Maybe” List: Tank Mates That Require Extra Care
Some fish exist in a gray area. They can work, but success depends heavily on your specific tank size, setup, and the individual personalities of your fish. Proceed with caution and careful observation.
Platies
Platies are hardy livebearers that can adapt to the cooler end of their temperature range, overlapping with the warmer end of a goldfish’s range. They are peaceful and colorful. The main risk is that goldfish will eagerly eat any baby platies (fry), and smaller adult platies could still be at risk with very large goldfish.
Hillstream Loaches
These fascinating, UFO-shaped fish are adapted to fast-flowing, highly-oxygenated rivers. While they love cool water, a standard goldfish tank might not have the extreme water flow they need to truly thrive. If you have a river-style setup with powerful pumps, they can be a stunning addition.
Snails and Shrimp
Larger snails like Mystery Snails or Nerite Snails are generally safe and are fantastic cleaners. Goldfish might pick at their antennae, but their shells offer good protection. Shrimp, however, are a different story. Even larger species like Amano Shrimp are often seen as a tasty, moving snack by a determined goldfish.
Fish to AVOID: A Recipe for Disaster
Equally important to knowing what fish to add is knowing what fish to avoid. Adding any of the following to your goldfish tank is likely to end in heartbreak. This is one of the most critical what other fish can go with goldfish tips we can offer.
- Most Tropical Fish: As mentioned, fish like Angelfish, Gouramis, most Tetras, and Corydoras Catfish need warm, tropical water to live long, healthy lives. The temperature conflict is a non-starter.
- Aggressive or Fin-Nipping Fish: This includes most Cichlids (like Jack Dempseys) and barbs (especially Tiger Barbs). They will relentlessly bully and tear the delicate fins of slow-moving fancy goldfish.
- Small Fish: Neon Tetras, Endler’s Livebearers, and Guppies will almost certainly become an expensive snack for your goldfish sooner or later.
- Common Plecos: Please avoid these! They are sold as tiny 2-inch babies but grow into 2-foot-long river monsters that require massive aquariums. When they get large and hungry, they have been known to latch onto the sides of slow goldfish, sucking off their protective slime coat.
How to Introduce New Fish: Best Practices for a Peaceful Tank
You’ve chosen your new fish—great! But don’t just dump them in. Following the right process is key to preventing disease and stress. This is how to what other fish can go with goldfish safely and successfully.
1. The Importance of Quarantine
We can’t stress this enough: quarantine all new fish. A separate 10-gallon tank is perfect. Keep new arrivals there for 2-4 weeks to monitor for any signs of illness. This prevents a single new fish from wiping out your entire established aquarium. It’s the number one rule of responsible fishkeeping.
2. The Acclimation Process
Once quarantine is over, it’s time to acclimate. The goal is to slowly get the new fish used to your main tank’s water temperature and parameters. Float the sealed bag in the tank for 15-20 minutes to equalize temperatures. Then, open the bag and add a small amount of tank water every 10 minutes for about an hour before gently netting the fish into their new home.
3. A Quick Tank “Rearrangement”
Here’s a pro-tip: before adding the new fish, slightly rearrange the decorations in your main tank. This breaks up any established territories your goldfish may have, making them less likely to see the new arrivals as intruders on their turf.
Benefits and Common Problems of a Goldfish Community Tank
Creating a multi-species tank is incredibly rewarding, but it’s good to be aware of both the pros and cons. Understanding the benefits of what other fish can go with goldfish, as well as the potential pitfalls, makes you a more prepared aquarist.
The Benefits of a Diverse Tank
- A More Dynamic Ecosystem: Different species occupy different levels of the tank, creating more movement and visual interest.
- Natural Behaviors: A community tank can encourage more natural foraging and social behaviors in all its inhabitants.
- Better Cleanup: Bottom dwellers like Dojo Loaches or Bristlenose Plecos act as a natural cleanup crew, consuming leftover food.
Common Problems to Watch For
- Overstocking: Adding more fish means more waste. Ensure your tank is large enough and your filtration is powerful enough to handle the increased bioload.
- Food Competition: Fast fish like Danios can sometimes outcompete slow goldfish for food. Make sure everyone is getting their share, perhaps by feeding in different areas of the tank simultaneously.
- Disease Transmission: This is why quarantine is so vital. A community tank can spread illness quickly if a sick fish is introduced.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goldfish Tank Mates
Can I keep common goldfish with fancy goldfish?
It’s generally not recommended. Common goldfish (and Comets, Shubunkins) are much faster and more agile. They can easily outcompete their slower, fancier cousins for food, leading to stress and malnutrition for the fancy varieties.
How many tank mates can I add to my goldfish tank?
This depends entirely on your tank size, filtration capacity, and the adult size of the fish. Forget the “one inch of fish per gallon” rule. A better approach is to start slow. Add one or two compatible fish, monitor your water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) for a few weeks, and only add more if your system remains stable.
What are some eco-friendly what other fish can go with goldfish options?
Great question! Choosing species that don’t require a heater, like all the ones on our “Top Picks” list, is a fantastic way to create a more sustainable what other fish can go with goldfish setup, as it saves energy. Additionally, sourcing your fish from local breeders rather than large chain stores can reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transport and supports more sustainable breeding practices.
Do goldfish get lonely? Do they need friends?
Goldfish are social animals and do seem to enjoy the company of other fish. While they don’t get “lonely” in the human sense, they are more active and exhibit more natural behaviors when housed with other peaceful fish (including other goldfish of a similar type). A solitary life isn’t cruel, but a community life is often richer.
Your Thriving Community Awaits
Creating a peaceful and beautiful community tank for your goldfish isn’t a matter of luck; it’s a matter of knowledge. By focusing on the core principles of temperature, temperament, and size, you can confidently choose companions that will thrive alongside your golden friend.
Remember to take it slow, quarantine every new addition, and prioritize the health and space your fish need. The journey of building a multi-species aquarium is one of the most rewarding experiences in this hobby.
Now you have the complete what other fish can go with goldfish care guide. Go forth and create the beautiful, bustling aquatic world you and your fish deserve. Happy fishkeeping!
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