Can Axolotls Live with Goldfish? A Guide to Safe Tank Mates

Axolotls and goldfish are both popular pets, especially among kids. They are peaceful creatures that thrive in cold water and share similar living conditions. It is natural to wonder if they can coexist in the same tank or pond.

However, experts do not recommend keeping axolotls and goldfish together. While both species can tolerate cold water, they have different dietary needs and behaviors.

Axolotls are carnivorous salamanders that may prey on goldfish, especially if they are small enough to fit in their mouths. Goldfish, on the other hand, are slow swimmers that may not be able to compete for food with axolotls.

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If you are considering keeping axolotls and goldfish together, it is important to understand the risks and challenges involved. In this article, we will explore the topic in more detail and answer some frequently asked questions about axolotls and goldfish cohabitation.

Key Takeaways

• Axolotls and goldfish have different dietary needs and behaviors, making it challenging to keep them together.
• Axolotls may prey on goldfish, while goldfish may not be able to compete for food with axolotls.
• Understanding the risks and challenges involved in keeping axolotls and goldfish together is important before attempting to do so.

Can Axolotls Live with Goldfish?

Axolotls and Goldfish: Compatibility

It is possible to keep axolotls and goldfish together in the same tank. Both species are peaceful and prefer cool water, which makes them seem like good tank mates. However, keeping them together is not recommended for several reasons. Firstly, axolotls are carnivorous and may view goldfish as food. Secondly, goldfish are known to be territorial and may stress out axolotls. Lastly, goldfish produce a lot of waste, leading to poor water quality and health problems for axolotls.

Factors to Consider

When considering whether axolotls and goldfish can live together, you should take into account several factors. These include the size of the tank, the number of fish and axolotls, the water temperature, and the filtration system. Axolotls require a larger tank than goldfish, and the water temperature should be between 60-68°F. Additionally, the filtration system should be able to handle the waste produced by both species.

Tank Setup for Axolotls and Goldfish

If you decide to keep axolotls and goldfish together, setting up the tank correctly is important. The tank should have plenty of hiding places for the axolotls, such as plants and caves. Additionally, the tank should be well-lit, and the water should be changed regularly to maintain good water quality.

Axolotl Tank Mates

Axolotls can be kept with other axolotls, but they are not good tank mates for most fish. Some compatible tank mates for axolotls include shrimp, snails, and other peaceful freshwater fish such as guppies and neon tetras.

Goldfish Tank Mates

Goldfish can be kept with other goldfish, but they can also coexist with other peaceful freshwater fish such as white cloud mountain minnows and zebra danios. It is important to avoid keeping goldfish with slow-swimming fish or fin-nippers.

Health Problems

Keeping axolotls and goldfish together can lead to health problems for both species. Goldfish produce a lot of waste, which can lead to poor water quality and stress axolotls. Axolotls may also view goldfish as food, which can lead to impaction and other health issues. Additionally, goldfish are known to carry diseases that can be transmitted to axolotls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is technically possible to keep axolotls and goldfish together, it is not recommended due to several factors. Axolotls are carnivorous and may view goldfish as food, and goldfish are territorial and may stress out axolotls. Additionally, goldfish produce a lot of waste, which can lead to poor water quality and health problems for axolotls. If you do decide to keep them together, it is important to set up the tank correctly and choose compatible tank mates for both species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can axolotls live with other fish?

Axolotls are carnivorous and may see other fish as food. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to keep axolotls with other fish. However, if you still decide to keep them together, it is important to choose fish that are similar in size and temperament to the axolotl.

What fish are compatible with axolotls?

If you still decide to keep axolotls with other fish, some compatible options include small, peaceful fish such as guppies, neon tetras, and zebra danios. It is important to avoid aggressive or territorial fish that may harm the axolotl.

Can axolotls be in a fish tank?

Axolotls can be kept in a fish tank, but it is important to ensure that the tank is suitable for their specific needs. Axolotls require a tank with a minimum size of 20 gallons per individual, and the water should be kept at a temperature between 60-64°F.

Do axolotls live well with other fish?

Axolotls may not live well with other fish, as they are carnivorous and may see other fish as food. It is important to choose fish that are similar in size and temperament to the axolotl if you decide to keep them together.

What is the best tank for an axolotl?

The best tank for an axolotl is one that is at least 20 gallons per individual, has a filter system that can handle the waste produced by the axolotl, and has a substrate that is soft and does not have sharp edges that may injure the axolotl.

Can axolotls live with frogs?

Axolotls and frogs should not be kept together, as they have different requirements for their environment and may harm each other. Axolotls may see frogs as food, and the frogs may carry diseases that can harm the axolotl.