Goldfish are freshwater fish that were domesticated by the Chinese 2000 years ago. These fish are common pets right behind cats and dogs, but are people getting the right information about these fish? These peaceful fish are said to bring good luck and fortune and make a great addition to a community aquarium or even as a starter fish!
GlovisInstead, they are genetically modified fish sourced from Singapore. Glofish was created from a mix of zebrafish and genes from corals and jellyfish. Glofish were originally used to determine contaminants in water, but the offspring are now common pets!
Table of Contents
When researching the types of fish that can be placed together, there are always some factors that come up for compatibility. These include tank requirements, water temperatures, diets, pH levels and temperament.
So, you can goldfish andGlofish is alivetogether? First we want to know how these fish live and get to know their natural habitats to find a match. Usually two fish with different climatic needs cannot live together. However, Glofish is genetically engineered, so does that change things?
(If that disappoints you, there areMANY more fish that can live with your goldfish!)
Vis Temperament
Matching your fish's temperament is the key to a happy community aquarium. Fish with opposite temperaments can cause problems in your aquarium. These problems can include aggression that causes stress, lethargy and endangers the life of your fish.
We want to maintain a peaceful fish community to avoid trouble, so let's reveal the temperament of goldfish and glofish.
Goldfish temperament
Goldfish are happiest when in pairs or more! Like us, they thrive in company, so this is something to keep in mind if you're considering keeping a goldfish!
Goldfish can distinguish their owner from other people! Some other clever features they have are the ability to be hand fed and great memories, contrary to popular belief!
Goldfish are peaceful, so it is imperative that you do not allow any aggressive fish in the same tank, as they tend to fight goldfish for dominance. This can really affect the health and well-being of your goldfish and cause them to become stressed and lethargic.
All goldfish have their own personality that you will get to know if you have them. Something to keep in mind if you want to add a goldfish to a community tank is that if a smaller fish fits in a goldfish's mouth, it will get eaten!
(If you're interested, you can try your ownGoldfish with guppies.)
Glofish-temperament
Glofish are peaceful fish by nature. However, this comes with conditions.
Because Glofish are training fish, they should be kept in groups of 4 or more to be happy. They have been known to fight and sometimes chase each other within their own group, but this is normal and nothing to worry about.
If you don't keep these fish in schools of the right size, they tend to become weak from stress and not want to eat, which will ultimately lead to a short life. To preserve these fish, they must be kept in schools.
Temperamentally, Goldfish and Glofish seem like a match, but is that enough?
Habitat and tank requirements
To keep fish as pets, it is imperative to remember that they are living animals that need certain things to survive. It is important for an aquarium tank to mimic its natural environment as much as possible to reduce stress, but also to ensure that it lives as long as it should.
To assume that tank size is all that matters would be naïve. We need to research all fish properly if we want to keep them so we know we are helping them thrive.
Goldfish habitat
A goldfish's natural habitat is anywhere you encounter fresh water. This ranges from streams to reservoirs and lakes. One would expect a lot of rocks, plants and other fish in this type of terrain.
Because of these vast waters, goldfish are used to a larger area to swim in and will greatly benefit from this. We always want to replicate this in captivity, so we have to make sure we don't restrict our pets.
Goldfish have been domesticated by the Chinese and have also been brought to other parts of the world to combat mosquito problems. Goldfish are omnivores and love to eat these pests!
(Have you ever considered keepingGoldfish and small fishtogether?)
Goldfish tank requirements
Now we know that goldfish need plenty of space to keep them happy! But how much space? We recommend 40 gallons for the first goldfish and then another 20 gallons per new fish. We know goldfish are social fish, so we want to start thinking about a 60 gallon tank.
Goldfish swim the whole range of this aquarium and while you may get different advice for different sizes, we recommend this because the happiness of the fish comes first!
We always want to make sure we don't overfill our aquariums, which can really affect the health of your fish, which we'll explain later.
pH level
The pH balance of your tank is important as it is used to determine the acidity or alkalinity levels of the water. Goldfish come from freshwater, so we want to mimic that as much as possible in our aquariums.
Your goldfish is happiest with a pH level between 7.2-7.8. Others may say that because goldfish are such adaptable fish, they can get used to different types of water. but we don't. It can jeopardize the well-being of your fish if you change something that is not necessary. By exposing your goldfish to rapid changes, you run the risk of stressing them out or even making them sick.
Temperature
Just like the pH value, there is a certain temperature that your goldfish likes, which is between 20-23 degrees Celsius. Again, others may suggest that a goldfish can acclimatize to different temperatures, but it's at your own risk and if you think it's worth potentially losing your fish.
Temperature is fundamental to control in your tank as it controls oxygen levels, too cold and your fish will become lethargic and at risk of dying. If it's too high, your fish can become overly energetic, stressed and exhausted.
We recommend doing quick temperature checks when feeding your fish! It is also important to remember that in a community aquarium the temperature will rise!
Plants and substrates
Plants, ornaments and substrates are great for brightening up your aquarium, but we need to make sure they serve a purpose, rather than just looking pretty!
Goldfish are pretty dirty, so we want additions to their tanks that don't affect the water clarity any more than it already does. This is why we need plants like Anubias, Java ferns and mosses, Cabomba and Pennywort. They are wonderful plants that goldfish like and will not affect their environment.
Goldfish like to forage on substrate, so we want to keep the substrate a sandy texture or small to medium sized rocks. This type of substrate promotes the growth of good bacteria and will not harm your goldfish.
(Find out if you can keepGoldfish and shrimpstogether.)
Glofish-habitat
Glofish are tropical fish that thrive in warm climates. Because Glofish are genetically modified fish, their natural habitat is that of captivity. But thisfish should stay in schools and in the tropicsaquatic climates.
Glofish tank requirements
Glofish are breeder fish that should be kept in groups of at least 4. We recommend having between 4-8 fish for each school, you will need a 20 gallon tank and an additional 20 gallons for each new school. Again, the more you have in a tank, the more this will raise the water temperature, so be careful.
Glofish swim within range of their tanks, but shoot at themany sign of danger or food! We have additional information on how to make them feel safer under plants and substrates!
pH level
Like goldfish, Glofish prefer a more neutral pH level of their water, ranging between 6.5-7.5 depending on the exact type of Glofish you purchase. It's always best to talk to a water expert about the exact level, as some Glofish can vary in a more acidic level at 6.2.
It is also important to check the water quality on a weekly basis so we know our fish are doing well in their environment. We also want to maintain a 25% water change every 2 to 4 weeks!
Temperature
As we know, Glofish are tropical fish, so you need warmer water in your tank! Glofish will be happiest in temperatures between 22-27 degrees Celsius. If you live in a colder climate, you definitely need itheatersfor these fish! We recommend temperature checks when feeding your fish! This is to ensure they are constantly at the same temperature every time to maintain their health.
Plants and substrates
Since Glofish are tropical fish, they need plants that can survive in warmer waters. Glofish are also instinctively aware of predators, so they will thrive with plants hiding!
Good choices for plants in a Glofish tank include Anubias, Java fern, Amazon sword or wisteria. All of these will do well in warmer waters and provide great hiding places.
As for substrates, Glofish will be very suitablezand of grindsubstrates. Both have their advantages. Dirt will not penetrate the surface of the sand, making it much easier to clean. However, the dirt will be more visible! Gravel allows dirt to penetrate, which is good for visible reasons, but can be difficult to clean.
Food pattern
Fish can smell and taste their food! They also like a varied and balanced diet, just like us. Fish can also get bored with the same foods all the time, so mixing things up is great!
Goldfish diet
Goldfish are omnivores that like vegetables, insects and animal matter. The perfect food to feed your goldfish are brine shrimp, peeled vegetables, bloodworms, flakes and pellets specially made for goldfish and ducklings!
Feed your goldfish 2-3 times a day and use the "only feed what they can eat in 5 minutes" method to avoid overfeeding and contamination.
Glofish Diet:
Glofish are also omnivores! They will be happy with a tropical dietfood flakes, pellets and freeze-dried foods such as bloodworms. Feel free to use the same diet as the goldfish. just make sure it's varied! It is also recommended to feed Glofish foods containing beta-carotene as it makes their colors more vibrant! Beta-carotene is found in foods such as spinach, kale, carrots and sweet potatoes.
How to make it work
Goldfish and Glofish may seem like a match in terms of feeding patterns and plant species. Glofish, however, are tropical fish while goldfish are freshwater fish. These two types of fish thrive best separately because they need different climates.
Some recommend acclimating goldfish, but not us! The advice we have given is for the sake of these two fish.
conclusion
You should now have the right information to make sure you keep these two fish in separate tanks! Goldfish and Glofish make great starter pets or interesting additions as long as they are cared for properly!
Read on to learn more about other fish that can live together!
FAQs
Can a goldfish and betta fish live together? ›
No, you shouldn't have betta fish with a goldfish. Although you can make it work in dire circumstances, having these two fish species together can cause them emotional and physical harm. Unlike betta fish, goldfish are social creatures.
Can GloFish and goldfish live together? ›For the betterment of both kinds, GloFish, and Goldfish, I will not recommend you to keep them in the same tank. Yes, they can eat the same food or have the same substrates in the tank. But what is more frightening is that they require a different aquatic environment with varied water parameters.
Can betta and GloFish live together? ›Can GloFish Tetras Live with Bettas? Yes, you can keep the GloFish Tetras and Bettas together without them harming each other. However, you need to make sure they live peacefully without any issues. Bettas can attack Glofish tetras if they feel their territory is threatened.
What fish can be together with GloFish? ›As freshwater fish, glofish thrive in community tanks. They make wonderful tankmates with fish like zebra danio and shrimps.
Can betta fish harm goldfish? ›Bettas are carnivores, but they mostly eat insects and insect larvae. They certainly wouldn't even try to eat anything anywhere near as large as a goldfish. However, as explained above, while bettas don't eat goldfish, they may still bite your goldfish's tail and fins.
Can you mix GloFish with regular fish? ›What types of fish are GloFish compatible with? Like their non-fluorescent counterparts, our fish are community fish and will “play well” with other fish.
Can you mix goldfish with other fish? ›Goldfish are generally not aggressive so they can be kept with most community fish provided the other fish are larger than the size of the goldfish's mouth.
How many GloFish can you have in a 10 gallon tank? ›We recommend keeping just one Tetra per gallon of tank space.
Can betta fish eat GloFish? ›GloFish Betta Flakes offers a nutritionally complete blend for your GloFish Betta or other small to mid-size tropical community fish. This food is formulated with shrimp proteins for healthy growth. Feed GloFish Betta flakes 1-2 times daily, in small amounts, only as much as your fish can consume within a minute or so.
Why is my GloFish turning red? ›As these bettas mature, their fins and bodies may turn red. This is seen in only 2-4% of the GloFish Betta population. GloFish Bettas that do not have red pigmentation will not turn red. Because the red color change is a natural metamorphosis, it does not impact the health of the fish.
Are GloFish bettas aggressive? ›
Are GloFish Bettas Aggressive? GloFish Betta is the most aggressive one. They even attack their own kind, most of the time without any reason.
How long do GloFish live? ›The average Glofish lifespan is 3-8 years; however, this varies based on the species and care they receive.
Do GloFish need blue light? ›Bringing Color to Life
GloFish® fluorescent fish add an alluring array of brilliant colors to any aquarium. Neither injected with dye nor painted, GloFish get their stunning color from a fluorescence gene, and are best viewed under a blue light.
You can fit six to ten GloFish in a 5-gallon tank. This is because these fish function better as a school, rather than as individuals. While you can put only two fish in a 5-gallon, six to ten GloFish is better.
Why is my betta attacking my goldfish? ›Why Do Betta Fish Fight? Betta fish fight to establish a territory, including food resources, shelter, and access to females. This is a common cause of aggressive behavior in many different fish species. There is debate over whether this fighting behavior is innate or a consequence of how betta fish are reared.
Are goldfish easier to take care of than betta? ›If you are thinking of a small tank, you are probably better off with a betta fish. A 10-gallon tank is easy to care for and doesn't take up much space. If you are in for more of a commitment, consider a goldfish tank.
Do betta fish need a filter? ›There are many small aquariums available at pet shops that can create an ideal home for a betta to live a long and happy life. Simply put, betta fish absolutely need a filter. All fish require a filter in order to live their best lives.
What fish are betta scared of? ›Betta fish will be intimidated by any fish bigger then them (Angelfish etc) or any fish that will nip their fins. Another one to avoid with bettas is any fish brighter then them as well (Such as guppies) , as they might mistake it for their own kind, and try to fight your fish.
What do betta fish fight with? ›Avoid mirrors and other shiny objects in the tank. Items like these in a tank can make it look more attractive to humans, but they can also cause stress in fish. Bettas can injure themselves if they attack the ornaments, toys, and other items around the tank.
Do GloFish glow without blacklight? ›That's why although your Glofish appear colorful and bright in white light, they don't actually sparkle unless they're illuminated with UV light. In other words, Glofish absorbs UV light and re-emit it, tricking the eyes that they glow.
Do GloFish need black light to survive? ›
Should I turn off my GloFish light? Yes, do not leave the blue light on for 24 hours a day because the fish need to sleep in the dark at night and algae can grow if you turn on the aquarium light more than 12 hours a day.
How many fish can I put in a 10 gallon tank? ›Going by the numbers, however, you can put up to 8 to 10 fish in a 10-gallon aquarium tank. However, we would not recommend adding 10 fish in a tank unless the fish are tiny and do not generate too much waste. On the other hand, if you have chosen fish types that grow over time, you should limit the number to 8 or 6.
What size tank do I need for 2 goldfish? ›A good rule of thumb is to choose a tank with at least 10 gallons of water for every goldfish. So, if you have two goldfish, you'll need a 20-gallon tank. Your goldfish will also need plenty of hiding places and places to swim around in their tank.
How many fish can I have in a 5 gallon tank? ›You can keep about 2-4 fish in a tank this size as long as each fish is not larger than 1 inch. The one-inch fish per gallon rule would apply to most smaller fish breeds like Tetras, Betta, Rasbora, Shrimps, and more. Fish that can grow larger than 1 inch is not recommended for a 5-gallon tank.
How many goldfish can you have in a 20-gallon tank? ›As a general rule, you can keep two goldfish in a 20-gallon fish tank. The rule of thumb for fishkeeping states that you should allow one gallon of water per inch of fish. However, remember that goldfish can reach 8 inches in length and bigger, depending on the variety you're keeping.
What is the largest GloFish? ›GloFish Sharks are the largest species in the GloFish family and recommended to keep them in a 20 Gallon aquarium or larger.
What do GloFish need in their tank? ›- Set up your Tetra GloFish® Aquarium. Kit contains aquarium, LED lighting, filter and filter cartridge. ...
- Add GloFish® brand décor and accessories. such as fluorescent gravel and plants, and ornaments with glowing accents.
- Add and treat water. ...
- Add GloFish®.
You're going to be excited and anxious to fill your new aquarium with fish. Be patient! Let your aquarium "settle" for at least 48 hours before buying your first fish. This will give you time to make sure the temperature is set and make adjustments to decorations, etc.
How long do GloFish Betta live for? ›Betta fish lifespan.
Betta fish on average live to be 2-4 years old. The length of your betta fish's life is directly related to the environment you keep them in. By maintaining a clean tank and watching their diet, you can help them live a longer life.
Experts suggest feeding your fish relatively small amounts of food once or twice a day. If they eat all of the food within a few minutes, it is okay to add a bit more, as long as they eat all (or at least most) of it within a short period of time.
How long can a betta GloFish go without food? ›
Keeping Your Betta Fish Healthy While You're Away
Bettas can live for up to 14 days without food; however, this is stressful on their bodies and isn't recommended. It's essential to know how long your betta can go without food before traveling and make provisions when you won't be available, so you don't harm it.
There are many reasons why fish in your tank keep dying. A few reasons include stress, incorrect tank setup, overfeeding, diseases, and much more. To a beginner, it could look like your fish died for no reason whatsoever.
Why does my GloFish keep swimming into the glass? ›Your fish may also feel physically crowded in an overstocked tank, which can result in them pacing the glass. Fish need space to swim, and when a tank is crammed with other fish or decorations it can be stressful for them. Unlike in the wild, there is nowhere for them to go if they don't like their current location.
How do I stop ammonia poisoning in my fish tank? ›- Regular water changes (25-50%) to dilute the ammonia levels in the water.
- Add chemical filtration. activated charcoal (for freshwater or marine tanks) ...
- Add commercial chemicals (e.g. ammo-lock)
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| MPN | GFL047 MZ0731-610 |
| Scientific Name | Betta splendens |
| Origin | Aquacultured |
| Max Size (in inches) | 2.5 |
Though they are relatively easy to care for, they need proper filtration, lighting, heat and entertainment to thrive. The Glofish Betta aquarium starter kit has the basics you need to provide your new pet with an optimal habitat—just add water, substrate, décor and your new fish.
Why are my GloFish swimming at the top of the tank? ›If dissolved oxygen levels are low, fish hang at the surface and gasp, as the surface area has the highest oxygen level in the tank because its in contact with the air.
How often do you clean a GloFish tank? ›Twice a month if you have a lot of fish, or if you have fish that produce more waste, such as goldfish or cichlids. Clean your filter of any sludge, particularly if it has an impeller, every other month. Do a 25% water change once a month.
Are GloFish hard to keep alive? ›They are a peaceful fish that's great in a community tank, but they might nip the fins of slow-moving tank mates like Bettas. You should keep them in a school of at least five, but larger numbers are always better. They're very easy to care for and will readily accept flake, pelleted or frozen foods.
How can you tell if a GloFish is happy? ›Your fish are happy and healthy when they: Swim actively throughout the entire tank, not just hanging out or laying at the bottom, floating near the top or hiding behind plants and ornaments.
Do GloFish need a heater? ›
Yes, glofish tetras do. If you are keeping a glofish tetra, your glofish needs a heater in the aquarium. The standard and the long-finned glofish tetras are genetically modified versions of the black widow tetras, also known as black skirt tetra.
Can GloFish be under LED lights? ›This 8-inch blue LED aquarium light can be easily added to any aquarium to create the ultimate GloFish environment. This waterproof LED light can be used with any glass canopy or light hood and features simple clips that fit into the front of your aquarium frame.
What color light makes GloFish glow? ›The blue LED lights accentuate the natural fluorescent glow of your fish. The GloFish Blue Led light is an ideal way to breathe new life into your 10-gallon aquarium.
How many drops of GloFish per gallon? ›The manufacturers recommend treating 1 gallon of water with 10 drops of this conditioner. When it is time to change water, only treat the water that is being newly introduced to assure that you are not over-treating the tank. GloFish Water Conditioner is safe and effective for all tropical fish.
What temp should GloFish be at? ›The GloFish® Submersible Heater is designed to keep your aquatic fish comfortable, with an electronic thermostat that automatically maintains a consistent water temperature of 78 degrees and prevents overheating, extending heater life.
What fish do GloFish get along with? ›As freshwater fish, glofish thrive in community tanks. They make wonderful tankmates with fish like zebra danio and shrimps.
What kind of tank do you need for goldfish? ›A good rule of thumb is to choose a tank with at least 10 gallons of water for every goldfish. So, if you have two goldfish, you'll need a 20-gallon tank. Your goldfish will also need plenty of hiding places and places to swim around in their tank.
Are goldfish easier to maintain than betta fish? ›If you are thinking of a small tank, you are probably better off with a betta fish. A 10-gallon tank is easy to care for and doesn't take up much space. If you are in for more of a commitment, consider a goldfish tank.
Can any other fish live with goldfish? ›Goldfish are generally not aggressive so they can be kept with most community fish provided the other fish are larger than the size of the goldfish's mouth.
What is the easiest fish to take care of? ›Some of the easiest fish to take care of include white cloud minnows, cherry barbs, goldfish, guppies, neon tetras, and cory catfish. All of these species are relatively peaceful, non-demanding fish that do well in a beginning fish tank.
Do goldfish need rocks or sand? ›
And the answer is that goldfish don't need substrate. There's nothing essential about having a substrate and goldfish can survive quite healthily and happily without one. So, as goldfish don't require a substrate, you could choose to simply leave the bottom of your goldfish tank bare.
How many goldfish can I put in a 5 gallon tank? ›The general rule of thumb for stocking any fish tank is one inch of fish per gallon of water in the aquarium. You can keep about 2-4 fish in a tank this size as long as each fish is not larger than 1 inch.
How long do betta fish live? ›In the wild, they are less territorial due to the large space they live in - they will only spar, not fight to the death. Betta fish grow to be no longer than 3 inches, typically. Their usual lifespan is 2-5 years.
Is it better to have 1 or 2 betta fish? ›Generally, it's not a good idea to have two male betta fish in the same aquarium since they're likely to become territorial and violent against one another; however, it is possible to keep two female betta fish in the same tank, as long as they have room to roam.
Do betta fish prefer long or tall tanks? ›A wide tank is preferable to a tall one, because Bettas need to be able to easily dash to the surface to take gulps of air. As with all aquariums, your Betta set-up should always be filtered, heated and fully cycled.
Do betta fish prefer still water? ›Bettas are not very strong swimmers and their long fins can further complicate mobility in strong currents. Betta's prefer slow moving or still water. This is why some caretakers swear by unfiltered tanks for their betta, replicating their natural ecosystem.
What fish can goldfish not live with? ›Avoid aggressive fish that will pick on your goldfish.
In general, goldfish are peaceful animals that will not thrive with aggressive barbs, African cichlids, and other large cichlids.
Ammonia is the primary waste product that goldfish produce. Your fish releases ammonia into their water through solid waste and through their gills. Organic matter decaying in the tank also releases ammonia.
What is the cleanest fish to take care of? ›- Rainbow Sharks and Redtail Sharks. ...
- Eartheaters. ...
- Flagfish. ...
- Corydoras. ...
- Platies. ...
- Snails. ...
- Loaches. ...
- Common Goldfish.