20 Best Goldfish Tank Mates

Goldfish make fantastic pets, but have you ever considered adding some tank mates to liven up your aquarium? Explore the realm of possibilities with these 20 amazing goldfish tank mates that can add unparalleled diversity, beauty, and peacefulness to your aquatic haven. Let’s dive in!

by Fabian

Updated: May 16, 2023 / 14 mins read

Fabian is the dedicated Chief Editor at Aquarium Nexus. From a young age, he was captivated by the vibrant world of aquatic life, leading him to accumulate over 20 years of experience in keeping and breeding various fish species. The fulfillment derived from the aquarium hobby has remained a constant throughout Fabian's life. As an expert in the field, he finds great pleasure in imparting his extensive knowledge and personal experiences to both seasoned aficionados and budding enthusiasts.

Zebra Danio

The Zebra Danio, a small attractive fish, is known for its distinctive horizontal blue and silver stripes. They thrive in freshwater and are an ideal choice for community tanks with a peaceful temperament, making them great goldfish tank mates.

• Compatibility: 4/5
• Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – quality fish flakes, small live foods like daphnia, and bloodworms.
• Max. Size: 2 inches

Zebra Danios are highly adaptable and can tolerate a variety of water temperatures. Their active and energetic disposition enhances the overall charm of your goldfish tank, creating a lively atmosphere.

Celestial Danio

Celestial Danios, also known as Galaxy Rasboras, exhibit a captivating celestial pattern of orange spots against a brilliant blue body, making them a visually stunning addition to your goldfish tank.

• Compatibility: 3.5/5
• Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – micro pellets, live foods such as daphnia and baby brine shrimp, and frozen foods.
• Max. Size: 1 inch

These tiny yet enchanting fish are best suited for peaceful community tanks with similar-sized tank mates. Providing them with a densely planted environment will help Celestial Danios thrive and minimize potential goldfish predation.

Rosy Tetra

The Rosy Tetra, with its intense red hue and shimmering silver undertones, adds a pop of color to your goldfish tank without overwhelming the setup, while easily co-existing with larger goldfish.

• Compatibility: 4/5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – tropical fish flakes or pellets, live foods, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
• Max. Size: 2 inches

Being naturally peaceful and schooling fish, Rosy Tetras are more comfortable when part of a group. Providing them with ample swimming space, hiding spots, and a well-planted environment will ensure they flourish in your goldfish tank.

Rummy Nose Tetra

With a striking red nose and unique tail pattern featuring jet-black and white bands, the Rummy Nose Tetra is a small yet vibrant fish that can cohabit harmoniously with goldfish.

• Compatibility: 4/5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – tropical fish flakes, live foods such as daphnia, and frozen foods like bloodworms.
• Max. Size: 2 inches

Rummy Nose Tetras thrive in a well-maintained, stable environment, so keeping water parameters consistent is crucial. They are schooling fish, so a group of them will emphasize their captivating swimming patterns while adding life to your goldfish tank.

Giant Danios

Giant Danios, as their name suggests, are larger versions of the popular Zebra Danio. Sporting a golden body with iridescent blue spots, they make an attractive addition to your goldfish tank.

• Compatibility: 4/5
• Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – tropical fish flakes, live foods like daphnia and bloodworms, and frozen foods.
• Max. Size: 4 inches

These active and boisterous swimmers will require ample swimming space and sturdy plants or hiding spots. Preferring to be in groups, they are best maintained in a school of six or more while coexisting peacefully with goldfish.

Bloodfin Tetras

Boasting a silver body with vibrantly red-tipped fins, Bloodfin Tetras are an eye-catching option for those looking to introduce variety and color into their goldfish tank.

• Compatibility: 3.5/5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – tropical fish flakes, tubifex worms, brine shrimp, and small live foods.
• Max. Size: 2 inches

Being hardy and adaptable, Bloodfin Tetras can thrive alongside goldfish. However, they are shoaling fish, and for their comfort, it is best to keep them in groups to reduce stress. Provide ample swimming area, live plants, and hiding spots to ensure their happiness in your goldfish tank.

Dojo Loach

The Dojo Loach, or Weather Loach, is a slender, eel-like fish with captivating whisker-like barbels around its mouth, making it a distinctive addition to your goldfish tank.

• Compatibility: 5/5
• Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – sinking pellets, live foods like earthworms, and frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
• Max. Size: 12 inches

Dojo Loaches are peaceful and can even help control excess snail populations in your aquarium. They enjoy digging, so providing a substrate like sand in your goldfish tank will enable them to exhibit their natural behavior while complementing your goldfish nicely.

Hillstream Loach

Resembling a tiny underwater stingray, the Hillstream Loach is a wonderfully unique addition to your goldfish tank, boasting intricate patterns and colors on their flat disc-like bodies.

• Compatibility: 5/5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Herbivore – algae, sinking algae wafers, and occasional live or frozen foods.
• Max. Size: 3 inches

Hillstream Loaches thrive in well-oxygenated, clean environments. They love clinging to the surfaces of your aquarium decorations, adding character and charm to your goldfish tank. As peaceful bottom-dwellers, they successfully coexist with goldfish without any aggression or competition.

Paradise Fish

With their vibrant colors and long, flowing fins, Paradise Fish are a gorgeous addition to any goldfish tank, adding a touch of elegance and beauty.

• Compatibility: 3/5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – fish flakes, live foods like daphnia, and frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
• Max. Size: 4 inches

While Paradise Fish can be territorial, if given adequate space and hiding spots, they can coexist with goldfish. Opt for a larger tank to minimize potential issues, and ensure the tank is filled with plants and decorations to provide plenty of territory for all the fish to enjoy.

White Cloud Minnows

White Cloud Minnows are incredibly charming, featuring a blend of iridescent blue, green, and red colors on their tiny, slender bodies, making them a popular choice for goldfish tank mates.

• Compatibility: 5/5
• Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – quality fish flakes, small live foods, and frozen foods like daphnia and brine shrimp.
• Max. Size: 1.5 inches

These hardy and peaceful fish prefer cooler waters, which match perfectly with the goldfish’s preference. White Cloud Minnows are schooling fish, so keep them in groups to help them thrive and showcase their active, striking beauty alongside your goldfish.

Bristlenose Plecos

Bristlenose Plecos, famous for their unique “brush-like” whiskers, are a fascinating and incredibly useful addition to your goldfish tank.

• Compatibility: 4.5/5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – algae, sinking pellets, vegetables like zucchini, and occasional live or frozen foods.
• Max. Size: 6 inches

These bottom dwellers make excellent tank mates for goldfish due to their peaceful nature and cleaning abilities—they help control algae growth! As nocturnal creatures, Bristlenose Plecos require hiding spots to feel secure. Provide a healthy and stable environment for your goldfish to enjoy with the added benefits of this exceptional tank mate.

Corydoras

Corydoras, commonly known as “Cory Cats,” are small, bottom-feeding catfish that thrive alongside goldfish thanks to their peaceful disposition and entertaining antics.

• Compatibility: 4.5/5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – sinking pellets, live and frozen foods like bloodworms, and vegetables such as cucumber.
• Max. Size: 2-3 inches (varies by species)

These sociable creatures can often be seen swimming together in groups, delighting in sifting through substrate in search of food. Providing suitable hiding spaces, Corydoras will not only coexist peacefully with goldfish but also contribute to a cleaner and more dynamic tank environment.

Otocinclus Fish

Otocinclus Fish, affectionately known as “Otos,” are small, efficient algae eaters, making them perfect companions to your goldfish.

• Compatibility: 4/5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Herbivore – algae, algae wafers, vegetables like cucumber, and occasional blanched spinach.
• Max. Size: 2 inches

Otos are peaceful and can easily coexist in a goldfish tank, provided they have enough hiding spots to feel safe. These schooling fish should be kept in groups to ensure they are comfortable and stress-free. With their excellent algae-cleaning abilities, Otos not only enhance your goldfish tank’s beauty but also help maintaining it.

Glass Catfish

Glass Catfish, fascinating and unique with their transparent, almost invisible bodies, add an element of mystery and intrigue to your goldfish tank.

• Compatibility: 3/5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – quality flakes, live foods like mosquito larvae, and frozen foods such as daphnia.
• Max. Size: 4 inches

These peaceful fish prefer to exist in groups, swimming together in schools. Glass Catfish require slightly warmer water than goldfish, so make sure to maintain a stable temperature suitable for both. Provide ample hiding spots and well-planted areas for them to thrive harmoniously with your goldfish.

Panda Loach

The Panda Loach, with its distinct black-and-white markings reminiscent of a panda, brings a touch of charm and playfulness to any goldfish tank.

• Compatibility: 4/5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – sinking pellets, live or frozen foods like bloodworms, and vegetable matter.
• Max. Size: 2 inches

These entertaining and peaceful bottom dwellers coexist well with goldfish. Panda Loaches are social creatures and will feel more comfortable in small groups. Be sure to provide hiding spots, such as caves and dense plant coverage, to keep these lovable fish content and secure while sharing the aquatic environment with your goldfish.

Zebra Loach

The Zebra Loach, adorned with bold black and yellow stripes, adds a delightful dash of vibrancy and energy to your goldfish tank.

• Compatibility: 3.5/5
• Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – sinking pellets, live or frozen foods like bloodworms, and vegetable matter.
• Max. Size: 4 inches

These friendly and active fish are great for keeping the tank free from snails, as they enjoy feeding on them. Zebra Loaches prefer to reside in groups, so provide a significantly-sized tank with hiding spots and plenty of swimming space. They’ll cohabit peacefully alongside goldfish while showcasing their striking, eye-catching pattern.

Hoplo Catfish

The Hoplo Catfish, with their robust and muscular shape, provide a powerful presence in any goldfish tank without compromising the harmony of the aquatic environment.

• Compatibility: 4/5
• Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – sinking pellets, live or frozen foods such as earthworms, and vegetable matter.
• Max. Size: 6 inches

These adaptable fish are equipped with fascinating spines on their fins, bestowing a protective appearance. Hoplo Catfish are active swimmers and can tolerate a range of water conditions. Their mild temperament enables them to coexist peacefully with goldfish while adding a unique and striking presence to your aquarium.

Hognose Brochis

Hognose Brochis, also called Banded Cory or Crying Whiptail Catfish, possess a distinctive elongated snout that sets them apart, adding character to any goldfish tank.

• Compatibility: 4.5/5
• Min. Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Care Level: Moderate
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – sinking pellets, live or frozen foods like tubifex worms, and vegetable matter.
• Max. Size: 3 inches

These peaceful fish are not only captivating but also quite hardy, coexisting seamlessly with goldfish. Hognose Brochis enjoy exploring the tank’s bottom and require soft substrates to prevent damage to their delicate barbels. Provide well-planted hiding spots and maintain stable water conditions to ensure their well-being alongside your goldfish.

Ricefish

Ricefish, with their small size and translucent bodies, present a delicate beauty that complements the more robust appearance of goldfish.

• Compatibility: 4/5
• Min. Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – quality fish flakes, live, and frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and micro worms.
• Max. Size: 1.5 inches

These peaceful fish, native to the rice paddies of East Asia, are well-suited for goldfish tanks, given their preference for cooler water temperatures. Ricefish are schooling fish, so keep them in groups to minimize stress and showcase their charming, graceful beauty alongside your goldfish.

Gold Barbs

Gold Barbs, featuring a stunning metallic gold hue, are not only visually alluring but also make excellent tank mates for goldfish due to their peaceful nature.

• Compatibility: 5/5
• Min. Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Care Level: Easy
• Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – quality fish flakes, live foods, and frozen foods like daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp.
• Max. Size: 3 inches

These lively and social fish perform best when kept in schools, heightening the alluring dynamic of your goldfish tank. Providing an environment with ample hiding spaces, plants, and swimming room will ensure the Gold Barbs coexist harmoniously with your goldfish, enhancing the overall charm and visual appeal.

How to Choose Tank Mates for Goldfish

Goldfish are popular freshwater aquarium fish known for their hardiness and wide range of color varieties. When choosing tank mates for your goldfish, consider the following factors:

1. Size: Choose tank mates that are similar in size to your goldfish. Smaller fish may be viewed as food, while larger ones can bully or outcompete your goldfish for resources.
2. Temperament: Goldfish are generally peaceful, so they should be housed with other non-aggressive species.
3. Water parameters: Goldfish prefer cooler water temperatures than most tropical fish. Therefore, choose tank mates that thrive in the same water conditions.

Recommended Tank Mates

The following table provides an overview of appropriate tank mates for goldfish:

Tank Mates to Avoid

When selecting tank mates for your goldfish, avoid the following types of fish:

• Aggressive or territorial species, such as Cichlids and Betta fish.
• Tropical fish that require higher water temperatures, like Angelfish and Discus.
• Fish that are small enough to be eaten by the goldfish, such as Neon Tetras or small Guppies.

Creating a Harmonious Environment

• Goldfish produce a lot of waste, so ensure your tank is equipped with a powerful filter to maintain good water quality.
• Provide plenty of space. Goldfish grow large, and overcrowding can lead to stress and disease.
• Regularly check water parameters to ensure they remain within the optimal range for your fish.

By carefully selecting compatible tank mates for your goldfish, you can create a vibrant, peaceful, and healthy aquarium environment. Remember to always monitor the tank for signs of aggression or illness to ensure all your fish are thriving.

Stocking Your Aquarium

When introducing new fish into your goldfish tank, consider the capacity of your tank and the final size of the fish. Overcrowding can lead to unhealthy conditions and increased aggression. Here are a few tips:

• As a general guideline, provide at least 20 gallons for your first goldfish and an additional 10 gallons for each extra goldfish. This rule also applies to most of their compatible tank mates.
• Consider the adult size of the fish species you want to introduce. Many fish are sold as juveniles and can grow significantly.
• Introduce new fish to the tank gradually to avoid a sudden spike in waste production, which can upset the tank’s biological balance.

Monitoring Tank Mates

After introducing new tank mates for your goldfish, it’s essential to monitor the aquarium regularly for any signs of stress, disease, or aggression. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Aggressive behavior, such as chasing or nipping, which could indicate that a fish is not a suitable tank mate.
• Rapid gill movement, loss of color, or decreased appetite, which could suggest stress or illness.
• Changes in water parameters, as this could lead to health problems. Regularly check the temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve discovered these amazing and diverse goldfish tank mates, you can curate a dazzling and harmonious aquatic ecosystem. Each new addition will enhance the beauty and charm of your aquarium, creating a breathtaking visual treat. Let us know your favorite goldfish tank mates in the comments!