Can otocinclus and fancy goldfish live together?

With care

Otocinclus and fancy goldfish can share a tank, but there is something to watch.

Otocinclus Fancy goldfish

Why

  • Their temperature ranges only meet at 72°F (22°C), which leaves no margin.
  • Goldfish are slow, messy, cold-water fish. They do best in a tank with other goldfish.

What each one needs

OtocinclusFancy goldfishBoth
Temperature72–79°F (22–26°C)65–72°F (18–22°C)72–72°F (22–22°C)
pH6.0–7.57.0–8.07.0–7.5
Minimum tank10 gal (38 L)20 gal (76 L)20 gal (76 L)
Keep at least41
Adult size1.8 in (4.6 cm)7 in (17.8 cm)

The smallest tank for both

A 29 gallons (110 L) tank holds 4 otocinclus and 1 fancy goldfish at about 66% of its stocking limit, which leaves room for more.

Other tank mates for otocinclus

Other tank mates for fancy goldfish