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Freshwater Fish Compatibility Chart and Guide

Compatibility is more than whether two species fight. Adult size, temperature, water chemistry, group size, activity, territory, and aquarium footprint all matter.

Freshwater fish compatibility chart from Fins For Grins rating 31 fish groups against each other as compatible, use caution or not compatible
Open the chart to view it at full size.

Use a compatibility chart as a first filter.

A chart never replaces species-level research. Two fish described as peaceful still might need different temperatures, different water chemistry, or a larger aquarium than the available space supports.

Check these six points before adding fish

  1. Adult size and aquarium footprint. Plan for the size a fish will reach, not the size in the store tank, and for how much swimming room it needs.
  2. Temperature range. Fish that want cooler water and fish that want tropical water do not share a tank well for long.
  3. Water chemistry. Hardness and pH preferences differ between species, and a community should overlap on both.
  4. Temperament and territorial behavior. Peaceful, semi-aggressive, territorial, and predatory fish need different tankmates.
  5. Required group size. Many schooling and social species are stressed in groups that are too small.
  6. Feeding and activity level. Fast, boisterous feeders can crowd out slow or shy fish at feeding time.

If you are unsure, bring your full livestock list and aquarium details to the store.

Ask our team Return to Freshwater Fish

Keep planning your stocking

See this week's new arrivals, read about choosing the right tank size and stocking a 10-gallon tank, or browse the learning library and our store FAQ.

Compatibility by fish group

This is the chart above as text: 31 broad fish groups, each rated against every other group. It is a general guide, and temperament shifts with size, sex, territory, and tank layout, so use it as a starting point and ask us about the specific fish you are considering.

Compatible (Y) · Use caution (C) · Not compatible (N)

Malawian Cichlids

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Plecos.
  • Use caution with: Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Barbs, Cory Cats, Larger Catfish, Loaches, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates, Freshwater Plants.
  • Not compatible with: Angelfish, Bettas, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Fancy Goldfish, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Mollies, Platies, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Swordtails, Tetras, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Malawian Cichlids →

Tanganyikan Cichlids

Kept with others from this same group: Use caution.

  • Compatible with: Plecos.
  • Use caution with: Malawian Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Barbs, Cory Cats, Larger Catfish, Loaches, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates, Freshwater Plants.
  • Not compatible with: Angelfish, Bettas, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Fancy Goldfish, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Mollies, Platies, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Swordtails, Tetras, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Tanganyikan Cichlids →

Misc. African Cichlids

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Plecos.
  • Use caution with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Barbs, Cory Cats, Larger Catfish, Loaches, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates, Freshwater Plants.
  • Not compatible with: Angelfish, Bettas, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Fancy Goldfish, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Mollies, Platies, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Swordtails, Tetras, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Misc. African Cichlids →

New World Cichlids

Kept with others from this same group: Use caution.

  • Compatible with: Plecos.
  • Use caution with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, Angelfish, Barbs, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Gouramis, Hatchets, Killifish, Larger Catfish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Tetras, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates, Brackish Fish, Freshwater Plants.
  • Not compatible with: Bettas, Fancy Goldfish, Guppies, Pond Fish.

Learn about New World Cichlids →

Angelfish

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Swordtails, Tetras, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: New World Cichlids, Barbs, Bettas, Discus, Larger Catfish, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, Fancy Goldfish, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Angelfish →

Barbs

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Gouramis, Loaches, Mollies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Tetras, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Angelfish, Discus, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Larger Catfish, Platies, Swordtails, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates, Brackish Fish.
  • Not compatible with: Bettas, Fancy Goldfish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Barbs →

Bettas

Kept with others from this same group: Use caution.

  • Compatible with: Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Guppies, Hatchets, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rasboras, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Tetras, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: Angelfish, Discus, Gouramis, Killifish, Larger Catfish, Rainbowfish, Sharks, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Barbs, Fancy Goldfish, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Bettas →

Cory Cats

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Fancy Goldfish, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Tetras, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Larger Catfish, Sharks, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates.
  • Not compatible with: Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Cory Cats →

Danios / Minnows

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Cory Cats, Discus, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Tetras, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: New World Cichlids, Larger Catfish, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates, Brackish Fish.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, Fancy Goldfish, Pond Fish.

Discus

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Swordtails, Tetras, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: New World Cichlids, Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Gouramis, Larger Catfish, Plecos, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, Fancy Goldfish, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Discus →

Fancy Goldfish

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Cory Cats, Plecos, Suckermouth Catfish, Pond Fish.
  • Use caution with: Loaches, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates, Freshwater Plants.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Larger Catfish, Mollies, Platies, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Sharks, Swordtails, Tetras, Brackish Fish.

Learn about Fancy Goldfish →

Gouramis

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Angelfish, Barbs, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: New World Cichlids, Bettas, Discus, Larger Catfish, Tetras, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, Fancy Goldfish, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Gouramis →

Guppies

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Angelfish, Bettas, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Gouramis, Hatchets, Killifish, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Swordtails, Tetras, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: Barbs, Larger Catfish, Loaches, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Fancy Goldfish, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Guppies →

Hatchets

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Angelfish, Bettas, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Gouramis, Guppies, Killifish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rasboras, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Tetras, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: New World Cichlids, Barbs, Larger Catfish, Rainbowfish, Sharks, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, Fancy Goldfish, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Killifish

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Angelfish, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Tetras, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: New World Cichlids, Barbs, Bettas, Larger Catfish, Loaches, Sharks, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, Fancy Goldfish, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Larger Catfish

Kept with others from this same group: Use caution.

  • Use caution with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates, Brackish Fish, Freshwater Plants.
  • Not compatible with: Fancy Goldfish, Tetras, Pond Fish.

Learn about Larger Catfish →

Loaches

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Gouramis, Hatchets, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Tetras, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Fancy Goldfish, Guppies, Killifish, Larger Catfish, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates, Brackish Fish.
  • Not compatible with: Pond Fish.

Learn about Loaches →

Mollies

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Platies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Swordtails, Tetras, Brackish Fish, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: New World Cichlids, Larger Catfish, Loaches, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, Fancy Goldfish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Mollies →

Platies

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Angelfish, Bettas, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Mollies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Swordtails, Tetras, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: New World Cichlids, Barbs, Larger Catfish, Loaches, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, Fancy Goldfish, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Platies →

Plecos

Kept with others from this same group: Use caution.

  • Compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Fancy Goldfish, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Tetras.
  • Use caution with: Discus, Larger Catfish, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates, Brackish Fish, Freshwater Plants.
  • Not compatible with: Pond Fish.

Learn about Plecos →

Rainbowfish

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Angelfish, Barbs, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Gouramis, Guppies, Killifish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rasboras, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Tetras, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: New World Cichlids, Bettas, Hatchets, Larger Catfish, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates, Brackish Fish.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, Fancy Goldfish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Rainbowfish →

Rasboras

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Tetras, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: New World Cichlids, Larger Catfish, Sharks, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, Fancy Goldfish, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Rasboras →

Sharks

Kept with others from this same group: Use caution.

  • Compatible with: Barbs, Danios / Minnows, Gouramis, Loaches, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Angelfish, Bettas, Cory Cats, Discus, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Larger Catfish, Mollies, Platies, Rasboras, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Tetras, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates, Brackish Fish.
  • Not compatible with: Fancy Goldfish, Pond Fish.

Suckermouth Catfish

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Barbs, Bettas, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Fancy Goldfish, Gouramis, Hatchets, Killifish, Loaches, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Tetras.
  • Use caution with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Angelfish, Discus, Guppies, Larger Catfish, Mollies, Platies, Sharks, Swordtails, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates, Brackish Fish, Freshwater Plants.
  • Not compatible with: Pond Fish.

Learn about Suckermouth Catfish →

Swordtails

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Angelfish, Bettas, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Tetras, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: New World Cichlids, Barbs, Larger Catfish, Loaches, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, Fancy Goldfish, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Swordtails →

Tetras

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: New World Cichlids, Gouramis, Sharks, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, Fancy Goldfish, Larger Catfish, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Tetras →

Misc. Fish

Kept with others from this same group: Use caution.

  • Use caution with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Fancy Goldfish, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Larger Catfish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Tetras, Invertebrates, Brackish Fish, Freshwater Plants.
  • Not compatible with: Pond Fish.

Learn about Misc. Fish →

Invertebrates

Kept with others from this same group: Use caution.

  • Compatible with: Freshwater Plants.
  • Use caution with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Fancy Goldfish, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Larger Catfish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Tetras, Misc. Fish, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Learn about Invertebrates →

Brackish Fish

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Mollies.
  • Use caution with: New World Cichlids, Barbs, Danios / Minnows, Larger Catfish, Loaches, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Misc. Fish, Invertebrates, Freshwater Plants.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, Angelfish, Bettas, Cory Cats, Discus, Fancy Goldfish, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Platies, Rasboras, Swordtails, Tetras, Pond Fish.

Pond Fish

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Fancy Goldfish.
  • Use caution with: Invertebrates, Freshwater Plants.
  • Not compatible with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Larger Catfish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Plecos, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Sharks, Suckermouth Catfish, Swordtails, Tetras, Misc. Fish, Brackish Fish.

Freshwater Plants

Kept with others from this same group: Compatible.

  • Compatible with: Angelfish, Barbs, Bettas, Cory Cats, Danios / Minnows, Discus, Gouramis, Guppies, Hatchets, Killifish, Loaches, Mollies, Platies, Rainbowfish, Rasboras, Sharks, Swordtails, Tetras, Invertebrates.
  • Use caution with: Malawian Cichlids, Tanganyikan Cichlids, Misc. African Cichlids, New World Cichlids, Fancy Goldfish, Larger Catfish, Plecos, Suckermouth Catfish, Misc. Fish, Brackish Fish, Pond Fish.

Shop aquarium plants →