Can Goldfish Live With Guppies?

Talk about home aquarium; many would first mention Goldfish and Guppies.

Both are extremely popular fishes that are kept as pets.

However, the question is, can they co-exist? More precisely, can Goldfish live with Guppies?

Keeping a fish pet is a huge task as you must take care of water temperature, feed the right amount of food, clean the water, and more.

So, imagine keeping two different fish species together.

Let’s try to understand the nature and characteristics of these fishes to find out if they can live together.

Understanding Goldfish

Who doesn’t love Goldfish? Even a non-aquarist is fascinated by its vibrant color.

Many may not know, but there are different types of this species.

It’s classified under two types: Single-tailed and Fancy Goldfish.

Most are familiar with Single-tailed Goldfish, and even under this category, there are variants, of which the Common species is the most well-known among the general masses.

Some of the popular Goldfish breeds are found under Fancy Goldfish.

It’s also home to some of the unique body types.

Goldfish is scientifically known as Carassius auratus and is a freshwater fish.

It originated in China and was bred selectively.

Know that based on breed types, the living conditions may also vary.

While Shubunkins or Comets breed, the ideal water temperature is between 60°F to 70° F, Fancy types require 68°F to 74 °F.

This fish species also requires good water quality with a pH of 7 to 8.

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Know that some breeds like Moors, Ryukins, and Orandas are more suitable in ponds than tanks.

Understanding Guppies

Guppies are widely admired for their out-of-the-world coloration.

Its tailfins are more prominent than its body, making it a unique-looking fish.

Scientifically known as Poecilia reticulata, this fish reportedly has over 300 variations.

This fish was initially discovered in South America and is widely available in this part of the region.

The appearance of Guppies makes them popular among aquarists.

Also, it should be noted that male guppies have smaller body sizes than females.

This extraordinary-looking species is a freshwater fish and is also often used for mosquito control.

They are omnivores feeding both on plants and small animals.

Because of its small size, this fish doesn’t require big tanks to habitat.

In fact, a trio of guppies can live comfortably in a five-gallon tank.

However, getting a ten-gallon tank or larger would be better to give them more space to swim as they love it.

Can Goldfish Live With Guppies?

Goldfish can live with Guppies, but one also needs to consider multiple factors before keeping them together.

Both are highly peaceful and calm in nature.

However, looking into the good and bad aspects of keeping them together is essential.

First, why do they make a good tank mate? Both are considered cold-water fish, but Goldfish prefer a cooler temperature.

Guppies preferably thrive in warmer conditions.

However, there is an overlap in water temperature ranges, allowing you to find a suitable tank temperature safe for both species.

Both have aesthetic appeal and keeping them together will make your aquarium a visual delight.

These species also feed on the same food as hydra and mosquito larvae.

What makes these fish a bad tank mate? Compared to Guppies, Goldfish love to eat and will consume anything that fits in their mouth.

Besides, some Goldfish breeds can grow quite big, which may pose a threat to the smaller sized tankmates, especially Guppy fry.

In short, Goldfish don’t form a special bond with their tankmates and will eat them if the opportunity presents itself.

However, these issues are avoidable with proper tank settings.

For instance, you can get a tank divider once the Goldfish grows bigger.

You can also decorate the tank with floating plants that will make a good hideout when one of them is under attack.

In addition, it’s vital to monitor water parameters and tank temperature closely.

Keep in the low to mid 70˚ F for both species to live comfortably.

Compatibility Considerations

Although you can keep these fishes together, it can be a challenging task.

There are pros and cons of keeping them together.

You need to take care of water temperature, check water quality, and observe their behavior.

Another issue is with food, as Goldfish are gluttons and will eat all by themselves, leaving none for Guppies.

So, one needs to monitor them while feeding them.

An ideal partner to Guppies would be Fancy Goldfish.

Most of these types are slower than Common Goldfish, making it harder to attack their tank mates.

It’s not impossible to keep them together, but they need close monitoring.

If you plan to keep them together, you need to pay heed to various factors, starting from water temperature.

Co-habiting these fish species also has multiple benefits, regardless of the challenges.

For instance, Goldfish don’t consume biofilm and algae.

However, Guppies do, which, in a way, will keep the tank clean.

Furthermore, keeping them together helps the pest population in control.

Also, for a peaceful environment, keep the ratio of Guppies more than Goldfish.

For instance, keeping three Guppies and one Goldfish would be an ideal choice if the tank is small.

If the Goldfish population is more prominent, there will be more attacks, especially if it’s large sized.

As an aquarist, you have a huge responsibility ahead if you plan to keep them together.

Conclusion

Goldfish and Guppies can live together, but comes with terms and conditions.

If you’re new, you may have to get acquainted first before proceeding.

Both are calm species, but Goldfish love to eat, which may not be suitable for Guppies sometimes.

Therefore, fish pet owners need to consider various measures before putting them together.

Some of the factors include checking the water temperature, decorating the tank with plants for defense, taking care of diet, and more.

It’s not an easy task, especially for a beginner.

If you plan to keep them together, it would be better to consider these factors first and then proceed.