Can goldfish live with chinese algae eaters?

Verdict

No. Goldfish and chinese algae eaters should not share a tank. Goldfish are coldwater animals (60–74°F); chinese algae eaters need 74–80°F. They meet only at 74°F, the edge of both ranges.

Goldfish60–74°F · pH 7–8

Chinese algae eater74–80°F · pH 6–8

What to watch

Deal breakerGoldfish are coldwater animals (60–74°F); chinese algae eaters need 74–80°F. They meet only at 74°F, the edge of both ranges.
Watch outChinese algae eaters sometimes latch on to slow, flat fish like goldfish and rasp their slime coat.

What works

pH 7–8 suits both.

Water side by side

The green band is the temperature range both can live in.

The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

	Goldfish	Chinese algae eater
Temperature	60–74 °F	74–80 °F
pH	7–8	6–8
Adult size	10.0 in	10.0 in
Minimum tank	40 gal	75 gal
Temperament	Peaceful	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	All levels	Bottom
Group	Alone or in pairs	Alone or in pairs
Diet	Omnivore	Herbivore

Better tank mates for goldfish

All goldfish tank mates

Better tank mates for chinese algae eaters

All chinese algae eater tank mates

Questions

Can goldfish live with chinese algae eaters?

No. Goldfish and chinese algae eaters should not share a tank. Goldfish are coldwater animals (60–74°F); chinese algae eaters need 74–80°F. They meet only at 74°F, the edge of both ranges.

What temperature suits both goldfish and chinese algae eaters?

74–74 °F. Goldfish need 60–74 °F, chinese algae eaters need 74–80 °F.

What size tank do goldfish and chinese algae eaters need together?

At least 75 gal, set by the chinese algae eater. Add space for each extra fish.