Best Fish to Keep with Goldfish – Are you a proud owner of a goldfish and looking to add some companions to its tank?
Look no further!
In this article, we will explore the top 17 compatible fish for goldfish.
Adding other fish to your goldfish tank can not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also provide a more dynamic and stimulating environment for your finned friend.
From hearty scavengers to graceful swimmers, we have got you covered with a diverse selection of fish that can peacefully coexist with your goldfish.
So, let’s dive in and discover the best fish to keep with your goldfish!
Table of Contents
Best Fish to Keep with Goldfish: Discover Top 17 Compatible fish
Types of Fish to Consider
When it comes to keeping fish, there are many factors to consider, especially if you have goldfish.
Goldfish can be rather particular about their tank mates, so it’s important to choose fish that won’t cause any harm or stress to your goldfish.
In this article, we will explore different types of fish that are compatible with goldfish, including coldwater fish, bottom dwellers, small fish, and non-aggressive fish.
By selecting the right companions for your goldfish, you can create a harmonious and vibrant aquatic environment.
Here is the list to be discussed:
Coldwater Fish
1. White Cloud Mountain Minnow
2. Rosy Red Minnow
3. Weather Loach
4. Paradise Fish
Bottom Dwellers
5. Corydoras Catfish
6. Bristlenose Pleco
7. Dojo Loach
Small Fish
8. Guppies
9. Endlers Livebearers
10. Danios
11. Tetras
Non-Aggressive Fish
12. Mollies
13. Platies
14. Swordtails
Fantastic tank mates
15. Nerite Snails or Mystery Snails
16. Ghost Shrimp
17. Apple Snails (Mystery Snails)
Coldwater Fish
Goldfish are coldwater fish, which means they prefer cooler water temperatures.
Therefore, it’s essential to choose fish that can thrive in the same water conditions as goldfish.
1. White Cloud Mountain Minnow
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is an excellent choice for a goldfish tank.
These small, peaceful fish originate from China and are well-suited to coldwater environments.
With their vibrant red and silver coloration, they add a touch of beauty to the tank while coexisting peacefully with goldfish.
2. Rosy Red Minnow
Rosy Red Minnows, also known as fathead minnows, are another coldwater fish that gets along well with goldfish.
These small, hardy fish are tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, making them ideal companions for goldfish.
Their reddish-orange coloration adds a delightful pop of color to the tank.
3. Weather Loach
Weather Loaches, also called Dojo Loaches, are fascinating bottom-dwelling fish that can withstand cold temperatures.
These eel-like fish are known for their playful and curious nature, which can bring entertainment to your goldfish tank.
However, keep in mind that Weather Loaches can grow quite large, so make sure your tank can accommodate their needs.
4. Paradise Fish
Paradise Fish, native to Southeast Asia, are known for their vibrant colors and flowing fins.
While they are tropical fish, they can tolerate slightly lower temperatures compared to other tropical species.
These beautiful and peaceful fish can coexist harmoniously with goldfish, creating a visually stunning display in your tank.
Bottom Dwellers
Adding bottom-dwelling fish to your goldfish tank can create a more diverse and balanced ecosystem.
These fish tend to occupy the lower regions of the tank, helping to clean up leftover food and algae.
1. Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras Catfish, or simply “Cory Cats,” are popular bottom-dwelling fish that are compatible with goldfish.
These small, peaceful catfish have a unique appearance with their armored plates and barbels.
They are excellent cleaners, constantly scavenging the substrate for food debris, which helps to keep the tank clean.
2. Bristlenose Pleco
Bristlenose Plecos are another great addition to a goldfish tank.
These small, algae-eating catfish have a distinctive appearance, with their bristle-like appendages on their heads.
They are known for their efficient algae control, which can help keep your tank looking clean and pristine.
3. Dojo Loach
In addition to being a coldwater fish, the Dojo Loach, also known as the Weather Loach, is a bottom-dwelling species.
As mentioned earlier, these loaches are playful and inquisitive, providing both entertainment and effective clean-up by feeding on leftover food and detritus on the substrate.
Small Fish
Introducing small fish to your goldfish tank can offer a sense of variety, as well as provide a lively and dynamic element to the aquarium.
1. Guppies
Guppies are one of the most popular choices when it comes to small fish.
They come in a wide array of colors and fin shapes, adding a vibrant and beautiful touch to your goldfish tank.
Guppies are also known for their tolerance to various water conditions, making them great companions for goldfish.
2. Endlers Livebearers
Endler’s Livebearers are closely related to guppies and share many similar characteristics.
These small, colorful fish are known for their high activity levels and peaceful nature.
They can coexist peacefully with goldfish and will add a lively and dynamic element to your tank.
3. Danios
Danios are a group of small, schooling fish that are well-suited to coldwater environments.
Their active and playful nature can provide entertainment for your goldfish, as well as create a visually appealing display.
With their striking colors and long, slender bodies, danios can complement the aesthetics of your goldfish tank.
4. Tetras
Tetras are another popular choice for small fish in a goldfish tank.
While most tetras are tropical fish, there are a few species, such as White Cloud Mountain Minnows and Rosy Red Minnows, that can tolerate colder temperatures.
Tetras are known for their stunning colors and peaceful behavior, which makes them a great addition to a goldfish tank.
Non-Aggressive Fish
To maintain a calm and peaceful environment in your goldfish tank, it’s crucial to choose non-aggressive fish that won’t harass or bully your goldfish.
1. Mollies
Mollies are peaceful fish that come in a variety of colors and patterns.
They are known for their hardiness and adaptability, making them a suitable choice for a goldfish tank.
Mollies are generally peaceful and can coexist harmoniously with goldfish.
2. Platies
Platies are another peaceful species that can coexist well with goldfish.
They are available in a wide range of colors, including vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows.
These hardy fish are easy to care for and make a great addition to a goldfish tank.
3. Swordtails
Swordtails are peaceful fish known for their elongated, sword-like tails.
With their vibrant colors and graceful swimming, they can create a visually striking display in your goldfish tank.
Swordtails are generally compatible with goldfish and can thrive in the same water conditions.
Fantastic Tank Mates
1. Snails
Snails, such as Nerite Snails or Mystery Snails, can be fantastic tankmates for goldfish.
These slow-moving creatures not only add visual interest to the aquarium but also provide valuable algae control.
Snails have a symbiotic relationship with goldfish, as they consume the algae that goldfish may not eat.
They are generally peaceful and low-maintenance, making them ideal companions for goldfish.
However, it’s essential to monitor their population to prevent excessive breeding.
2. Ghost Shrimp
Ghost Shrimp are small, transparent crustaceans that can bring a unique element to your goldfish tank.
These shrimp are often used as feeders but can also serve as intriguing companions for goldfish.
They are peaceful and can coexist with goldfish as long as there is sufficient space and hiding spots.
Ghost Shrimp are excellent scavengers and will happily clean up any uneaten food in the tank.
Consider providing some dense vegetation or aquarium decorations to create hiding places for them.
3. Apple Snails
Apple Snails, also known as Mystery Snails, are attractive and peaceful tankmates that can thrive alongside goldfish.
With their round shells and vibrant colors, they add a touch of elegance to the aquarium.
Apple Snails also contribute to the cleanliness of the tank by consuming algae and detritus.
They can tolerate a wide range of water conditions and are generally low-maintenance.
However, it’s important to monitor their population size and provide ample calcium-rich foods to support their shell growth.
Fish to Avoid Keeping with Goldfish
While there are many fish species that can peacefully coexist with goldfish, some fish should be avoided due to their aggressive nature, warm water requirements, large size, or long fins, which may entice the goldfish to nip.
Aggressive or Fin-Nipping Fish
Aggressive fish can harass and stress out goldfish, leading to health issues.
Additionally, fish with a tendency to nip fins can cause damage and discomfort to goldfish.
Fish to Avoid Keeping with Goldfish
1. Cichlids
2. Barbs
3. Tiger Oscars
4. Piranhas
Warm Water Fish
1. Tropical Fish
2. Gouramis
3. Bettas
Large or Fast-Swimming Fish
1. Angelfish
2. Silver Dollars
3. Koi
Long-Finned Fish
1. Male Fancy Guppies
2. Fancy Goldfish
1. Cichlids
Cichlids are a group of highly territorial and aggressive fish that should not be kept with goldfish.
Their aggressive behavior can lead to injuries or even fatalities among goldfish.
2. Barbs
Barbs are known for their active nature and fin-nipping tendencies.
Their fast movements and sharp teeth can cause harm to goldfish, making them unsuitable tank mates.
3. Tiger Oscars
Tiger Oscars are large, predatory fish that should not be kept with goldfish.
They can consume smaller fish, including goldfish.
Their aggressive nature and potential size make them incompatible tank mates.
4. Piranhas
Piranhas are infamous for their aggressive feeding habits.
These predatory fish should never be housed with goldfish, as they pose a significant threat to their safety.
Warm Water Fish
Goldfish thrive in cooler water temperatures, so it’s essential to avoid introducing species that require warmer water conditions.
1. Tropical Fish
Tropical fish, such as certain species of tetras, are not compatible with goldfish due to their sensitivity to colder temperatures.
Mixing these fish together could result in health issues or even death.
2. Gouramis
Gouramis are tropical fish that require warmer water temperatures than goldfish.
Housing them together would be challenging, as maintaining suitable conditions for both species can be difficult.
3. Bettas
Bettas, also known as Siamese fighting fish, prefer warmer water temperatures and have a tendency to become aggressive towards other males.
Avoid keeping them with goldfish to prevent conflicts and potential harm.
Large or Fast-Swimming Fish
Goldfish have a slower swimming pace compared to some other fish species.
Introducing large or fast-swimming fish can cause stress and prevent your goldfish from obtaining enough food.
1. Angelfish
Angelfish are known for their graceful appearance and vibrant colors.
However, they grow to a considerable size and have a fast swimming speed.
Their large stature and quick movements can intimidate and stress out goldfish.
2. Silver Dollars
Silver Dollars are tropical fish that can grow quite large.
Their size and fast swimming speed can make your goldfish feel threatened and uncomfortable in their own environment.
3. Koi
Koi are stunning fish that are also a part of the goldfish family.
However, their large size and active swimming habits make them unsuitable companions for regular goldfish.
Koi require much larger ponds to thrive properly.
Long-Finned Fish
Goldfish have delicate, flowing fins that can be enticing for some fish species.
Long-finned fish that may nip or damage goldfish fins should be avoided.
1. Male Fancy Guppies
Male Fancy Guppies are known for their vibrant colors and long, flowing fins.
Unfortunately, their finnage can be mistaken for another male’s display, leading to aggression and fin-nipping.
2. Fancy Goldfish
While goldfish are generally compatible with each other, special care should be taken when mixing fancy goldfish varieties with standard goldfish.
The elaborate fins and body shapes of fancy goldfish can make them vulnerable to nipping and bullying from their more streamlined counterparts.
Conclusion:
With so many fish to choose from, it’s important to consider the specific needs and compatibility of each species when selecting tank mates for your goldfish.
By following these guidelines and ensuring a harmonious community, you can create a beautiful and thriving aquatic environment for your goldfish and their companions.
