What Fish Can Live With Goldfish In A Pond?

Goldfish are considerably a quiet peaceful fish species, however, they’re omnivores and tend to swallow smaller fish, especially when they’re hungry. Not to say that their temperature ranges will not match all other freshwater fishes.

So, what fish can live with goldfish in a pond? This article gives you the best answer!

Xiphophorus Maculatus (Platy)

Some people might be surprised by this pick because platies are usually thought of as tropical fish, but in fact, they’re able to thrive happily in the low 70s degrees F along with goldfish.

They’re fast swimmers, voracious eaters, and livebearers.

This also means platies don’t lay eggs but give birth to live young. In a pond with good conditions, they’ll breed readily but the risk is unless the fry is moved to a separate place, adult goldfish might eat them.

Another way to protect juvenile platies from hungry goldfish is by adding several hiding spots with décor items and plants. When they need it, these places will be the best to refuge from other big fishes.

Scleromystax Barbatus (Banded Corydoras)

This species is probably hard to find in most live fish shops but it’s a great choice to live with goldfish in a pond because they can thrive easily in the right temp range. Besides, its maximum length is up to 4 inches – big enough to not be swollen whole by a goldfish.

Banded Corydoras is a fantastic little cleaner fish that is fun to observe.

Their identifying characteristics are a cluster of barbels around their mouths, highly sloped forehead, and a flat belly.

Take note that this species should be kept in groups of five (the minimum) or more because of their high social behavior.

In most cases, Banded Corydoras are very peaceful and easy to care for.

Misgurnus Anguillicaudatus (dojo Loach)

Despite its quirky behavior, Dojo Loach is a peaceful fish species and its living environment requirements match nicely to the goldfish’.

Why do I describe their behavior as “quirky”?

It’s because Dojo Loaches really prefer a sand bottom and like to search the bottom using their barbels (called face whiskers) for uneaten food. In other words, keeping this fish and you’re worried-free about the tank bottom maintenance.

But you hardly see this activity of theirs during daylight because Dojo Loaches are nocturnal. Moreover, they love burrowing into the substrate for hiding during the day.

Just one thing to keep in mind is Dojo loaches should be kept in groups of at least three and each can reach the max length of 30 centimeters (equivalent to one foot). Make sure your pond is large enough for them.

Tanichthys Albonubes (White Cloud Mountain Minnows)

These guys are a small-size fish, in turn, they move super-fast and seem to be hyperactive in the extreme to easily escape from the mouths of hungry goldfishes.

Regardless, this species is also known for its slim, silver-colored body with an iridescent stripe running from tail to nose, along with red fins. Due to the light, their unique body is able to shine yellow or blue.

Before deciding to keep them, you should know that the mouth of White Cloud Mountain minnows is very small. You’ll have to feed them a different diet from your goldfish.

Devario Aequipinnatus (Giant Danios)

Giant Danios are fast-moving, big-size fish that can easily handle the same temperature range as goldfish.

They’re easily spotted out from distances due to the unique iridescent yellow and blue stripes that run along the body.

As moving faster than goldfish in a pond, make sure to provide proper diets as well as the amount of food for both species. Otherwise, your goldfish will soon be starved. From my experience, it’s best to feed Giant Danios with flake food while the goldfish with a sinking food.

Aside from preventing Giant Danios from robbing foods of goldfish, this wise food combination helps prevent swim bladder disorder.

There are two things you should consider if choosing Giant Danios to add to your goldfish pond:

Provide some good hiding places for these little fishes, such as adding extra plants or several décor items

Keep them in groups of at least five because they’re schooling fish. If the total number is under five, Giant Danios might be stressed.

Pethia Conchonius (Rosy Barbs)

This fish has some similarities to Giant Danios:

• They’re fast swimmers so make sure to provide enough foods as well as kinds of foods for both
• Easy to care for and able to eat most frozen foods, small pellets, or flakes
• Very undemanding
• Cute and peaceful enough to live with goldfish
• They’re schooling fish which requires to be kept in groups of at least five or larger. The bigger the group, the less peaceful they will be.

Regardless, they’re big (around 15 centimeters long) enough to not be swallowed whole by goldies.

In the trade, the most common species of Rosy Barbs you can find are usually in a solid orange-red color.

Once taking them home, pay attention to them and watch for fin nipping.

Extra:

Here is a quick guide of how to care for each fish species in my list, in case you have decided to choose one or more of them to add to your goldfish pond:

Conclusion

I have listed out the 6 best fishes that can live with goldfish in a pond. What’s your favorite pick? Let us know in the comment section below and thanks for reading!