What Fish Can Live With Red Eared Slider Turtles?
Red-eared slider turtles are an incredibly popular pet choice. Many aquarium enthusiasts are interested in creating a community tank with these turtles. When selecting a tank mate for red-eared slider turtles, it is important to consider the compatibility of the fish species.
Red-eared slider turtles can live with some fish. They can grow in a tank with peaceful fish like guppies, danios, tetras, cichlids, and Tiger barbs. These fish are all peaceful species that can live in the same environment as the turtles.
There are also many fishes you can keep with your turtle. But some factors you need to take into consideration before choosing tank mates for your pet turtle.
Top 5 Fishes to Put With Red-Eared Slider Turtles?
Five types of fish that can be successfully kept with red-eared slider turtles: tetras, danios, live-bearers, cichlids, and tiger barbs. Let’s learn some things about these fishes.
Tetras
Tetras are small, colorful fish that are popular in the aquarium hobby. They are hardy, easy to care for, and can be kept with red-eared slider turtles without any issues. Some popular tetra species that can be kept with red-eared sliders include neon tetras, cardinal tetras, and black tetras.
| Fish Name | Size | Water pH | Temperature | Description |
| Neon tetras | 1.5 – 2 cm | 6.5 – 7.5 | 22 – 26°C | Peaceful, small, brightly colored fish that are known for their neon blue and red stripes. |
| Cardinal tetras | 3 – 4 cm | 6.5 – 7.5 | 22 – 26°C | Peaceful, with a bright red coloration on their bodies and transparent fins. |
| Black tetras | 3 – 4 cm | 6.5 – 7.5 | 22 – 26°C | Dark-colored fish that have a metallic sheen. |
Danios
Danios are another type of small, hardy fish that can be kept with red-eared slider turtles. They are active and energetic, and can add a lot of movement to the tank. Some popular danio species that can be kept with red-eared sliders include zebra danios, leopard danios, and giant danios.
| Fish Name | Size | Water pH | Temperature | Description |
| Zebra danios | 4 – 5 cm | 6.5 – 7.5 | 22 – 26°C | Small, hardy, active, and peaceful fish that are known for their distinctive zebra-like stripes. |
| Leopard danios | 5 – 6 cm | 6.5 – 7.5 | 22 – 26°C | Have a leopard-like pattern on their bodies. |
| Giant danios | 7 – 8 cm | 6.5 – 7.5 | 22 – 26°C | Larger than zebra and leopard danios. |
Live-Bearers
Live-bearers are a group of fish that give birth to live young, rather than laying eggs. They are hardy and easy to care for, and can be kept with red-eared slider turtles without any issues. Some popular live-bearer species that can be kept with red-eared sliders include guppies, mollies, and platies.
| Fish Name | Size | Water pH | Temperature | Description |
| Guppies | 2 – 3 cm | 7.0 – 8.0 | 22 – 28°C | Small, brightly colored fish that are known for their long fins. They come in various color patterns and are easy to breed. |
| Mollies | 4 – 6 cm | 7.0 – 8.0 | 22 – 28°C | Come in a range of colors such as black, silver, gold, and even a sailfin variety. |
| Platies | 4 – 6 cm | 7.0 – 8.0 | 22 – 28°C | Similar in size and appearance to mollies, and also come in a variety of colors. |
Cichlids
Cichlids are a diverse group of fish that come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Some popular cichlid species that can be kept with red-eared sliders include:
| Species | Size | Water pH | Temperature | Description |
| Electric Blue Acara | 4-6 inches | 7.8-8.5 | 22-28°C | Bright blue color with red eyes. Active and hardy. |
| Jack Dempsey | 6-10 inches | 7.8-8.5 | 22-28°C | Brown and gray with dark spots. Aggressive but compatible with similar-sized tank mates. |
| Firemouth Cichlid | 6-8 inches | 7.8-8.5 | 22-28°C | Bright orange and red with blue spots. Peaceful and easy to care for. |
Cichlids are known for their bright colors and active personalities. They are also relatively hardy, which makes them a good choice for beginners. Keep in mind that some cichlids can be aggressive, so it’s important to research the specific species you’re considering before adding it to your tank.
Tiger Barbs
Tiger barbs are another popular aquarium fish that can be kept with red-eared sliders. These fish are known for their distinctive black and orange stripes, which give them their name. Some popular tiger barb species include:
| Species | Size | Water pH | Temperature | Description |
| Green Tiger Barb | 2-3 inches | 6.0–8.0 | 25 – 27.8 °C | Green with black stripes. Active and hardy. |
| Golden Tiger Barb | 2-3 inches | 6.0–8.0 | 25 – 27.8 °C | Gold with black stripes. Peaceful and easy to care for. |
| Albino Tiger Barb | 2-3 inches | 6.0–8.0 | 25 – 27.8 °C | White with pink stripes. Peaceful and easy to care for. |
Tiger barbs are active and hardy fish that are well-suited for life in a community tank. They are relatively peaceful but can be nippy towards other fish with long fins, so provide plenty of hiding spots for your tank mates.
What Are Some Other Fish to Put With Red-Eared Slider Turtles?
Now that you have some fish options to keep with your turtle, there are also other fish you can consider as your turtle tank mate.
Cory Catfish—Corydoras eryngii
These dwarf catfish are small enough to fit in a turtle tank, and they are known to be peaceful with red-eared sliders. They tend to swim at the bottom of the tank, so they can help keep the tank clean.
Gourami—Trichogaster Siamensis
Fishes of this species are typically peaceful and stay on the bottom of the tank. They won’t compete for food with the turtle and can help keep the tank clean. They are also known to be good with red-eared sliders.
Dwarf Cichlid—Aequidens Zalensi
They are known to be peaceful and do well with red eared sliders. They are also great at keeping the tank clean by eating any leftovers that fall to the bottom of the tank.
Dwarf Gourami—Trichogaster Siamensis
These fishes are typically peaceful and stay on the bottom of the tank. They won’t compete for food with the turtle and can help keep the tank clean. They are also known to be good with red-eared sliders.
What are Some Benefits of Keeping Fish With Red Eared Slider Turtles?
Keeping fish with red-eared slider turtles can provide a number of benefits. Let’s explore some of them.
Increased oxygen levels
Fish require oxygen to survive, and they consume oxygen from the water through their gills. Keeping fish with red-eared slider turtles can help to increase the oxygen levels in the tank, which is beneficial for both the fish and the turtles. This is especially important if you have a large tank or a high population of fish and turtles.
Aesthetics
Keeping fish with red-eared slider turtles can also add to the aesthetic appeal of the tank. Fish come in a wide variety of colors and sizes and can add much visual interest to the tank. This can make the tank more enjoyable to watch and can also help to create a more natural-looking environment for the turtle.
Scavenging Activity
Fishes of various species have been known to exhibit scavenging activity which can have a positive benefit on the Red Eared Turtle. These scavenging activities can range from the consumption of dead organisms to the removal of algal material and detritus.
This activity can help to reduce the amount of sedimentation in the water, which can have a positive effect on the health of the turtle.
Things to Consider While Keeping Fishes With Red-Eared Slider Turtle?
With proper research and care, a red-eared slider turtle and compatible fish can thrive in the same tank. Before keeping fish with your turtles, you should consider some facts. They include:
Compatibility
The first thing to consider when keeping fish with red-eared slider turtles is compatibility. Not all types of fish are suitable tank mates for red-eared sliders. Fish that are small and peaceful in nature and can withstand similar water conditions as red-eared slider turtles, such as tetras, danios, live-bearers, cichlids, and tiger barbs, are the most compatible with red-eared sliders.
Size of the tank
These turtles can grow quite large and require a lot of space to swim and move around. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the tank is large enough to accommodate both the turtle and the fish. The tank should be at least 75 gallons for a single adult red-eared slider turtle.
Water Quality
Water quality is also an important factor to consider when keeping fish with slider turtles. Fish produce waste, which can contribute to the build-up of harmful toxins in the tank. Ensure that the tank is equipped with a filtration system to remove these toxins and maintain a healthy environment for both the fish and the turtle.
Food
Fish should be fed with proper food, and the turtle should not be overfed, as overfeeding can lead to health issues for both the fish and the turtle.
Turtle Feeding on Fishes
The Red-eared slider turtle is an omnivorous aquatic turtle. So, there is a risk of the turtle preying on its fish tank mates. They are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat any food source they can find.
Therefore, they may attempt to feed on other fish in the tank. This is why it is important to monitor the tank to ensure that the turtle is not eating any of its tank mates. Also, keep fishes that are fast breeders, as there is a high possibility that your slider will feed on them.
Can Red-Eared Slider Turtles Live with Fish in the Same Tank?
If you’re considering adding fish to the same tank as your red-eared slider turtle, it’s crucial to ensure their safety. While some fish species may coexist peacefully, others may pose threats or stress to your turtle. Research compatible fish breeds and carefully introduce them to the tank to save your red-eared slider turtle from any potential harm.
Conclusion
Several types of fish can be successfully kept with red-eared slider turtles. Research the specific fish species and their requirements, such as water pH, temperature, and hardness, to ensure that the fish and turtle can live comfortably in the same tank.
Moreover, consider the size of the tank, as well as the size of the turtle and fish, to ensure that there is enough space for both to live.
With proper research and care, keeping fish with slider turtles can provide a visually pleasing and enriching environment for both the fish and the turtle.
