Which Freshwater Aquarium Fish Can Live Together?

Have you been wondering which freshwater aquarium fish you can put together in the same tank? If you are looking to expand the variety of fish in your freshwater aquarium, here are few suggestions of fish that will live harmoniously together. 

Which Freshwater Aquarium Fish Can Live Together?

Angelfish Aquarium

We are starting with the freshwater Angelfish, as it is without a doubt a very friendly aquatic creature. A common choice for many Aquarium owners, the Angelfish can live in harmony with a number of other species and does not mind freshwater aquatic plants.

Angelfish will live easily together with Cory Cats, Rosy Red Minnows, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Loaches, Killifish, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rainbow fish, Rasboras, Swordtails, and Tetras. Many of the listed fish will even help with keeping your fish tank clean of algae and add vivid colors to the palette of your freshwater aquarium.

Cichlids Aquarium

Having a Cichlid aquarium is a bit more challenging, as not all Cichlid species can live together, and not all freshwater fish can live in the same water condition as Cichlids. When setting up your freshwater aquarium it is better to seek professional consultation.

There are 4 popular types of Cichlids selected for freshwater aquariums including: Malawian, Tanganyikan, African and New World Cichlids. However, putting them in the same fish tank will not always bring about the best results. Having more than one species at the same time will require your caution, as the cichlid is a fish with temperament and territorial behavior. Cichlids travel in schools and the only way to potentially avoid them fighting is to pack the aquarium so full, that there will not be enough space for them to feel territorial.

When it comes to planting a Cichlid aquarium, you must again proceed with caution, as not all freshwater aquarium plants can survive in the same water and conditions as these tropical species. The only fish you can safely put in the Cichlid aquarium is the Plecos, the janitor fish that will eat off the algae and not disturb the ever swimming Cichlids.

Betta Aquarium

The fish many beginners start with is the Betta. This wide-tailed beauty, however, is known for being a fighting and territorial fish, that will not get along with just anyone. You have probably seen how bettas are separated in the pet store away from other bettas and fish in general. Never the less there are fish that will survive in the same aquarium with a Betta.

The fish you can have, together with your single Betta are: Cory Cats, Rosy Red Minnows, Guppies, Hatchets, Mollies, Plecos, Platies, Loaches, Rasboras, Suckermouth Catfish, Tetras, and Swordtails. Planting an aquarium with a Betta in it should also not be an issue.

Fancy Goldfish Aquarium

One of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish – the Fancy and Common Goldfish are not adaptable into living with other aquatic species. The Goldfish can coexist in the habitat together with only other Fancy Goldfish, Plecos, Suckermouth Catfish or in the Pond with a Koi. This way no fish will be eaten or suffer from the difference of water condition requirements. Also, not all plants can be put in a goldfish aquarium, the safest choices would be Hornwort, Java Moss, and Java Fern.

Freshwater Shark Aquarium

The freshwater shark are truly intriguing and beautiful “miniatures” of “jaws” swimming in the ocean. Although they are not really sharks and are from different fish families, their close resemblance in shape and behavior gives them this title.

What do we call “Freshwater Sharks” ? These are the fish known as  Bala Shark , Red Tail Shark , Chinese High Fin Banded Shark, The Flying Fox and his confusing twin the Siamese Algae Eater. Expectedly, when we mention behavior, having different “shark” species in the same aquarium is not advisable. However, you can combine them with friendly fish like Barbs, Rosy Red Minnows, Loaches, Plecos, Rainbow fish, and Gouramis. Planting a freshwater shark aquarium is also safe.

Catfish & Pleco Aquarium

The Plecostomus, or Plecos, and Catfish are a very hardy fish family. The primary target of these species is to tirelessly eat that tasty Algae that you are desperately trying to get rid of. A nice fish for beginners, the following Plecos & Catfish are peaceful fish that will not interact even with aggressive species.

The Plecos, Suckermouth catfish, and Cory Cats, love being in the freshwater aquarium community. They will get along just fine with Barbs, Bettas, Danios, Minnows, Fancy Goldfish, Killifish, Hatchets, Gouramis, Rainbow fish, and Rasboras, as well as with each other.

The common Pleco will live with Cichlids in harmony, as well as with Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Danios, Minnows, Fancy Goldfish, Killifish, Hatchets, Gouramis, Rainbow fish, Guppies, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, and Rasboras. The Plecostomus is often even put in Koi Fish Ponds to help with their maintenance. Plecos prefer planted freshwater aquariums, but since they are omnivorous, you will have to choose more hardy plants.

Need Help choosing Your Freshwater Aquarium Fish?

These are 6 possible populations for the specific freshwater aquarium fish we have listed above. The Angelfish, Cichlids, Freshwater Sharks, Betta Fish, Fancy Goldfish, Plecos & Catfish are common choices for an aquarium due to their color, patterns, behavior, and shape. If you are wondering what to choose for your existing or future freshwater aquarium installation, do not hesitate to give us a call or visit our office in Los Angeles.