When it comes to keeping fish as pets, many people start with goldfish. They are easy to care for, relatively low-maintenance, and can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium. However, as goldfish enthusiasts, many of us wonder what other types of fish we can keep with our beloved goldfish. This topic is crucial because it can help us create a harmonious and thriving aquatic environment for our fish.
Why Can’t You Just Mix Any Fish?
Before we dive into the types of fish that can be kept with goldfish, it’s essential to understand why you can’t just mix any fish together. Goldfish are cold-water fish, and they have specific temperature and pH requirements. If you introduce fish that have different temperature and pH requirements, it can lead to stress, disease, and even death. Additionally, some fish may be aggressive or territorial, which can cause harm to your goldfish.
What Makes a Good Tankmate for Goldfish?
A good tankmate for goldfish should have similar temperature and pH requirements, be peaceful, and not compete with them for food. They should also be small enough to fit comfortably in the same tank. Some popular options include:
- Harlequin Rasboras
- White Cloud Mountain Minnows
- Corydoras Catfish
- Zebra Danios
These fish are all relatively small, peaceful, and can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium with goldfish. However, it’s essential to research each species’ specific needs and requirements before introducing them to your tank.
What Fish Should You Avoid Keeping with Goldfish?
There are some fish that you should avoid keeping with goldfish, including:
- Fish that require warm water, such as betta fish or tropical fish
- Fish that are aggressive or territorial, such as angelfish or cichlids
- Fish that are large enough to eat your goldfish, such as larger catfish or pike
By understanding what types of fish can be kept with goldfish and what types to avoid, you can create a thriving and harmonious aquatic environment for your fish. In the next section, we’ll explore more specific guidelines for keeping certain types of fish with goldfish.
What Kind Of Fish Can You Put With Goldfish?
Goldfish are a popular choice for home aquariums due to their low maintenance and ability to thrive in a variety of environments. However, when it comes to introducing other fish to your goldfish tank, it’s essential to choose compatible species to ensure a harmonious and healthy environment for all your fish. In this article, we’ll explore the types of fish that can be kept with goldfish and provide guidance on how to create a thriving community.
Why Compatibility Matters
Goldfish are a cold-water fish and prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). They are also omnivores and require a balanced diet that includes both plant and animal matter. When introducing other fish to your tank, it’s crucial to consider their compatibility with goldfish in terms of temperature, diet, and temperament. Incompatible fish can lead to stress, disease, and even death. (See Also: Are Betta Fish Lazy)
Types of Fish That Can Be Kept with Goldfish
Here are some types of fish that can be kept with goldfish:
- Neon Tetras: These small, schooling fish are a popular choice for community aquariums and can be kept with goldfish. They require a similar temperature range and can thrive in a well-planted tank.
- Guppies: Guppies are another popular choice for community aquariums and can be kept with goldfish. They are relatively small and peaceful, making them a good match for goldfish.
- Harlequin Rasboras: These small, peaceful fish are a good match for goldfish and can be kept in a community tank. They require a similar temperature range and can thrive in a well-planted tank.
- White Cloud Mountain Minnows: These small, peaceful fish are a good match for goldfish and can be kept in a community tank. They require a similar temperature range and can thrive in a well-planted tank.
Types of Fish That Should Not Be Kept with Goldfish
Here are some types of fish that should not be kept with goldfish:
- Angelfish: Angelfish are a large, aggressive fish that require a lot of space and can be territorial. They are not suitable for a community tank with goldfish.
- Betta Fish: Betta fish are a solitary species that require a separate tank and should not be kept with goldfish.
- Cichlids: Cichlids are a diverse group of fish that can be aggressive and territorial. They are not suitable for a community tank with goldfish.
- Large Barbs: Large barbs, such as the Tiger Barb, can be aggressive and territorial. They are not suitable for a community tank with goldfish.
Creating a Thriving Community
To create a thriving community with goldfish and other fish, follow these tips:
Choose the right tank size: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for a community tank with goldfish and other fish. This will provide enough space for all the fish to swim and thrive.
Provide plenty of hiding places: Goldfish and other fish need plenty of hiding places to feel secure. Add plants, rocks, and other decorations to provide hiding places for your fish.
Keep the water clean: Regular water changes and a good filtration system are essential for keeping the water clean and healthy for your fish.
Feed a balanced diet: Goldfish and other fish require a balanced diet that includes both plant and animal matter. Feed your fish a high-quality flake or pellet food, and supplement with live or frozen foods as needed.
Monitor the temperature: Goldfish and other fish require a similar temperature range. Monitor the temperature in your tank and make adjustments as needed to ensure it remains within the optimal range.
Conclusion
Goldfish are a popular choice for home aquariums, and with the right tankmates, they can thrive in a community tank. By choosing compatible fish and providing a suitable environment, you can create a thriving community that is enjoyable to watch and maintain. Remember to choose the right tank size, provide plenty of hiding places, keep the water clean, feed a balanced diet, and monitor the temperature to ensure a healthy and happy environment for your fish.
Recap
Here’s a recap of the key points:
- Goldfish are a cold-water fish and prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Choose compatible fish that require a similar temperature range and diet.
- Neon Tetras, Guppies, Harlequin Rasboras, and White Cloud Mountain Minnows are good choices for a community tank with goldfish.
- Angelfish, Betta Fish, Cichlids, and Large Barbs are not suitable for a community tank with goldfish.
- Choose the right tank size, provide plenty of hiding places, keep the water clean, feed a balanced diet, and monitor the temperature to create a thriving community.
I hope this article has provided you with the information you need to create a thriving community with goldfish and other fish. Remember to do your research and choose compatible fish to ensure a harmonious and healthy environment for all your fish.
FAQs: What Kind Of Fish Can You Put With Goldfish
Can I put neon tetras with goldfish?
Neon tetras are a popular choice for community aquariums, but they are not suitable to be kept with goldfish. Neon tetras are small, schooling fish that require a lot of swimming space and specific water conditions. Goldfish, on the other hand, are larger and more aggressive, and their waste can harm the delicate balance of the neon tetras’ environment. It’s best to keep neon tetras in a separate tank with other small, peaceful fish.
Can I put guppies with goldfish?
Guppies are another popular choice for community aquariums, and they can be kept with goldfish in certain circumstances. However, it’s important to note that guppies are livebearers, which means they can produce a lot of waste. Goldfish are also prone to eating the eggs and fry (baby fish) of guppies. To make it work, you’ll need to provide a large enough tank with plenty of hiding places and a good filtration system. It’s also a good idea to introduce the guppies to the tank first and let them establish themselves before adding the goldfish.
Can I put cory catfish with goldfish?
Cory catfish are small, bottom-dwelling fish that are great for community aquariums. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with goldfish, but it’s important to note that they are sensitive to water conditions and may not thrive in a tank with poor filtration or water quality. Make sure to provide plenty of hiding places and a soft, sandy substrate for the cory catfish to burrow into. They are also nocturnal, so they’ll be most active at night.
Can I put angelfish with goldfish?
Angelfish are a popular choice for community aquariums, but they are not suitable to be kept with goldfish. Angelfish are large, peaceful fish that require a lot of swimming space and specific water conditions. Goldfish are aggressive and may see the angelfish as a threat, and the angelfish may not thrive in a tank with poor filtration or water quality. It’s best to keep angelfish in a separate tank with other peaceful fish.
Can I put shrimp with goldfish?
Shrimp are a great addition to community aquariums, and they can be kept with goldfish in certain circumstances. However, it’s important to note that shrimp are small and can be seen as a food source by goldfish. To make it work, you’ll need to provide plenty of hiding places and a good filtration system to keep the water clean and clear. It’s also a good idea to introduce the shrimp to the tank first and let them establish themselves before adding the goldfish.