The Compatibility of Goldfish with Tropical Fish

Before you buy your fish, we recommend that you have a handy desktop reference to understand fish compatibility and environmental requirements. It will help prevent costly mistakes and help you keep you fish happy and healthy.

One of the first things to consider when you want to combine goldfish and tropical fish in the same tank, is the environment. Goldfish are capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, and many enthusiasts will keep them in unheated aquariums, that stay at room temperature. They can however, live in heated quarters of 65-75F as a range, which would eliminate tropical fish that require very warm water.

The next thing to look at is the size of the tank and the fish you'll be keeping in it. While the majority of goldfish are not hyperactive, do they do like room to swim, and a 30 gallon tank would serve you well for several goldfish and some tropical fish, if chosen carefully. Goldfish appreciate a fine sand substrate, while most tropical fish are flexible on this. But that's because goldfish are diggers, and will root around in the sand throwing it up around ornaments and driftwood. Gravel is more difficult for them to move, and can scrape or damage their scales. This behavior can also damage less hardy plants.

The biggest consideration, is the type and nature of the goldfish you want to have. Many people go for the fancy fish with long, elegant fins and bulging eyes. Unfortunately, the fins are like waving flags to many tropical fish, and they will get nibbled and torn. If you put the goldfish in with very active tropical fish, like neon tetras or zebras, it's possible that in their dashing about, they may run into the protruding eyes of the goldfish and injure them.

The fancier the goldfish, the less chance of finding compatible tropical fish. The general recommendations are limited to Plecos, and a few varieties of small catfish that are not aggressive.

Your Comprehensive Resource on Creating the Best Tropical Fish Tank Possible

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