Do you think all fish co-exist peacefully? If yes, then you’re wrong. It’s actually a very interesting fact that not all fish get along with one another. What about guppies and goldfish? I mean can guppies live with goldfish? Can you keep them in the same home aquarium tank?
The answer is NO. Keeping goldfish and guppies together is a very bad idea. And the reasons for this are plentiful. So if you are planning on getting guppies and/or goldfish. Then this article offers the most relevant and useful information for you.
Table of Contents
Can Guppies Live with Goldfish – Why Both Fish Should Not Be Together
#1 Goldfish Grow Very Big
There’s simply no denying that goldfish grow bigger in size than guppies. No matter the subspecies of goldfish! The fancier, smaller variety of goldfish grows up to 6 inches. And the more common kind grows as long as a foot, which is 30 centimeters.
When buying guppies and goldfish, it might seem like they’ll grow out into the same size. So they can live in the same aquarium. But that isn’t so. Goldfish, no doubt, outgrow guppies. And the latter starts to look like a very delicious treat for the former.
You should know that goldfish are peaceful creatures. But when it comes to food, they tend to gobble down guppies like popcorn. That’s just how nature is. Bigger fish go for smaller fish. It’s the survival of the fittest here.
#2 Major Difference In Water Temperature
Actually, this is one of the primary reasons why guppies cannot live with goldfish. Let me tell you that guppies require a tropical water temperature. Because they’re tropical fish. As for goldfish, they demand a more pond-like water temperature. That means cooler water.
Guppies thrive in a temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This is around 25 degrees Celsius. It’s the perfect tropical temperature. But not suited for goldfish. They do well in a much cooler water temperature. I mean goldfish can tolerate and thrive in this kind of setting. But only for a while, not for too long.
The ideal water temperature for goldfish is about 65 degrees Fahrenheit. That is 18 degrees Celsius. And guppies cannot live in cold water. As the lower temperature makes them susceptible to illnesses. So much as that they stop eating altogether. And keeping goldfish in a warmer, tropical temperature shortens their lifespan.
So can guppies live with goldfish? I don’t think so. There are more reasons to support this.
#3 Guppies Are Not Peaceful Creatures
Goldfish are peaceful, but guppies simply aren’t. In fact, they’re fin nippers. The temperament of both fish is not the same.
Many people keep only make guppies since they’re more vibrant and colorful. But not many of them know that male guppies are very feisty. They have a tendency of harassing other fish they’re living with. In this case, that would be goldfish. And the solution is not getting a larger tank. Guppies even then will fight with and bother goldfish, only less frequently.
So if you still decide to keep them together, expect a blood bath in your home aquarium. This means an abundance of torn fins.
#4 More Diseases And Sickness
As I have already discussed, the water temperature here matters a lot. When fish are living in a setting not ideal for growth, they become more prone to getting ill. This means cooler water for guppies is not a good idea. And so isn’t a tropical water temperature for goldfish.
Another thing you should know is that you’re dealing with two different species of fish. That means two different lists of potential diseases. So the treatment for these problems is not going to be the same.
#5 Feeding Is Not Easy
There’s no downplaying the fact that goldfish are very greedy eaters. It’s only common sense to assume that both fish don’t have the same dietary requirements. Goldfish tend to consume everything available in the aquarium. Even if this means pushing aside all the other fish to claim their food.
Guppies may be fast and all but they’re no goldfish. Meaning it’s not easy for them to get fed. So you end up feeding goldfish and letting your guppies stay hungry.
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#6 Goldfish Like Living With Goldfish
Man is a social animal. And so are goldfish. They like to be around their own kind in the aquarium. Following each other around is what they do best.
In fact, common goldfish like to live with common goldfish. And fancy goldfish prefer being around other fancy goldfish. They’re very particular about this.
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Can Guppies Live with Goldfish – Can You Make It Work Somehow?
Isn’t it up to you to decide what type of fish you want to keep in your home aquarium? Of course, it is. But as a responsible pet owner, it’s your duty to make sure your fish are living a healthy and happy life. It’s simply not fair, on your part, to keep both fish in a water temperature that isn’t benefitting them.
But if you still decide to keep goldfish and guppies together, then here’s what you should do first. Have a smaller tank at your disposal. Whenever either fish falls sick, you can quarantine it in the smaller tank. Also, before you put them together, observe their behavior in the small tank.
And another thing, replicate the natural living environment of both fish in your aquarium. It’s your responsibility to do that for their benefit.
Conclusion
Goldfish thrive in cold water. And guppies do the same in tropical, warmer temperatures. So can guppies live with goldfish? No, I don’t believe they can. Also because goldfish are greedy eaters. In fact, they also guppy eaters. Even in terms of size, goldfish have the upper hand.
Home aquariums should not just be for your entertainment. The health of the fish also matters. Goldfish is just not going to feel comfortable with guppies. And guppies the same with goldfish. So it’s better to keep them both in separate tanks if that’s possible. And if not, then just choose one type of fish to keep and care for.
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