Goldfish make vibrant additions to any aquarium, adding life and vibrancy to community tanks alike. However, selecting tank mates for goldfish can be challenging; however there are various species which will thrive alongside your goldfish without bullying it or nibbling its fins as this could cause serious injuries and infections in both. Tank mates should ideally share similar size ranges, tolerate cooler temperatures, and share similar daily habits as your goldfish; bristlenose plecos, zebra danios, rubber lip plecos and white cloud mountain minnows are popular choices among goldfish keepers.
hog-nosed brochis (Corydoras multiradiatus) makes for an excellent tankmate to goldfish. These peaceful bottom dwellers resemble an overgrown cory catfish and can grow to 4 inches long, though their thick bodies and spined pectoral and dorsal fins prevent them from fitting inside goldfish mouths as food sources. Like goldfish, hog-nosed brochis are great scavengers who help maintain an environment free from bacteria that threatens both cleanness and healthy conditions within an environment by cleaning themselves constantly cleaning out your tank of waste products - something goldfish don't do as effectively!
Platypus fish from the Xiphophorus genus make excellent tank mates for goldfish. With many color morphs and patterns to choose from, you are bound to find something to complement your goldfish's personality. Plus, their fast swimming allows them to outrace most goldfish attacks! When pairing platy and goldfish fish in one tank together, make sure there is ample hiding spaces within its boundaries to give both species safety when needed.
