Tankmates
Next topic will cover tankmates that are compatible with goldfish. To make it easier to understand what makes each fish in general compatible or not, descriptions per group of fish will be added.
We would like to thank the following for making this section possible with their contributed experiences, opinions and suggestions.
ksane
Inka4040
Notophthalmus
SubRosa
Sevast0
beabroca
pezzy
kyryah
Kashta
Please do remember experiences will vary so what may have worked for most people, may not be similar to your own. Be sure to follow your instincts before attempting the combination.
Compatible
Apple Snail
Apple snails are one of the few snail families that are truly compatible with goldfish particularly the large species such as
Pomacea canaliculata and
Pomacea diffusa. There are currently nine genera that exist although only about three have been found available in th aquarium trade.
For further information on basic care and requirements, you may click the following for particular species.
Asolene spixi
Marisa cornuarietis
Pomacea canaliculata
Pomacea diffusa
Pomacea haustrum
Pomacea insularum
Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.)
Bristlenose plecos are just one of the few plecos that are truly compatible with goldfish with the possible exception of bubble eyes, celestials and most demekins whose eyes may be injured by the swimming activities of this pleco.
Unlike most plecos, bristlenose plecos consume mostly vegetable matter and some plants thus they will not likely focus their taste on slime coat as protein source which most plecos unfortunately do.
Due to their rather quiet demeanor, they are greatly recommended especially as they relish the algae and keep them under control. Most male bristlenose plecos are territorial but given the space and hiding places, such issue can be avoided. Female bristlenose plecos are much more docile than the males in general.
Creek Chubs (Semotilus sp.)
Works well with pond type goldfish and the less delicate fancy types. Best avoided with the more delicate types such as bubble eyes and celestials due to their rambunctious nature.
Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)
Dojo loaches are categorized as coldwater to temperate species thus making them an appropriate tankmate for goldfish. They do not require fast flowing waters unlike most other loaches.
For further information on their basic care and requirements, please be sure to check this link.
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1666206&postcount=19
Fathead Minnow/Rosy Red (Pimephales sp.)
Works well with pond type goldfish and the less delicate fancy types. Best avoided with the more delicate types such as bubble eyes and celestials due to their rambunctious nature.
Golden Shiner (Notemigonus sp.)
Works well with pond type goldfish and the less delicate fancy types.
Nerite Snail
Nerite snails are another group that can be kept suitably with goldfish. Their thick shells and discreet personality of not exposing their soft tissues unlike the apple snails make them quite compatible for several fish that would otherwise not be compatible with snails. Unfortunately, they will not take to supplementary foods easily preferring algae and biofilm as their main course of diet so you may need to ensure that those types of foods are constantly available for them to eat.
On the other hand, nerites with spines on their shells are best avoided as these ones can injure the goldfish that may accidentally brush themselves on the snails' shells.
The following species are commonly available and are completely suitable with goldfish.
Neritina natalensis
Neritina turreta
Vitta usnea
River chubs (Nocomis sp.)
Works well with pond type goldfish and the less delicate fancy types. Best avoided with the more delicate types such as bubble eyes and celestials due to their rambunctious nature.
Trapdoor Snail (Viviparus sp.)
Trapdoor snails are classified as coldwater in general therefore making them quite suitable in goldfish setups. Unfortunately, these snails are finicky eaters preferring to consume only algae and decaying plant matter although a few can readily take vegetable matter.
Incompatible
Betta
Bettas need warmer temperature and will be unable to tolerate the constant activities by goldfish. Aside from that, a lot of goldfish grow quite big and may not hesitate to gobble their smaller tankmates. A few goldfish enthusiasts have managed to accomplish the combination however we advise beginners not try this for reasons stated above.
Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri)
Another fish often mistaken as suitable for goldfish especially when petstore employees often recommend them as algae cleaners. These are absolutely one of the worst possible tankmates for goldfish. It is true that the juvenile ones will industriously clean the tank of its algae but as they begin to mature, their taste for algae fades to be replaced by their hunger for protein source which is where the goldfish's slime coat comes into play.
Adult Chinese algae eaters are very belligerent and will harass the goldfish aside from sucking their slime coats making the latter more prone to skin diseases. Adult Chinese algae eaters garner a size length of 8-10 inches so small tanks will not suit them appropriately as well.
Clown Loach
Clown loaches are incompatible as they require a much warmer water at 80 degrees Fahrenheit and above. They are also finicky with their water conditions and prefer fast flowing conditions.
Common Pleco
This is yet one of the most frequently asked questions whether they are truly compatible or not. Unfortunately, this fish is truly subjective and while some may have successfully kept them with their own goldfish especially with pond types, it is best advised not to combine them with the fancy types which are much slower and easily victimized by possible slime coat sucking incidents.
Common plecos are also territorial by nature as they mature so unless there is plenty of space in your tank, common plecos are best avoided. They have already been reported to even destroy most goldfish by consuming them whether they were already weakened or not and a friend even reported his own common pleco ate one of his prized fancy goldfish.
Corydoras
Goldfish will not hesitate to swallow their smaller tankmates especially ones with spiny pectoral fins. Many incidents have been reported involving corydoras being swallowed by a goldfish. In cases like this, either will be lost. It is best that the prey must be cut off with a sharp scissors at the cost of its life to save the predator from choking to death. Chances are likely that the the predator may survive much better than the prey throughout this horrible ordeal.
Guppy
Guppies are easily gobbled by larger goldfish although the adult ones may be able to escape their gobbling habits. Fortunately, some guppies particularly ones meant as feeders can tolerate the cooler temperature much better than the fancy ones that have been immensely groomed.
Hillstream Loach
Hillstream loaches thrive on fast flowing and clean waters, both of which may not easily be accomplished if goldfish are kept together with them in the same tank.
Koi
Koi are generally not a problem when kept with the pond types such as wakins, watonais, jikins, hibunas (common goldfish), comets ad shubunkins however they are not compatible for rather slow moving fancy goldies.
Kuhli Loach
Easily gobbled.
Malaysian Trumpet Snail
Easily gobbled and pose health hazards when swallowed by goldfish especially when they have a rather sharp conical shaped shell.
Otocinclus
See corydoras.
Spiny Nerite Snails
Nerites with spines on their shells are best avoided as these ones can injure the goldfish that may accidentally brush themselves on the snails' shells. A few examples to name a few are
Clithon corona, Clithon faba and
Neritina juttingae.
Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus)
Warmouth are shy fish and probably will not appreciate the constant activity and inquisitive nature of goldfish.
Yoyo Loach
Reasons are similar to clown loaches. These are also very boisterous tankmates therefore they may not be tolerated by the much slower fancy goldfish especially if they start harassing the latter with their inquisitive nature.