Goldfish add vibrant colors to your tank. About 200 different species have been discovered till now. They vary in size from small to feet large. With a peaceful nature, they can thrive in multi-species tank mates.
If you are going to introduce tank mates, it can be a difficult task for you due to compatibility issues. Their natural habitat is in cold tides, and on the other hand, most aqua pets belong to the tropical climate. Besides this, there are many considerations that you have to keep in mind while introducing tank mates.
Reading till the end, you will learn about the points to be considered and a list of best mates for your goldfish.
Points to be consider
As discussed earlier, there are some critical points that you have to consider before introducing a tank mate. Let’s explore those points.
Temperature
Goldfish love to live in cold tides relative to other large warm water aqua pet communities. They thrive excellently between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Although they seek high temperatures for excellent growth, but their higher temperature is quite lesser than many other aquarium creatures.
So, the temperature is one of the main parameters to narrow down the goldfish tank mates list. Wisely introduce a fish that can coexist with goldfish at the same temperature.
Size
Goldfish always tend to fill their mouth as they have a large appetite. These fish try to eat everything from gravel to the stem of plants.
Therefore, consider it while introducing the tank mates. Always try to add such a fish that is equal to their size. Otherwise, your tank population will become the feed of your goldfish.
Peaceful tank mates
Some big boys always tend to capture a spot in the aquarium. They show aggressive behavior if someone enters their territory.
On the other hand, goldfish knows no limit; they carry on exploring all of the corners of the fish tank. They love to swim all of the time.
Aggressive companions will cause stress in goldfish. Just like the goldfish, the other companion will also become stressed. Stress leads to many problems, including death.
Same routine
They are peaceful and always keep on swimming. It is necessary to live with such mates who have the same habits. All of your pets will form a great and happy fish community with the same routine.
6 best tank mates
In the following, you will find the 6 best tank mates who fulfill all of the upper discussed requirements. Adding such fish will give a new color to your aquarium life.
1. Dojo Loach
| Size | 6 - 12 inches |
| Lifespan | 8 - 10 years |
| Care level | Easy |
| Minimum tank size | 55 gallons |
| Water parameters |
Temperature: 65 - 75 ℉ pH level: 6.5 - 8.0 |
Dojo Loach is also known as weather loach or pond loach. Their native habitat is Siberia and other cold regions. Peaceful nature makes them the best tank mate with goldfish.
Out of the optimum temperature, the condition reduces their life from 4 to 5 years rather than the 8 to 10-year natural cycle.
When there is a stressed environment, they tend to hide under plants, pebbles, and substrate. These freshwater creatures prove an excellent companion to goldfish.
2. Bristlenose Pleco
| Size | 3 - 5 inches |
| Lifespan | More than 5 years |
| Care level | Easy |
| Minimum tank size | 25 gallons |
| Water parameters |
Temperature: 60 - 80 ℉ pH level: 6.5 - 7.5 |
Bristlenose pleco is also known as Bushy Nose Pleco or Bristlenose Catfish, a fun creature of freshwater tank. They come from the Amazon’s streams and tributaries.
These bottom dwellers are a great addition to cleaning up your tank’s bottom and help to control the explosive algae growth.
While adding them, consider the hiding places as they tend to hide and love to do so. They are docile and live in love with other peaceful creatures.
3. Platy Fish
| Size | Up to 2.5 inches |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
| Care level | Easy |
| Minimum tank size | 10 gallons |
| Water parameters |
Temperature: 72 - 78 ℉ pH level: 6.8 - 8.5 |
Platy fish are another type of aqua pet that can share the tank with goldfish. Multi-color swordtail platy fish are originally found in the tides of Central American and Mexican rivers. They are more confident in the group of six.
Besides adding multi-colors in your tank, they remain active both day and night as they are diurnal by nature.
Addition of hardy plants to make them feel at home. Java moss, duckweed, and hornwort are the ideal plants for the tank. As they love to swim, adding some floating vegetation can help them avoid stress.
4. Hillstream Loach
| Size | 2 - 3 inches |
| Lifespan | 8 - 10 years |
| Care level | Difficult |
| Minimum tank size | 55 gallons |
| Water parameters |
Temperature: 68 - 75 ℉ pH level: 6.5 - 7.5 |
Hillstream loach, also known as Reticulated Hillstream Loach. They are originally from the fast-moving waters of Laos and Vietnam. They are omnivores and inclined to eat plant foliage.
In the hands of veteran aquarists, they can live up to 8 years but are not suitable for beginners. They are also bottom dwellers. They are an exception in the loach family with diurnal nature. Therefore you can see them quite active at any time.
They prove the best tank mate for the small goldfish because larger goldfish may cause stress among these creatures.
5. Rosy Barb
| Size | Up to 6 inches |
| Lifespan | Up to 5 years |
| Care level | Easy |
| Minimum tank size | 20 gallons for 5 |
| Water parameters |
Temperature: 64 - 79 ℉ pH level: 6.7 - 7.0 |
Rosy Barb is a popular shoaling fish. They are among the best companion of goldfish due to their peaceful nature. When they are flowing in a large group of six or more, they create a beautiful shimmer of pink, enhancing your goldfish tank's esthetic look.
India and Bangladesh are the native countries of this beautiful creature. They live in the strong tides of Asian countries. Therefore they tend to perform well in relatively high temperatures.
Although they are pretty hardy regular water parameter testing is required, high oxygen is a key demand. Therefore you can see them floating on the upper surface of the tank.
6. Banded Corydoras
| Size | 3 - 4 inches |
| Lifespan | 10 years |
| Care level | Easy |
| Minimum tank size | 55 gallons for 5 |
| Water parameters |
Temperature: 68 - 82 ℉ pH level: 5.5 - 7.0 |
Banded Corydoras are also known as Callichthys Barbatus. Their native origin is coastal areas of sub-tropical regions of South America and from Rio de Janeiro to Santa Catarina, Brazil. They do best in a group of six as they are schooling in nature.
These omnivore creatures are bottom dwellers. While introducing these fish, you should remember that they don’t love staying at the higher populated aquarium.
Some of the previously discussed creatures love to live in high currents, but unlike them, they prefer to live in slow-moving ponds. Therefore, create a peaceful environment.
Conclusion
Goldfish give a vibrant look to your fish tank. You can introduce multiple tank mates by considering a suitable temperature range, size, similar daily course, and nature of other aqua pets.
Dojo loach, Bristlenose Pleco, Platy Fish, Rosy Barb, Banded Corydoras, and Hillstream Loach are among the best companions for goldfish.
Besides these pets, you can also add Zebra Danio, and White Cloud Mountain Minnow to your goldfish tank.
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