Goldfish are docile and peaceful. Therefore, you can keep other fish as goldfish tank mates. However, certain aspects decide which are the best Tank mates for goldfish. This article will address all of these compatibility aspects and 10 of the best fish that can be kept with goldfish. Aside from their cannibalized behavior, tank maintenance fish are also part of the discussion.
goldfish tank mates
Goldfish Compatibility
Yes, goldfish can live with other fish, as they are not highly aggressive and territorial. However, there are certain aspects that you should remember while adding some other tankmates.
Temperature
They are cold-water fish, i.e., 22.2 -25.5 °C. Therefore, only fish that optimally live in this temperature range should be its companion. Avoid tropical companions as they require high temperatures.
Size
Goldfish love to feast on everything that fits in their mouth. Therefore, avoid adding small fish as they can nip their fin and even eat them.
Freshwater Species
Goldfish are freshwater creatures. They live in rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, streams, etc. Therefore, only add freshwater companions.
Activity Level
Goldfish are highly active. At dawn and dusk, their activity level reaches a peak. However, you can control their activity timing with feeding as they are highly activity before feeding time. Therefore, always add fish that match their activity level.
Tank Size
Goldfish need at least 10 gallons per fish, optimally 20 gallons per fish. If you want to add other companions, check their space requirements and add them to the Tank.
10 Best Tank Mates for Goldfish
Goldfish are docile and beautiful. However, you need to remember certain aspects while keeping tankmates. Here are 10 of the best goldfish tank mates, their compatibilities, and why they are suitable for your goldfish.
Dojo Loach
| Feature | Value |  |
| Scientific Name | Misgurnus anguillicaudatus | |
| Adult Size | 12 inches | |
| Compatibility | Goldfish, mollies, and platy | |
| Water Temperature | 59–77°F | |
| Minimum Tank size | 20 gallons per fish | Why Suitable? They have the same water temperature requirements. Both are peaceful It eats leftover food, and have active and engaging behavior. |
| Care Level | Low care | |
| Diet | Carnivorous | |
| Origin | Eastern and Central Asia | |
| Swimming Level | Bottom dwellers |
Bristlenose Pleco
| Feature | Value |  |
| Scientific Name | Ancistrus cirrhosus | |
| Adult Size | Up to 5 inches | |
| Compatibility | Neon tetras, Guppies, Otocinclus catfish, Platy fish, and Cherry shrimps | |
| Water Temperature | 70 – 78°F | |
| Minimum Tank size | 15 gallons per fish | |
| Care Level | Moderate | |
| Diet | Herbivorous | |
| Origin | Argentina | |
| Swimming Level | Bottom dwellers | |
| Why Suitable? | It helps in controlling algae growth in the Tank. It can share the Tank due to docile and peaceful behavior. These are easy to maintain and bear various water conditions. Compatible in terms of size, i.e., not fit in goldfish mouth. |
|
Hillstream Loach
| Feature | Value |  |
| Scientific Name | Sewellia lineolata | |
| Adult Size | Up to 2.5 inches | |
| Compatibility | Livebearers, Goldfish, Snails, Shrimps, Tetras, and Danios | |
| Water Temperature | 68 – 75°F | |
| Minimum Tank size | 20 gallons per fish | Why Suitable? Share water temperature. Clean the goldfish Tank from algae. Peaceful and non-threatening. Add uniqueness with a distinctive appearance. |
| Care Level | Moderate | |
| Diet | Herbivorous | |
| Origin | Vietnam and Laos | |
| Swimming Level | Bottom dwellers |
White Cloud Mountain Minnows
| Feature | Value |  |
| Scientific Name | Tanichthys albonubes | |
| Adult Size | Up to 1.5 inches | |
| Compatibility | Goldfish, Neon tetras, Mollies, Otos, Julii cories, Peal Gourami, and Ghost shrimps | |
| Water Temperature | 57 – 71°F | |
| Minimum Tank size | 10 gallons per fish | Why Suitable? Thrive at the same water temperature as goldfish. Social and non-aggressive behavior. Easy to take care of. Adds energy in the Tank with activity. |
| Care Level | Easy | |
| Diet | Carnivorous | |
| Origin | China | |
| Swimming Level | Middle |
Hoplo Catfish
| Feature | Value |  |
| Scientific Name | Megalechis thoracata | |
| Adult Size | Up to 6.0 inches | |
| Compatibility | Other Goldfish | |
| Water Temperature | 64 – 82°F | |
| Minimum Tank size | 30 gallons per fish | Why Suitable? Reduced competition as they are bottom dweller. Keep the Tank clean by eating leftover food. Docile and peaceful. Easy to maintain due to hardiness. |
| Care Level | Easy | |
| Diet | Omnivorous | |
| Origin | South America | |
| Swimming Level | Bottom dwellers |
Rosy Barbs
| Feature | Value |  |
| Scientific Name | Pethia conchonius | |
| Adult Size | Up to 3.5 inches | |
| Compatibility | Goldfish, Gouramis, Angelfish, Swordtails, Knifefish, Ropefish, Danios, Paradis fish, Tetras, American cichlids | |
| Water Temperature | 61 – 75°F | |
| Minimum Tank size | 25 gallons per fish | |
| Care Level | Easy | |
| Diet | Omnivorous | |
| Origin | Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan | |
| Swimming Level | Middle | |
| Why Suitable? | Both live at the same water temperature. They are highly active and add energy to the Tank. Reduced maintenance as they can live in various conditions. Add vibrant coloration to the Tank. |
|
Zebra Danios
| Feature | Value |  |
| Scientific Name | Danio rerio | |
| Adult Size | Up to 2.0 inches | |
| Compatibility | Goldfish, Honey Gouramis, Ember tetras, Rummy nose tetras, Rosy barbs, Swordtail, Kuhli loach, and platys | |
| Water Temperature | 64 – 77°F | |
| Minimum Tank size | 10 gallons per fish | |
| Care Level | Easy | |
| Diet | Carnivorous | |
| Origin | India | |
| Swimming Level | Top and Middle | |
| Why Suitable | Both live at the same water temperature. They are highly active and add energy to the Tank. Reduced maintenance as they can live in various conditions. They are peaceful and easygoing with goldfish. |
|
Variatus Platy
| Feature | Value |  |
| Scientific Name | Xiphophorus variatus | |
| Adult Size | Up to 2.8 inches | |
| Compatibility | Bristlenose plecos, Goldfish, Small tetras, and Rasboras | |
| Water Temperature | 68 – 79°F | |
| Minimum Tank size | 15 gallons per fish | |
| Care Level | Easy | |
| Diet | Omnivorous | |
| Origin | Mexico | |
| Swimming Level | Top, middle, and bottom | |
| Why Suitable? | Both live at the same water temperature. They are highly active and add energy to the Tank. Reduced maintenance as they can live in various conditions. They are non-competitive and peaceful. |
|
Japanese Rice Fish
| Feature | Value |  |
| Scientific Name | Oryzias latipes | |
| Adult Size | Up to 1.5 inches | |
| Compatibility | Goldfish, Hillstream, White cloud mountain minnows, Shiners, Dinos, and Paradise Fish | |
| Water Temperature | 61 – 72°F | |
| Minimum Tank size | 10 gallons per fish | |
| Care Level | Easy | |
| Diet | Carnivorous | |
| Origin | East Asia | |
| Swimming Level | Top, middle, and bottom | |
| Why Suitable? | Both live at the same water temperature. They are highly active and add energy to the Tank. Reduced maintenance as they can live in various conditions. They are non-competitive and peaceful. |
|
Mystery Snails
| Feature | Value |  |
| Scientific Name | Pomacea bridgesii | |
| Adult Size | Up to 2.0 inches | |
| Compatibility | Goldfish, Tetras, Guppies, Endlers, Ricefish, Neon tetras, Cherry Barbs, Catfish, Platies, and Zebra Danio | |
| Water Temperature | 68 – 84°F | |
| Minimum Tank size | 5 gallons per fish | |
| Care Level | Easy | |
| Diet | Algae | |
| Origin | Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, and Bolivia | |
| Swimming Level | Bottom Dweller | |
| Why Suitable? | Reduced maintenance as they can live in various conditions. They eat leftover food and algae in the Tank. Non-disturbing behavior. They add a unique feature of slowness and methodical moments. |
|
Will Large Goldfish Eat Their Tank Mates
Yes, large goldfish can eat small fish. Usually, they don’t have a predatory nature. They are peaceful and docile. The problem is that they have a big appetite. Therefore, they eat everything that fits in their mouth. Here are some crucial periods when their predatory instinct can prove fatal for other companions.
| When they have baby goldfish in their Tank. | During the breeding time |
best tank mates for goldfish
What Fish Will Clean Goldfish Tank?
Goldfish have a big appetite. They frequently eat, so the leftover food causes problems. Some species help to keep the tank clean. Here is a list of such species, their services, and how they help in goldfish tank maintenance.
| Goldfish Tank Cleaner | Cleaning Role | How Do They Help? |
| Bristlenose Pleco | Algae Eaters | They graze on algae grown on substrate, decorations, and glass walls. |
| Hillstream Loach | ||
| Siamese Algae Eater | ||
| Nerite Snails | ||
| Mystery Snails | ||
| Amano Shrimp | Leftover food cleaner | They eat the leftover fish food and break down fish waste. |
| Mystery Snails | ||
| Hoplo Catfish | ||
| Hoplo Catfish | Scavenger | They help to stir the substrate and improve aeration in the Tank. |
| Dojo Loach | ||
| Dojo Loach | Substrate Cleaner | Dojo Loach helps to clean the bottom of the Tank. |
End of the Line
Keep the same temperature and temperament fish that can co-exist with goldfish, like dojo loach, bristlenose pelcos, etc. Always remember the size, as goldfish can cannibalize their Tank mates due to big appetites. Dojo loach, Hoplo catfish, mystery snails, etc. are such goldfish Tank mates that can clean and maintain the Tank.
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