Many new koi fish owners find themselves asking one important question: can I keep goldfish in my koi pond? After all, koi fish can grow up to three feet in length while most goldfish won't make it past a foot. So is it possible to put goldfish and koi fish in the same pond where they can both thrive? The short answer is yes. That being said, there are some precautions to follow, and knowing what the best goldfish varieties for a koi pond are can help you make the best selection.
Both goldfish and koi fish can be beautiful and come in a variety of colors so it’s no wonder that you, as a koi fish owner, may want to add some goldfish to your pond. At Koi Fish USA, we have a passion for educating amateur koi owners on everything they need to know to experience success with their koi pond.
Today, we’ll be telling you everything you need to know about keeping goldfish and koi fish in the same pond, as well as some of the best varieties of goldfish for a koi pond. With this information, you can set forth with confidence and create the outdoor pond you’ve always dreamed of! Let’s get started.
Can Goldfish and Koi Fish Live Together?
Yes, goldfish and koi fish can live together in the same pond. Still, taking the necessary precautions as you prepare your pond will go a long way in enabling your fish to live their longest, healthiest, and happiest lives. For one, you need to make sure that the fish you select are roughly the same size. Additionally, you need to know in advance that if either fish has eggs, they will likely be eaten.
In some cases, especially with goldfish, a smaller fish may be viewed as weak by the other fish in the pond and be eaten. This is the most important reason to make sure that the fish you put into your pond is as close to the same size as possible. This behavior is not because either type of fish is particularly aggressive, but because both fish are likely to eat anything small enough to fit into their mouths.
Can Goldfish and Koi Fish Live Together in a Tank?
You may also be wondering if you can keep goldfish and koi fish in the same tank. In general, this is only recommended as temporary housing, and not when your koi fish are fully grown. You always want to allow each type of fish plenty of room to live comfortably and housing both goldfish and koi fish in a single tank isn’t likely to give them sufficient space.
As stated, koi fish can grow up to 3 feet in length so, in most cases, the majority of tanks will not be big enough for them. Goldfish, on the other hand, can live quite happily in tanks. If you do plan on keeping small koi fish and goldfish in a tank together temporarily, you should only do so with a tank that is 50 gallons or bigger.
What Are the Best Goldfish Varieties For a Koi Pond?
Before you make the decision to host both goldfish and koi fish in your pond, you should have a good understanding of the best varieties of goldfish for a koi pond. While nearly all types of goldfish can live comfortably alongside koi fish, some varieties do especially well.
In this section, we’ll give you the rundown of some of our best recommendations for goldfish varieties to include in your koi pond. Not only do these goldfish measure up the best in size to be included in a koi pond, but they also tend to coexist with koi fish more naturally. Here are our top picks for the best goldfish varieties for a koi pond.
Oranda Goldfish
The Oranda goldfish is by far one of the best goldfish varieties to include in a koi pond because it offers pond enthusiasts the best of both worlds. Not only does this variety of goldfish have a visually appealing body style, but the Oranda also includes color variety. While the goldfish included in the image above is known as a Red Cap Oranda, Oranda goldfish come in various colors ranging from red to calico, black, deep blue, and even chocolate brown. At Koi Fish USA, we sell Oranda goldfish of several color varieties, including red, white, black, yellow, and calico.
The Oranda features a hood or fleshy growth on the top of its head, and this growth isn’t fully developed until the fish reaches two years of age. Once matured, however, this hood is the defining feature of the Oranda goldfish. It should be noted that the Oranda does not tolerate dirty or cold water conditions very well, making this particular goldfish variety best for a more experienced pond keeper. Still, it is one of the best goldfish varieties to be housed with koi fish and will make a beautiful addition to your fish pond.
Black Moor Goldfish
Another great goldfish variety to include in your koi pond is the Black Moor goldfish. As indicated by the name, the Black Moor boasts a beautiful black coloring. Rather than looking dull, however, the Black Moor sports scales that are almost velvety and shimmer in the sun. Because the Black Moor is known for having limited vision, it is best suited to be kept with other species that are visually challenged, such as the Bubble-Eye goldfish or Telescope goldfish. Still, they are also a great variety to keep with koi fish and we highly recommend considering the Black Moor for your fish pond.
Fantail Goldfish
The Fantail goldfish is also a great goldfish variety for inclusion in koi fish ponds. That being said, it should be noted that the Fantail goldfish can be a challenging species for beginners. Still, the Fantail is a hardy fish and will tolerate a few missed feedings. But it’s crucial that you keep in mind that this is not a goldfish that can be left in cold water for extended periods of time. During the winter season in northern climates, your Fantail goldfish will need to be brought inside and housed in a tank. The Fantail goldfish typically grows up to 6 to 8 inches and, with thorough care, can be expected to live up to 10 years.
Sarasa Comet
Upon first glance, you’re likely to notice that the Sarasa Comet goldfish closely resembles a koi fish. In fact, any new pond keeper would easily confuse the two. Much like a koi fish, the Sarasa Comet goldfish requires a deep pond with well-placed plants to truly thrive. That being said, we’ve decided to add Sarasa Comet goldfish to our list of the best goldfish species for a koi pond because they are one of the hardiest types of goldfish around.
Sarasa Comets are very low-maintenance goldfish and are highly recommended for beginners. They aren’t finicky, are easy to keep, and always eat the food they are given. Sarasa Comets can live up to 25 years if well cared for and can grow up to 14 inches in length. Additionally, this type of goldfish is very social and will get along great with other fish in the pond. A Sarasa Comet goldfish is truly one of the best goldfish to consider as you plan your upcoming koi fish pond.
Shubunkin
Many people consider the Shubunkin goldfish to be a higher-end variant of Comet goldfish with a hint of color. The Shubunkin goldfish is by far one of the most sought-after goldfish varieties. Similar to koi fish, these goldfish are graced with long fins that sway beautifully as the fish glides through the pond.
While the Shubunkin goldfish requires plenty of space and food, they are again one of the hardiest species of goldfish. With proper care, this goldfish can also live 25 years or longer, growing to over 12 inches in length. It should be noted that these fish prefer to live in more natural environments, similarly to koi fish, so you will want to avoid keeping them in a tank or aquarium. You can’t go wrong when adding some Shubunkin goldfish to your koi pond!
Wakin
Finally, the Wakin goldfish is one of the most popular breeds of goldfish. The Wakin goldfish has ancestral roots with the Crucian Carp and exhibits beautiful and bright red, white, or a combination of the two. The most valuable and highly sought-after variety of Wakin goldfish, however, is that with red and white body color and a triple-tail.
You should also know that the Wakin goldfish is a highly active fish and they are very fast swimmers. For this reason, they are best suited by ponds with significant amounts of space for them to swim freely. This makes them a great fit for a koi pond where space should be ample. When taken good care of, the Wakin goldfish can live up to 10 years, growing to over 12 inches in length. When stocking your koi pond, don’t miss out on the chance to own this exceptional goldfish variety!
Setting Up a Pond for Goldfish and Koi Fish
Now that you know some of the most highly recommended varieties of goldfish for a koi pond, you may be wondering how to set up a pond for your fish. While we have a helpful guide on how to build a koi fish pond step-by-step, there are some specific considerations to make when preparing a pond for goldfish and koi fish. Here’s what you should keep in mind as you prepare.
Pond Size
Pond size should always be the first thing that you consider when preparing a pond for both goldfish and koi fish. Koi fish, being larger than goldfish, need a pond that is around 1000 gallons in size and roughly 3-4 feet deep. A depth of between 3 and 4 feet is best because your koi will need to swim in the warmer depths of your pond during the winter season.
Keep in mind that koi fish are very social fish and will need 200-300 gallons of water per fish to stay happy. Considering you’ll be adding goldfish to the mix, having adequate space will be even more crucial. Each goldfish needs about 50 gallons each to thrive, so if your pond is big enough for your koi fish, it will be big enough for your goldfish as well.
pH Level
You also need to keep a watchful eye on the pH level of your fish pond. If your pH level is too high or too low, it can burn the skin of your fish and even cause internal damage. The ideal pH for both goldfish and koi fish is between 7.2 and 8.2. To keep your pond’s pH level stable, you may have to perform regular water changes. Always be adamant about keeping your pond’s pH level in an adequate range for your fish.
Plants
One common problem that fish keepers face when adding goldfish and koi fish to a pond is selecting the right type of plants. While goldfish are happy with basically any type of aquatic plant, koi fish are known to be a bit more destructive. When adding plants to your fish pond, you should consider adding periphery plants rather than having plants throughout the pond.
If you want to include plants in the middle of your pond, be sure to select especially sturdy plants such as water smartweed, water lettuce, or water hyacinth. These types of plants will hold up to the possible damage that your koi fish will do when they get a bit curious!
The Best Koi Fish and Goldfish Varieties For Your Dream Pond at Koi Fish USA
Now that we’ve answered your questions about the best varieties of goldfish for a koi pond, as well as discussing some of the most important considerations to make when preparing for your pond, you’re probably wondering where you can get the best fish. Look no further than Koi Fish USA!
Here at Koi Fish USA, we pride ourselves on being the most trusted online seller of beautiful standard koi, butterfly koi, and goldfish. We offer all of the goldfish varieties that we highlighted in this article, meaning that you can purchase all of your koi fish and goldfish from a single reputable source! Our fish have been fully quarantined, meaning that they are healthy and safe to be added to your fish pond. Best of all, we offer a 14-day guarantee on every fish sold by Koi Fish USA. Browse our selection of gorgeous fish today and stock your pond!
If you have any questions along the way, feel free to contact us. To stay up to date on everything koi fish and goldfish-related, visit our blog where we offer helpful tips surrounding everything about koi fish ownership. Thanks for reading!
