With their vibrant colors and active nature, it’s no wonder that goldfish and neon tetras are two of the most popular freshwater fish for home aquariums. But which one is right for you? While both make excellent beginner fish, there are some key differences between these two aquatic staples that are important to understand before stocking your tank.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Goldfish require more space and filtration than neon tetras, prefer cooler water temperatures, and are messier eaters. Neon tetras are more delicate, do better in planted tanks, prefer warmer water, and shoal in larger groups.
Origins and Appearance
Goldfish
Goldfish originated in ancient China over a thousand years ago and were first domesticated during the Song dynasty. They are a member of the carp family and were likely bred from Prussian carp. Over centuries of selective breeding, fancier goldfish with elongated bodies, bubble eyes, and extra fins emerged.
Today there are over 125 breeds of goldfish with a dazzling variety of shapes, sizes, fin types, and colors.
Most captive goldfish are grouped into 4 main types:
- Common goldfish – Have a short round body, single dorsal fin, no other fins on the back, and a forked caudal fin. Colors include orange, red, white, black, and combinations.
- Comet goldfish – Have a slender, torpedo-shaped body, single hooked caudal fin, and long forked tail. Colors are mostly orange-red shades.
- Fantail goldfish – Have a short round body, dual fused fin, and a large dual or triple lobed caudal fin. Colors include metallic shades like orange, red, white, black, and calico patterns.
- Fancy goldfish – Diverse group including all the unusual body shapes. Examples are celestial, bubble eye, lionhead, oranda, ranchu, ryukin, pearlscale, and veiltail.
In the wild, goldfish are a dull olive green or gray. Through selective breeding, goldfish now display various colors and patterns including orange, red, white, black, calico, and combinations of these colors. The bright pigments stem from carotenoids obtained from their diet of plants and insects.
Goldfish have a lifespan of 10-15 years if cared for properly.
Neon Tetras
Neon tetras are a vibrant freshwater fish native to blackwater and clearwater streams in southeastern Brazil, eastern Peru, and western Colombia in South America. They were first imported to Germany in the 1930s and soon became a hugely popular aquarium fish around the world.
In the wild, they inhabit slow moving, tannin-stained acid waters.
Neon tetras have an elongated, torpedo-shaped body and grow to about 1.5 inches long. Their most iconic and beautiful feature is their iridescent neon blue horizontal stripe and red tail. The blue stripe and red color is most vibrant when the fish are in high stress environments like the dark, acidic blackwaters of their home range.
The bright colors may help the schooling fish stick together better. Other variations of neon tetras have been developed including red neon tetras, green neon tetras, and albino neon tetras which lack the bright colors. Like most other tetras, neon tetras have a lifespan of 5-8 years in captivity.
Habitat and Tank Requirements
Tank Size
When it comes to tank size, goldfish need much more room than neon tetras. The absolute minimum tank size for fancy goldfish is 20 gallons for the first fish and an additional 10 gallons per extra fish.
Single-tailed goldfish like comets and shubunkins require even more space – generally a minimum of 55 gallons for the first fish and 20-30 gallons for each additional fish. Neon tetras, on the other hand, need only a 10 gallon tank for a group of 6-8 fish.
Their small size allows them to thrive in nano aquariums.
Water Conditions
Goldfish and neon tetras also need different water conditions to stay healthy. Goldfish prefer cool water around 65-72°F and can tolerate a wide pH range from 6.5-8.0. They also appreciate moderately hard water with 8-15 dGH.
Neon tetras, however, like warm tropical temperatures from 72-82°F and a narrower pH range of 6.0-7.0 in soft, acidic conditions with only up to 5 dGH hardness.
When it comes to filtration, both fish produce a moderate amount waste. Strong filtration is a must to prevent the build up of harmful ammonia and nitrites. For goldfish, canister filters are generally recommended in addition to weekly water changes.
Neon tetras can get by with hang-on-back filters if water quality is tested regularly.
Decor and Plants
In their natural habitat, goldfish forage amongst plants near the bottom of gently flowing streams in eastern Asia. Replicating a naturalistic environment makes them feel secure. The best tank decor includes smooth river rocks, driftwood, and robust plants like anubias or java fern.
Take care to avoid sharp decor that could tear flowing fins.
Neon tetras dwell amongst lush vegetation in slow moving tributaries of the Amazon River basin. For these little sparkling jewels, a heavily planted tank is a must. Some great options include Amazon swordplants, water wisteria, hornwort, and guppy grass.
Floating plants like frogbit provide soothing shade. Just be sure to leave some open swimming room up top.
When it comes to tankmates, goldfish are best kept alone or with similar sized fancy varieties. Fast moving tropical fish will likely get bullied and neon tetras make for expensive snacks. Neon tetras are peaceful community fish that mix well with small rasboras, Cory catfish, guppies, and dwarf gouramis.
Behavior and Temperament
Shoaling
Both goldfish and neon tetras are shoaling fish that prefer to live in groups. However, their shoaling behaviors differ quite a bit.
Goldfish form loose shoals and don’t necessarily stay together as a tight-knit group. They tend to meander around together, grazing on food sources and exploring their environment. Neon tetras, on the other hand, form tight shoals and stick together constantly, moving in unison.
Their dazzling colors appear even more striking when they shoal.
Activity Levels
Neon tetras are much more active than goldfish. They energetically dart around the tank, whereas goldfish tend to plod along at a more leisurely pace. Goldfish spend a good amount of time sifting through the substrate looking for food. Neons are constantly on the move, exploring all areas of the tank.
Goldfish enjoy foraging along the bottom but will come up for food at the surface. Neons primarily stay in the upper and middle levels of the tank. They only venture to the bottom when resting or sleeping.
Compatibility with Other Fish
Goldfish are not suitable tank mates for neon tetras or other small, active fish. The reason is that goldfish produce a lot of waste, which fouls the water quality. They also have voracious appetites and may eat smaller fish or nip at their fins.
Neon tetras are very peaceful and can be housed with a variety of other community fish. Good tank mates include other tetras, small rasboras, corydoras catfish, danios, guppies, and dwarf gouramis. Basically any fish that is peaceful and does not have the appetite or size to eat neons will work.
Here is a comparison of goldfish and neon tetra compatibility:
| Fish Type | Goldfish Compatibility | Neon Tetra Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Small tetras | Not compatible, may eat them or nip fins | Compatible, ideal tank mates |
| Barbs | Not compatible, may nip fins | Usually compatible |
| Guppies | Not compatible, will eat them | Compatible, make good tank mates |
| Corydoras catfish | Not compatible, goldfish may nip fins | Compatible, excellent clean up crew |
| Plecos | Not usually compatible, may suck on slime coat | Usually compatible, help eat algae |
Dietary Needs
Goldfish Diet
As a species that has been domesticated for centuries, the dietary needs of goldfish are well understood. Goldfish are omnivorous fish that in the wild would consume a varied diet of insects, crustaceans, plant matter and detritus.
However, in captivity their dietary needs are met through prepared fish feeds.
Most goldfish feeds are made up of plant and animal proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Good quality goldfish pellets or flakes should contain around 30-40% protein and incorporate ingredients like fish meal, shrimp meal, soybean meal, wheat flour, spirulina and vitamin and mineral supplements.
Vegetables, fruits, live foods and gel foods can also be fed occasionally for variety.
When choosing a goldfish food it is important to select a formula appropriate for their life stage – fry/juvenile foods for younger fish and adult formulas for mature goldfish. Flake or pellet sizes should also suit the size of the fish’s mouth.
Goldfish benefit from being fed 2-3 small meals per day rather than one large meal. This helps prevent waste and overfeeding. Uneaten food should be promptly removed to keep water quality high. Their digestive systems work best with a stable dietary regime, so it’s ideal to feed the same foods on a consistent schedule.
Neon Tetra Diet
In their natural habitat, neon tetras forage on small crustaceans, insects, insect larvae and zooplankton. In the aquarium environment, they thrive best on a varied diet including:
- High quality flake foods, micro pellets or granules
- Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms
- Vegetables including spinach, zucchini and cucumber
Their small mouths require foods that can be easily consumed and digested. Flake formulas should incorporate spirulina, marine algae and other quality protein sources. When feeding freeze dried or frozen foods, it helps to rehydrate them in tank water first.
Neon tetras have very efficient metabolisms so only need to be fed once or twice per day in small amounts. Overfeeding should be avoided as leftover food can compromise water quality. Uneaten foods should be promptly removed from the tank. Offering a varied diet provides good nutritional balance.
Both juvenile and adult neon tetras can be fed the same foods, however the food sizes may need to be adjusted. As with goldfish, neon tetra diet should follow a consistent schedule for optimal health.
Lifespan and Health Concerns
Goldfish Health
Goldfish typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years if properly cared for. Their health largely depends on aquarium conditions like water quality, diet, and space. Common goldfish illnesses include ich, fin rot, dropsy, and swim bladder disorder.
Providing excellent water conditions, a nutritious diet, and adequate space can help prevent most diseases. Research shows fancy goldfish live 5-10 years on average due to their anatomical structure.
According to pet care sites like The Spruce Pets, frequent water changes and testing for ammonia and nitrates is vital. Their suggested aquarium size for fancy goldfish is 20-30 gallons for the first fish and 10 extra gallons per additional fish.
Plants help improve water quality but should be firmly anchored since goldfish may uproot them.
Neon Tetra Health
In the home aquarium, neon tetras live approximately 5-8 years with excellent care and conditions. They are susceptible to diseases like neon tetra disease, ich, fin rot, and columnaris. Providing clean, warm water between 70-80°F, an established tank, and high quality foods gives neon tetras the best chance at a long, healthy life.
According to aquarium sites like The Spruce Pets, neons prefer planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots.
Research indicates wild neon tetras live about 1-2 years due to predation and environmental pressures. Selective breeding has increased captive neon tetra lifespan and hardiness. However, overbreeding has led to genetic issues, so buying from reputable breeders is advisable.
| Fish Type | Average Lifespan | Common Illnesses |
|---|---|---|
| Goldfish | 10-15 years (fancy varieties 5-10 years) | Ich, fin rot, dropsy, swim bladder disorder |
| Neon Tetra | 5-8 years | Neon tetra disease, ich, fin rot, columnaris |
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between goldfish and neon tetras, consider your tank size, water parameters, decor preferences, and the behavior of other fish in the aquarium. Goldfish do well in roomy ponds and tanks with strong filtration, while neon tetras thrive in planted tanks with schools of 6 or more.
Both make interesting and colorful additions to freshwater setups, but goldfish require more specialized care overall. Understand the key differences between these two fish, and you’ll be able to pick the variety that’s best for your aquarium.
