Many turtle owners love the idea of adding fish to their turtle’s tank. Vibrant fish can liven up the scenery and provide interactive companions for your shelled pet. However, not all fish make good tank mates for turtles.
Certain considerations must be made to choose fish that will thrive in a turtle habitat. In this guide, we’ll cover the best fish options for turtle tanks and tips for keeping fish and turtles together safely.
Key Considerations For Adding Fish to Turtle Tanks
While fish can successfully cohabitate with turtles, some important factors should be evaluated first:
Turtle Temperament – Is your turtle aggressive or known to attack tank decor and inhabitants? Shy, reclusive turtles are better candidates.
Turtle Size – Larger, full-grown turtles are riskier. Small juvenile turtles tend to leave fish alone.
Tank Size – Bigger is always better. A 100+ gallon aquarium provides ample room to avoid confrontation.
Tank Setup – Structured tanks with lots of hiding spots and sight breaks help fish feel secure and avoid the turtle.
Fish Choice – Select active, fast-moving schooling fish that won’t fit in a turtle’s mouth. Avoid long-finned species.
Redundancy – Have backup tank space in case fish need to be separated from the turtle for safety.
Provided these factors are addressed, certain fish can make outstanding turtle tank mates.
Best Fish Species For Turtle Tanks
The fish you select for a turtle habitat is critical. Only certain species have traits that allow them to cohabitate successfully with turtles. Here are top fish to consider:
Tetras
Small tetras make excellent turtle tank mates. Their miniscule size and speed allow them to navigate safely around turtles. Try:
- Neon Tetras
- Rummynose Tetras
- Ember Tetras
Avoid slow-moving long-fin species like angelicus tetras. Stick with streamlined, zippy varieties.
Danios
Danios are another prudent choice. Their continuous motion and schooling behavior let them evade interested turtles. Good options include:
- Zebra Danios
- Giant Danios
- Pearl Danios
A group of 6-8 fast danios has the best chance of outswimming turtle advances.
Barbs
Select barbs also possess traits that lend well to living with turtles, especially:
- Tiger Barbs
- Cherry Barbs
- Pentazona Barbs
Their small size and active nature make them difficult for a turtle to catch. Avoid calmer long-finned barbs.
Plecos
Armored catfish like plecos can cohabitate with turtles thanks to their protective plating and ability to latch onto surfaces using their suckermouth when needed. Consider:
- Bristlenose Plecos
- Clown Plecos
- Rubberlip Plecos
Focus on small-growing Ancistrus and Hypostomus species under 5 inches in length to minimize confrontation.
Cichlids
Some cichlids work well with turtles given their size, aggression and intelligence. African cichlids and Central American varieties like convicts and Jack Dempsey’s can stand their ground.
Goldfish
Fancy goldfish are susceptible, but faster single-tailed goldfish and comets may interact peacefully with smaller turtles. Their size and wariness helps protect them.
Bottom Feeders
Catfish, loaches and similar bottom dwellers round out safe options. They intuitively avoid the water’s surface where turtles cruise. Species like Corydoras catfish and kuhli loaches work well.
Now that we’ve covered suitable fish, let’s look at how to set up turtle tanks to foster fish success.
Creating a Turtle Habitat Fish Can Thrive In
While fish selection is key, tank setup and care practices also determine how well fish and turtles coexist:
Provide Ample Hiding Spots
This is arguably the most critical factor for fish safety and reducing stress. Ensure the tank has:
- Dense plants either live or planted silk offering visual barriers
- Rock caves, driftwood tunnels, and decor with openings only fish can access
- Floating plants that allow fish to hide near the surface away from turtles
Creating a complex environment with plentiful refuges is paramount.
Use Proper Filtration
Turtles are messy! A robust external canister filter rated for a tank 2-3 times larger will keep water clean. Avoid weak undergravel or hang-on back filters.
Powerful filtration removes turtle waste that fouls water and prevents disease outbreaks.
Perform Regular Water Changes
Partial water changes must be done 1-2 times weekly to dilute nitrates from turtle waste. Turtles have a huge bio-load.
Use a gravel vacuum to remove debris during water changes. Keep tank glass clean for easier turtle and fish observation.
Feed a Varied, Nutritious Diet
Turtles and fish have different nutritional needs. Feed a rotating diet of:
- Vegetable-based turtle pellets
- Fish flakes, pellets and freeze-dried foods
- Calcium-dusted insects, krill and shrimp for turtles
- Blanched vegetables for turtles
This ensures everyone gets nutrients they require. Avoid overfeeding which can crash water quality.
Use a Large Tank
Bigger is always better when housing fish with turtles! Aim for the largest tank possible – 100+ gallons is recommended.
Ample space disperses aggression and allows territories.ensions. Anything under 75 gallons can be problematic long-term.
Concluding Thoughts on Fish & Turtle Compatibility
When carefully planned, certain hardy fish species can coexist successfully with turtles. Just be sure to:
- Choose active, schooling fish that are faster than your turtle
- Create a structured habitat with ample fish hiding areas
- Maintain pristine water quality through filtration and water changes
- Feed a varied, vitamin-rich diet to meet nutritional needs
- Have a backup plan if fish need to be removed and rehomed
With wise fish selection, a well-designed tank, and proper care, fish and turtle communities can thrive! But be prepared to separate them if aggression arises.
