Can Axolotls Live with Goldfish?

Abdul Wasay Khatri | Administrator

Last updated: 8 January, 2026

No, axolotls should not live with goldfish. While this pairing might seem appealing since both are freshwater species, they are fundamentally incompatible. Goldfish are fast, competitive eaters that will outcompete axolotls for food, and they may nip at the axolotl’s delicate external gills. Conversely, axolotls may attempt to eat smaller goldfish. Most critically, goldfish thrive in warmer water (65-75°F) than axolotls require (60-64°F), and goldfish produce excessive waste that compromises water quality axolotls need to stay healthy.

Temperature and Environmental Conflicts

The temperature difference between these species creates an unsolvable problem. Axolotls are cold-water amphibians that become stressed, stop eating, and develop health issues when water exceeds 68°F (20°C). Prolonged exposure to warm water can be fatal, causing fungal infections and metabolic problems.

Goldfish, however, prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C), with fancy goldfish varieties doing best at the warmer end of this range. While there’s a small overlap zone around 65°F, this temperature is suboptimal for goldfish long-term and still warmer than ideal for axolotls. Maintaining this compromise temperature stresses both species and increases disease susceptibility.

Goldfish are also incredibly messy fish that produce substantial amounts of waste. Their high bio-load creates ammonia and nitrate spikes that require powerful filtration systems. Unfortunately, axolotls are sensitive to strong water currents and cannot swim comfortably in tanks with the aggressive filtration goldfish require. This creates a catch-22 where proper goldfish care makes the environment unsuitable for axolotls.

Behavioral and Feeding Issues

Feeding time presents another significant challenge. Goldfish are aggressive, fast eaters that will consume any food in the tank within seconds. Axolotls, by contrast, are slow, methodical hunters with poor eyesight who rely on smell and movement detection to locate food. In a shared tank, goldfish will eat all the food before the axolotl even realizes it’s feeding time, leading to malnutrition and starvation.

Goldfish are naturally curious and will investigate everything in their environment, including tank mates. They frequently nip at the feathery external gills of axolotls, causing stress, injury, and potential infection. These gills are vital respiratory organs, and repeated harassment can lead to serious health complications.

The predatory nature of axolotls also poses risks. While adult goldfish are usually too large and fast to catch, smaller goldfish or young specimens may be viewed as prey. Axolotls have surprisingly quick strike reflexes when hunting and may injure or kill goldfish that swim too close, especially during nighttime hours when axolotls are most active.

Quick FAQ

What if I keep the water at 64-65°F for both?
This compromises both species’ health. Goldfish become sluggish and vulnerable to disease, while axolotls still experience suboptimal conditions.

Can fancy goldfish work better than common goldfish?
No. Fancy goldfish are slower but require even warmer water (70-75°F) and produce just as much waste as common varieties.

Will the goldfish really eat all the food?
Yes. Goldfish are relentless feeders and will consistently outcompete the slower axolotl, leading to malnutrition issues over time.

What about separating them during feeding?
This doesn’t address temperature incompatibility, water quality issues, or the stress from goldfish constantly approaching the axolotl.

Are there any fish that can live with axolotls?
Very few fish are compatible. Small, fast fish like white cloud minnows sometimes work in cooler temperatures, but axolotls do best in species-only tanks.

Abdul Wasay Khatri
Administrator
Abdul Wasay is the founder and lead author of Axolotl Portal, a trusted site for axolotl care. He spent almost nine months learning about axolotls, including their tanks, feeding, water care, and common health problems. His knowledge comes from trusted vets, research, and real experience from long term axolotl owners. All Posts by