http://forum.aqua-fish.net/ A forum devoted to aquarium fish, plants, techniques and fish keeping as a whole. en http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=can-these-two-be-roommates-#1 My daughter was given two fish, a guppy (don't know what kind) and a goldfish. Can they be in the same tank? The only tank we have is just 2.5 gal. Do they eat the same food? The tank came with goldfish flakes. We are brand new to fish keeping and this site is AWESOME! I know we'll get up to speed fairly quickly with the help of this site. Thank you. 2kiddies 2008-06-24 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=can-these-two-be-roommates-#2 Hi there, I'm no expert, but a goldfish and a guppy are fine together. The guppy might get aggressive at times, just sort of nipping or 'playing' with the goldfish. But they should be fine. You should be aware that 2.5 gallons is pretty small. My first tank was a 5 gallon and I found it difficult to keep the water quality up. I had a few fish die on me, one was a guppy. So my advice would be, don't add any more fish or you'll run into trouble. And change about 25% of the water weekly or even bi-weekly. And yes, they eat the same food. jbishop0 2008-06-24 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=can-these-two-be-roommates-#3 Thank you for your fast reply! We plan to see if we can keep these guys alive and watch how well the kids do with them before plunging deeper into fish keeping. I think they'll handle the responsibility pretty well. After reading about all of the variables that make up a healthy aquarium I don't think that fish are an appropriate gift if you don't know the child(ren) really well. Luckily though, I think my kids are up to it! 2kiddies 2008-06-24 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=can-these-two-be-roommates-#4 My daughter was given two fish, a guppy (don't know what kind) and a goldfish. Can they be in the same tank? When they're small, yes. When the Goldfish grows up, they cannot be in the same tank. Just because the Goldfish can grow up to 20cm. Compare it to the Guppy which can grow up to 6 cm if it's fed often. The Goldfish will simply eat the Guppy later. Probably. I kept a 10cm Paradise Fish and it started eating Guppies. I don't want to imagine what will happen with a 20cm fish. Goldfish are omnivores. But of course, if they're kept together since they're small, they may be peaceful towards each other. Although I wouldn't bet on it. last modification by jan jan 2008-06-24 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=can-these-two-be-roommates-#5 I like your way of thinking with the chidren.I bought my grandson a 15 gallon tank, he has 3 goldfish in it and I have told him if he keeps it spotless and clean he can then progress into tropicals when he has the experience. So far he is really doing well. mickey 2008-06-25