Goldfish are a beloved aquarium fish known for their bright colors, playful personalities and ease of care. Their hardy nature and peaceful temperament make them ideal for beginner fishkeepers. But some owners wonder – will my goldfish eat other fish in the tank?
While goldfish are primarily herbivores and scavengers, they are omnivores and may sometimes nibble on tankmates. However, they won’t actively hunt down and kill healthy fish. By understanding goldfish behavior and biology, you can create a safe community aquarium.
Goldfish Diet: Omnivores by Nature
In the wild, goldfish feed on a variety of plant matter like algae, weeds and seeds. They also eat small aquatic insects, insect larvae and zooplankton. Essentially goldfish are opportunistic – they will consume whatever food sources are readily available.
This omnivorous diet continues in captivity. Most goldfish eagerly accept flaked foods pellets, live/frozen foods veggies and fruits in addition to algae. Owners need to feed a varied diet to support good health.
So yes goldfish will eat meaty foods including brine shrimp, bloodworms daphnia and even very small fish. However, they don’t actively hunt tankmates as prey.
When Goldfish Attack: Competition and Aggression
Under certain circumstances, goldfish may nip at or consume other fish in the tank. Potential triggers include:
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Competition for Food – Goldfish have voracious appetites. Hungry fish may get aggressive at feeding time.
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Crowding/Lack of Territory – Goldfish need ample tank space. Overcrowded conditions increase aggression.
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Breeding Activity – Goldfish pairs often kill and eat eggs or fry after spawning.
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Small Tankmates – Large goldfish can swallow very small species like guppies.
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Injury or Sickness – Compromised fish are more likely to be picked on.
With proper care, these issues can be avoided and goldfish can coexist peacefully with other appropriate fish.
Ideal Goldfish Tankmates
Certain fish make better companions for goldfish than others. Good tankmates include:
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Rosy Barbs – Fast-moving schooling fish with bright colors.
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White Cloud Mountain Minnows – Hardy fish that thrive in cool water.
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Zebra Danios – Active top dwellers that grow to 2 inches.
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Weather Loaches – Fun bottom fish that reach 6 inches.
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Plecostomus Catfish – Help eat algae and grow over 1 foot long.
Some key things to look for in goldfish tankmates are:
- Compatible water temperature range
- Non-aggressive temperament
- Similar activity level and habitat
- Unable to fit in a goldfish’s mouth
Goldfish Tank Setup Tips
Proper tank setup helps reduce aggression and competition between goldfish and tankmates:
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Large Tank – Aim for 20-30 gallons per fancy goldfish. Provide even more room for fast-moving schooling fish.
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Powerful Filtration – Goldfish are messy! Oversized filters keep water clean.
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Plants and Décor – Providing ample hiding spots reduces stress.
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Frequent Water Changes – Partial water changes prevent nitrate buildup.
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Adequate Feeding – Feed a varied diet so no one goes hungry!
Monitor Your Community Tank Closely
When first introducing new tankmates, keep a close eye out. Look for signs of aggression like chasing, fin nipping or goldfish gulping at other fish. You may need to rearrange decorations or increase tank size.
Remove any sick or injured fish immediately for treatment in a quarantine tank. Goldfish are likely to pick on compromised tankmates.
With time, observation and proper conditions, goldfish and other appropriate fish can live together without issues. While goldfish won’t purposefully hunt tankmates as prey, their omnivorous tendencies mean they may sample a small, sick or already deceased fish. Overall though, a peaceful community tank is very achievable.
So while goldfish will gladly eat fish food like brine shrimp or bloodworms, they generally won’t proactively eat their live neighbors. Follow these tips to help your goldfish get along with tankmates and you’ll soon enjoy the bright colors and activity a community tank provides!
Can goldfish eat dead fish?
Goldfish can eat dead fish as they may see it as food. But a dead fish can spread diseases, so you should quickly get rid of any dead fish in your tank.
1 Are goldfish naturally aggressive?
No, goldfish are generally peaceful creatures. However, like any creature, they can become aggressive under certain conditions such as stress or hunger.