Can fancy goldfish live with guppies?
Sometimes, with care Fancy goldfish and guppies can live together only with care.
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 22–23°C).
- One is a cold-water species and the other is tropical, so neither will be at its best.
Side by side
| Fancy goldfish | Guppy | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 15 cm (5.9 in) | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Temperature | 18–23°C (64–73°F) | 22–27°C (72–81°F) |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 7–8 |
| Minimum tank | 20 gallons (76 L) | 10 gallons (38 L) |
| Group size | Can live alone | 3 or more |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Swims at | All levels | Top |
Shared range: 22–23°C (72–73°F), pH 7–8.
Tank size for both
The smallest common tank that fits one fancy goldfish and 3 guppies comfortably is about 20 gallons. Check your own tank in the stocking calculator.
What you need for fancy goldfish and guppies
Sized for a 20 gallon tank with one fancy goldfish and 3 guppies.
Tank and equipment
- 20 gallon aquarium (tank or kit) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Bigger tanks are more stable and easier for beginners. How to choose
- Aquarium stand for 20 gallons (opens Amazon in a new tab)The water alone weighs about 167 lb (76 kg), before glass, gravel and rock. How to choose
- Adjustable heater, 50 W (opens Amazon in a new tab)Holds about 73 °F (22.5 °C) in a room at 65 °F (18 °C). How to choose
- Aquarium thermometer (opens Amazon in a new tab)Check it daily: heaters can fail stuck on or off. How to choose
- Hang-on-back filter rated 120–200 GPH (opens Amazon in a new tab)Heavily stocked or messy fish: 6–10 times the tank volume per hour. How to choose
- About 35 lb of aquarium gravel (opens Amazon in a new tab)Enough for a layer about 2 in (5 cm) deep. Smooth gravel suits most community fish. How to choose
- Water conditioner (dechlorinator) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Removes chlorine and chloramine from tap water. Seachem Prime is a popular, concentrated choice. How to choose
- Liquid test kit (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Liquid kits are more accurate than strips. The API Freshwater Master Test Kit is the common choice. How to choose
- Gravel vacuum (siphon) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Cleans the gravel and does the water change in one go. How to choose
- LED aquarium light, about 24 in long (opens Amazon in a new tab)Match the light to the tank length. Basic LEDs grow easy plants. How to choose
Food and extras
- Sinking goldfish pellets (opens Amazon in a new tab)Sinking food helps fancy goldfish avoid swallowing air.
- Micro pellets or flakes for small fish (opens Amazon in a new tab)Small enough for tetras, rasboras and other nano fish.
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Better tank mates
For fancy goldfish
Frequently asked questions
Can fancy goldfish live with guppies?
Sometimes, with care. Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 22–23°C). One is a cold-water species and the other is tropical, so neither will be at its best.
What size tank do fancy goldfish and guppies need together?
At least 20 gallons for one fancy goldfish and 3 guppies, based on adult size, waste and school size. Bigger is easier.
What temperature suits both fancy goldfish and guppies?
Keep the tank at 22–23°C (72–73°F), where both are comfortable.
Verdicts come from our compatibility rules and researched species data. Individual fish vary, so add new fish gradually and watch them closely. Check other pairs in the compatibility checker.