Every new aquarist dreams of filling their new aquarium with beautiful creatures. However, it’s important to do research before dropping a bunch of different fish into a tank. Many species are territorial and may even try to eat each other. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best combinations for your aquarium. Owning a fish tank is an expensive hobby, so it’s good to get it right from the beginning!
1. Clownfish and Sea Anemones: A Symbiotic Relationship
Ocellaris clownfish and sea anemones have one of nature’s most fascinating symbiotic relationships. That’s why they’re both a great addition to any saltwater tank. Firstly, clownfish are a hardy species that rarely suffer from health issues. They should enjoy healthy lives if owners correctly manage their tanks’ water parameters. Sea anemones are beautiful, but they’re a predatory species. However, clownfish are one of the few marine animals that are immune to their sting.
These vibrant little fish often make their homes amongst sea anemones for protection. It also benefits the sea anemones because the clownfish eat harmful parasites. This is a classic example of mutualism in the animal kingdom. Not every fish can live with anemones because they can damage them or cause injuries. Clownfish don’t need anemones to live fulfilling lives, but they’re a fascinating combination.
2. Watchman Goby and Pistol Shrimp Share Burrows
Here’s another great symbiotic relationship. Yellow watchman gobies and pistol shrimp are two of nature’s most fascinating partners. Many saltwater aquarium owners love watching their antics. The shrimp digs a burrow that it shares with the goby. Meanwhile, the goby waits at the entrance and keeps watch for predators. If they sense danger, they’ll physically touch the shrimp to pass the message. Some gobies will even bring algae to their pistol shrimp companion to eat.
We recommend a 20-gallon tank for this combination so they’ve plenty of space to explore. Also, pistol shrimps are notorious for redecorating aquariums so expect them to bury everything they can. They’re not a good partner for coral, and they may stick to one side of the tank. Nonetheless, owning this combination is very rewarding for every aquarium enthusiast.
3. Goldfish Won’t Eat Dojo Loaches
Goldfish are one of the healthiest pet fish species. They remain extremely popular because they’re easy to care for. However, it can be tricky to find the right tankmates for them in a community aquarium. This is because goldfish tend to swallow things they shouldn’t––including smaller tankmates! They’re not particularly aggressive, but it’s an instinct. The dojo loach is an excellent companion species for them because they’re too large for them to consume.
Dojo loaches grow up to 12 inches long. They’re social and peaceful, making a great addition to any community tank. Another benefit is that they will help to keep the aquarium clean. The only downside is that their large size means you’ll need a bigger tank. Some owners have 75-gallon tanks for three dojo loaches. It’s advisable to keep them in pairs or trios, even if you have one goldfish.
4. African Cichlids Can Coexist With Synodonitis Catfish
Cichlids are notoriously aggressive so it can be tough to find good companions for them. They often fight or even eat their tankmates. That’s why it’s wise to get another species that’s physically bigger but also docile. The synodonitis catfish fits the bill for these reasons and more. Many catfish are incompatible with the water temperature an African cichlid requires. But these two species hail from similar environments so they should work together. The cichlids won’t bully them because they’re too small.
Synodonitis catfish have the additional bonus of being bottom-dwellers. They will eat waste that falls onto the freshwater tank’s base. However, they can’t do it all by themselves so be sure to get a good filter. These two species should live in social harmony together. Admittedly synodonitis catfish don’t have the most spectacular visual appearance. But that’s the compromise owners must make if they want to keep cichlids too.
5. Surgeonfish and Coral: A Perfect Match
Surgeonfish require very high-quality water so it’s not a good idea to mix them with many different species. They are very susceptible to diseases and other fish tend to bully them. However, they do make an excellent companion for coral. In the wild, they enjoy a symbiotic relationship with coral reefs because they eat algae. This allows the coral to grow on rocks without competition.
Furthermore, these fish won’t damage or suffer harm from the coral. You could even add a clownfish to the mix. Just ensure that the clownfish isn’t too small because the surgeonfish may eat it. “Finding Nemo” would have been a very different story if this happened! If they’re the same size, there shouldn’t be any problems.
6. Koi and Chinese High-Fin Sharks: Good Tankmates
Koi fish and Chinese high-fin sharks are another compatible pair for large aquariums or ponds. These species have dramatic appearances, so they’d make a visually stunning duo. Most importantly, they won’t fight or eat each other. The sharks are bottom dwellers, and they’ll help keep large tanks or ponds clean. Their large dorsal fin gives them an almost prehistoric aesthetic. Koi fish don’t typically fight but they can eat smaller species if they get an opportunity.
Both fish enjoy the same water temperature of 60°F–75°F. They are also relatively peaceful, so there will be social harmony in the aquarium. Don’t expect them to interact much, but they’ll live comfortably without bothering each other. Goldfish are another excellent companion species for koi because of their close genetic relationship.
