How Will Goldfish React With Other Fish?

The common goldfish is an abundant species that is commonly kept as a household pet in domestic fish bowls and tanks. These fish -- named for their vibrant golden and orange hues -- are friendly and social creatures that can be housed in communal tanks with other fish, including other types of goldfish and different freshwater species. They can thrive for many years, but there are certain criteria that must be taken into consideration when selecting tank-mates for your goldfish.

  1. Goldfish Temperament

    • Given that the common goldfish is a social creature, it does best in a group living environment where it can interact with other fish. Schooling is a common phenomenon within this species wherein the fish group together and form a community, and goldfish are generally non-aggressive and willing to allow new fish -- from within and outside the species -- to join their school. Do not introduce any aggressive fish into an environment with your goldfish as this will endanger them and disrupt their environment.

    Water Temperature

    • The goldfish species thrives in a cooler water temperature environment, so it is important that any new species introduced into the tank can also survive at the same temperature. Be sure to allow the new additions to acclimate to the tank temperature and conditions by submerging them in their store bag of water in the tank for several hours. According to the Fish Tank Place, the best temperature range for most goldfish is 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Fish Size Discrepancies

    • When planning the co-habitation of different types of fish in the same tank with your goldfish, you should consider choosing fish that are similarly sized and share like dietary needs and eating patterns. Introducing larger, more voracious fish, can lead to smaller fish being left out of the feeding process, leaving them hungry and underfed. The Happy Goldfish website specifically recommends not keeping narrow-bodied and fat-bodied goldfish in the same tank as the fat bodies eat much more and more quickly than their thin counterparts. Smaller fish could be consumed by the goldfish, especially if the size difference is drastic.

    Species Reccomendations

    • If you are looking at species outside of the goldfish, your best bet for tank-mates is to find other aquatic creatures that thrive in a cold water tank. According to AquariumFish.net, White Clouds, crabs, Ghost Shrimp, tadpoles and aquatic snails all do well in a cool water aquarium with Goldfish, and all can eat the same food. If you are in doubt about a species that you want to introduce, do some research or consult your local aquarium or pet store.