Can kuhli loaches and fancy goldfish live together?

No

Kuhli loaches and fancy goldfish should not share a tank.

Kuhli loach Fancy goldfish

Why

  • Kuhli loaches need at least 75°F (24°C), but fancy goldfish should stay at or below 72°F (22°C). No temperature suits both.
  • Their pH ranges only meet at 7.0, which leaves no margin.
  • Goldfish are slow, messy, cold-water fish. They do best in a tank with other goldfish.

What each one needs

Kuhli loachFancy goldfishBoth
Temperature75–86°F (24–30°C)65–72°F (18–22°C)No overlap
pH5.5–7.07.0–8.07.0–7.0
Minimum tank20 gal (76 L)20 gal (76 L)20 gal (76 L)
Keep at least51
Adult size4 in (10.2 cm)7 in (17.8 cm)

Better tank mates for kuhli loaches

Better tank mates for fancy goldfish