Compatibility Overview
Goldfish and Red Eye Tetra are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
| Factor | Goldfish | Red Eye Tetra | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 50–74°F | 72–79°F | ⚠️ 72–74°F (narrow) |
| pH Range | 6.5–8.0 | 6.0–7.0 | ⚠️ 6.5–7.0 (narrow) |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | ❌ Risk |
| Adult Size | 12 in | 1.6 in | ❌ 8× difference |
| Min. Group | 1+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
❌ Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Goldfish — Carassius auratus
Classic pond and aquarium fish that prefer cool water. Heavy waste producers that require robust filtration. Will eat small fish and shrimp.
Red Eye Tetra — Aquarium species
The Red Eye Tetra is a popular freshwater fish known for its vibrant red eyes and sleek, silver body. They are generally peaceful and can be kept in a community tank with other non-aggressive species. Their moderate activity level makes them suitable for a variety of aquarium setups. With proper care, they can live up to 5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Goldfish live with Red Eye Tetra?
Generally not recommended. Goldfish and Red Eye Tetra are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
What tank size do I need for Goldfish and Red Eye Tetra together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Goldfish and Red Eye Tetra together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Goldfish and Red Eye Tetra?
72–74°F (narrow)
Is a Goldfish aggressive toward a Red Eye Tetra?
Goldfish is peaceful and Red Eye Tetra is aggressive. These animals require different water types and cannot share one aquarium.
Related Compatibility Guides
Compatibility score breakdown
The overall score is weighted across water chemistry, behavior, adult size, swimming zone, and social needs. A score is a planning aid—not a guarantee for individual fish.
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 29/100 |
| Ph | 50/100 |
| Temperament | 30/100 |
| Adult Size | 8/100 |
| Swim Zone | 68/100 |
| Social Needs | 92/100 |
Tank size scenarios
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 100 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 150 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 180 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |