Can goldfish be with tropical fish?

It's generally not recommended to keep goldfish and tropical fish together. Here's why:

* Temperature: Goldfish are coldwater fish (preferring temperatures around 68-72°F), while tropical fish need warmer water (typically 78-82°F). Maintaining a suitable temperature for both types of fish in the same tank can be challenging.

* Water Conditions: Goldfish produce a lot of waste, which can quickly foul the water. This can be detrimental to tropical fish, who are more sensitive to water quality.

* Diet: Goldfish and tropical fish have different dietary needs. Goldfish are omnivores, while many tropical fish are carnivorous or insectivores.

* Behavior: Goldfish are known for being boisterous and sometimes aggressive, especially towards smaller fish. This can stress and even injure more delicate tropical species.

Exceptions:

* Some Coldwater Tropical Fish: There are a few coldwater tropical fish that can tolerate similar temperatures as goldfish, such as White Cloud Mountain Minnows.

* Larger Tanks: With a large enough tank, you might be able to maintain a temperature gradient to accommodate both goldfish and tropical fish, but it's still a risky endeavor.

It's always best to research the specific needs of each fish species before keeping them together.

Alternatives:

* Keep goldfish with other coldwater fish, such as other goldfish, comet goldfish, or shubunkins.

* Keep tropical fish with other tropical fish species that share similar water parameters.

Ultimately, it's important to prioritize the health and well-being of your fish by providing them with a suitable environment.