what other fish can be safe with goldfish?

Question
hi karen

i have 3 goldfish right now in a 55 gallon tank and they are all happy and healthy but i would like to add some other fishes also.so can you guide me on this ao i can have my tank shared with other fishes too.

thank you
jenny

Answer
Dear Jenny,
There are a few species that can live peaceably with goldfish. A 55gal is the perfect size for goldfish.

Here are several fish which should do very well with your goldfish.

    Dojo or 'weather' loach
These cute and interesting loaches make fine tankmates for goldfish. They grow to 7 inches or more and are mottled brownish in color with a slim body frame almost eel like. Dojos are also from the area goldfish originated from in china...and do well in cooler temperatures that goldfish prefer. They are called Weather loaches also because it is said that they will react to barometric pressure that comes just before a storm. Dojo also means "house" in either Japanese or Chinese (sorry I cannot remember)

     Hillstream Loach
These tiny pan-cake like fish are very unique in the goldfish aquarium. They behave much like plecos by attaching themselves to the glass or decor. They resemble sting-rays in a way but stay small.

    Bristlenose Plecostomus
Also known as Ancistrus catfish. The bristle nose is far from the ordinary pleco with great long bristles covering their nose and giving a very unique and interesting appearance. They are also fine in cooler water --but no extremes please-- and provide the plus of not eating plants, will not grow large, and are good algae eaters overall.

    Rubbernose pleco
Another fish somewhat resembling the Bristlenose but of course without the bristles. They can thrive in cooler water but as with the bristlenose, extremes are best avoided. These plecs grow to at the most of 4 inches.

    Apple snails or 'Mystery' snails
These are great little none-fish creatures that do well with goldfish and are fun to watch. Beware they will eat plants faster than goldfish will.

    White cloud Mountain Minnow
These little plain and fancy fish are often recommended for goldfish. They originated from chinese streams and live in similar conditions to goldfish. But sometimes goldfish may mistake them for food. Especially if the goldfish are large.

Finally, remember that the best tankmates for Goldfish are in fact other goldfish that are of the same or very similiar variety. But these fish are tried and true methods that should work out well.

I really hope this helps! Feel free to write with any concerns.

Best wishes,
Karen~