Fish And Turtles: Can They Share A Tank?

Fish and turtles can share a tank, but it requires careful planning and isn't easy. Turtles are often aggressive and see fish as food, so the tank must be large enough for both species, with proper filtration and separate areas for each to thrive. Fish that are faster, larger, or very tiny compared to turtles are the best tank mates. It's also important to ensure your turtle is well-fed so that it doesn't try to eat the fish.

Turtle species that eat fish

Most turtle species are omnivores and will eat fish. However, some turtles are carnivorous and only eat meat, while others are herbivores and stick to a vegetarian diet.

Turtles are known to be very fond of eating fish, and they will happily chase and catch them in a tank. Some turtles are more interested in chasing fish than others, and some may not bother if they are well-fed already.

If you want to keep fish and turtles in the same tank, it is important to choose the right species of turtle and fish. Some turtles that have shown less interest in chasing fish include the African Sideneck Turtle and the Yellow-Spotted River Turtle. The Red-Eared Slider, a popular pet, is a bad choice as it is an active fish hunter.

It is also important to note that some fish are dangerous for turtles to eat and should be avoided. These include fish with a lot of small, sharp bones that can damage a turtle's internal organs, and fish that contain high amounts of thiamine, which blocks the absorption of vitamin B1, which is essential for turtles.

• Choose fish that are very fast or very large, such as Guppies, Killifish, Koi, Pictus Catfish, Platies, Neon Tetra, and Suckermouth Catfish.
• Ensure your tank is big enough. As a general rule, for every inch of the turtle's shell, you will need 10 gallons of water, but if you add fish, this increases to 15 gallons per inch of shell.
• Provide hiding places for the fish where the turtles can't reach them.
• Feed your turtle regularly so it is less likely to eat the fish.
• Avoid keeping juvenile turtles with fish, as they eat more meat and are more likely to chase the fish.
• Choose fish with similar temperature preferences to the turtles, as turtles can't regulate their body temperature.

Turtle Species That Don't Eat Fish

If you want to keep fish and turtles together and avoid the above challenges, you could consider keeping an herbivore turtle species that won't show any interest in eating fish. The Yellow-Spotted River Turtle is one such species, but it tends to grow quite large and may not be suitable for a standard-sized tank.

Turtle species that don't eat fish

Keeping fish and turtles in the same tank can be tricky, as turtles are known to eat fish. However, with the right turtle species, a large enough tank, and proper care, it is possible.

When it comes to turtle species that don't eat fish, your options are limited as most turtle species are omnivores and enjoy eating fish. Here are some species that may be less likely to eat fish:

• African Sideneck Turtle: This species has shown less interest in chasing fish, according to some sources. However, keep in mind that individual turtles may vary in their behaviour.
• Texas River Cooter (Pseudemys texana): This species is herbivorous and does not eat fish.
• Yellow-Spotted River Turtle: This species is herbivorous. However, they can reach large sizes and may not be suitable for everyone.
• Mud Turtle or Musk Turtle: These species are omnivores but may be less interested in chasing fish.

It's important to note that even with these species, there is always a risk that they may eat fish, especially if they are not properly fed or if the fish are small and slow-moving. It's also crucial to provide a tank with enough space and hiding spots for the fish to escape the turtle's reach.

Additionally, when introducing fish to a turtle tank, it's important to do so gradually and ensure that the turtle is well-fed beforehand. It's also recommended to choose fish that are fast swimmers and less aggressive, such as tetras or danios. Avoid fish with short fins, as turtles tend to be attracted to longer fins.

Remember that the safety and well-being of both the turtles and the fish should always be the top priority.

Fish that are dangerous for turtles

It is possible to keep turtles and fish in the same tank, but it can be challenging. Turtles are carnivorous, omnivorous, or herbivorous. Most turtle species are omnivorous and will eat fish, but some species are less interested in chasing fish. The African Sideneck Turtle, for example, is less likely to chase fish than the popular Red Eared Sliders.

If you want to keep fish with your turtle, it is important to choose fish species that are fast and agile enough to escape the turtle and provide them with hiding spots. Some fish species that can live with turtles include:

• Neon tetra
• Pictus Catfish
• Guppies
• Killifish
• Platies
• Koi fish
• Suckermouth Catfish

However, there are also fish species that are dangerous for turtles and should be avoided. These include fish with small, sharp bones that can damage the internal organs of turtles when swallowed. Additionally, some fish contain high amounts of thiamine, an enzyme that blocks the absorption of vitamin B1, which is essential for turtles. Wild-caught fish should also be avoided, as they can carry diseases that your pet turtle has no immunity to.

Fish that can live with turtles

Keeping fish and turtles in the same tank can be tricky as turtles are carnivorous and enjoy eating fish. However, it is possible under the right circumstances.

Firstly, it is important to ensure that your turtle is well-fed so that it is not inclined to eat the fish. You should also avoid putting fish in the same tank as juvenile turtles as they eat more meat and have more energy to chase the fish.

Secondly, the fish you choose should be fast and agile enough to outswim the turtle. Some good options include:

• Neon tetra: These fish are small, growing to around 1.5 inches, but they are very fast and are best kept in schools of at least four.
• Pictus catfish: This type of catfish has whiskers that act as sensors, alerting them to any potential danger. They are also fast swimmers and usually don't grow bigger than five inches, making them a good size to keep turtles disinterested in eating them.
• Guppies: Guppies are another small species, typically growing no bigger than two inches, making them ideal for hiding in small spots. They are also very fast.
• Killifish: These small fish, growing between one and two inches, are extremely fast and can fit into small spots, making them difficult for turtles to catch. They are also useful for controlling algae in the tank.
• Platies: Platies are extremely fast and usually don't grow to more than 2.5 inches, making them ideal for hiding.
• Koi fish: Koi fish can reach impressive sizes, making them perfect companions for turtles. They are very agile and can grow to between 22 and 26 inches, so they require a large tank or pond.
• Suckermouth catfish: This type of catfish can grow up to 20 inches, which will deter turtles from attacking. They also have whiskers that sense danger and can move very quickly when needed.
• Goldfish: Goldfish can be a good snack for turtles, but if they grow big enough, they can also become tank mates.
• Rosy red minnows: These are more nutritious than goldfish and are less likely to be eaten by turtles due to their speed.
• Clown loaches: These fish have been known to coexist with turtles for years without any issues.
• Bluegill: Bluegill fish can teach turtles to beg for food.
• Armored plecos: These are great tank mates for turtles, but you will need a larger tank (50+ gallons) to accommodate them.
• Ghost shrimp: These are a good option as they eat algae and food scraps off the bottom of the tank. However, they may also be eaten by turtles, so it's a gamble.
• Snails: Omnivorous snails, such as mystery snails or apple snails, can help clean your tank and eat leftovers from your turtle's meals.

In addition to choosing the right fish species, it is crucial to have a large tank with ample hiding spots for the fish. A general rule is to provide 15 gallons of water per inch of the turtle's shell. This will give the fish enough space to escape the turtle and provide separate areas for the two species.

Tips for keeping turtles and fish together

Keeping turtles and fish together in a tank requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some tips to help you create a harmonious environment for both:

Choose the right turtle and fish species:

Select a turtle species that is less likely to see fish as prey. Some turtle species such as the African Sideneck Turtle are less interested in chasing fish. Avoid keeping fish-eating turtles like Red-Eared Sliders, which are known to be active fish hunters.

When choosing fish, opt for species that are too large to fit in the turtle's mouth and are energetic. Fish like Plecos, giant gourami, and cichlids are good options. Avoid small fish like guppies and goldfish, which can be tempting targets for turtles.

Provide a spacious tank with hiding places:

Ensure your tank is large enough to accommodate both the turtle and the fish, with separate areas for each to thrive. A good rule of thumb is to provide 15 gallons of water per inch of the turtle's shell. Include hiding places and visual barriers in the tank to provide sanctuary for the fish and help prevent conflict.

Maintain proper filtration and water quality:

Turtles produce a lot of waste, so it's crucial to have a powerful filtration system to maintain good water quality. Consider using a canister filter and aerate the water using an air stone and air pump. Regular water changes are also essential to keep the water clean and healthy for both turtles and fish.

Feed your turtle well:

A well-fed turtle is less likely to view fish as potential prey. Ensure you are providing your turtle with a balanced diet of meat and vegetables. Avoid using feeder fish, as this can encourage them to attack other fish in the tank.

Introduce fish gradually:

When adding fish to the tank, do it gradually and feed the turtle beforehand to reduce aggression. Monitor the interactions between the fish and the turtle, and separate them if necessary. It's also recommended to introduce fish to mature turtles, as they are more likely to eat vegetables and less likely to see fish as food.

Consider the temperature and habitat preferences:

Turtles and fish have different temperature and habitat preferences, which can be challenging to accommodate in one tank. Turtles require a basking area and warmer water temperatures, while fish may prefer cooler conditions. Consider using an aquarium heater to maintain suitable water temperatures for both species.

Keeping turtles and fish together requires dedication and a good understanding of their needs. By following these tips and closely monitoring the tank environment, you can create a peaceful and healthy habitat for your aquatic pets.

Frequently asked questions