Koi carp compatibility
Every pairing AquariumHQ has assessed for Koi carp, derived from stored behavioural and environmental traits. Each verdict links to the reasoning behind it — including where the evidence runs out.
The species record is on the Koi carp page. Any pairing not listed here can be assessed on demand with the compatibility checker.
What decides this species' pairings
Counted across every assessment above — the dimensions that actually raise concerns for this animal, rather than the ones a care sheet would list.
| Dimension | Pairings raising it | Share |
|---|---|---|
| temperature | 87 | 97% |
| predation | 71 | 79% |
| ph | 40 | 44% |
| territory | 33 | 37% |
| breeding aggression | 27 | 30% |
| flow | 7 | 8% |
Environmental compromise
Whether a shared temperature, pH and hardness band exists is a necessary condition, not evidence that it suits both animals. This counts how good the overlap actually is.
| Overlap quality | Pairings |
|---|---|
| One animal at the edge of its range | 36 |
| Forced compromise — neither animal is where it wants to be | 35 |
| Workable | 15 |
| No overlap at all | 3 |
| Comfortable for both | 1 |
Every assessed pairing
Grouped by verdict, worst first.
Incompatible (70)
Should not be attempted. At least one factor is expected to cause harm.
- with Amano shrimp2 concerns
- with American flagfish5 concerns
- with Angelfish5 concerns
- with Black ruby barb3 concerns
- with Bleeding heart tetra4 concerns
- with Bloodfin tetra2 concerns
- with Blue acara4 concerns
- with Bolivian ram3 concerns
- with Bristlenose pleco3 concerns
- with Bronze corydoras2 concerns
- with Cardinal tetra4 concerns
- with Celestial pearl danio2 concerns
- with Cherry barb3 concerns
- with Cherry shrimp2 concerns
- with Chili rasbora5 concerns
- with Convict cichlid4 concerns
- with Discus5 concerns
- with Doctor fish4 concerns
- with Dwarf gourami5 concerns
- with Eastern rainbowfish2 concerns
- with Electric blue hap4 concerns
- with Electric yellow cichlid5 concerns
- with Ember tetra4 concerns
- with Firehead tetra4 concerns
- with Firemouth cichlid4 concerns
- with Flavescent peacock4 concerns
- with German blue ram4 concerns
- with Ghost shrimp2 concerns
- with Golden wonder killifish3 concerns
- with Guppy2 concerns
- with Harlequin rasbora3 concerns
- with Honey gourami4 concerns
- with Indian glassfish2 concerns
- with Jack Dempsey4 concerns
- with Jewel cichlid4 concerns
- with Kribensis4 concerns
- with Kuhli loach3 concerns
- with Molly2 concerns
- with Moonlight gourami6 concerns
- with Neon tetra3 concerns
- with Otocinclus3 concerns
- with Panda corydoras3 concerns
- with Pea puffer3 concerns
- with Peacock gudgeon4 concerns
- with Pearl gourami4 concerns
- with Peppered corydoras2 concerns
- with Pictus catfish2 concerns
- with Platy2 concerns
- with Pygmy corydoras3 concerns
- with Rainbow shark3 concerns
- with Red zebra cichlid4 concerns
- with Red-eye tetra2 concerns
- with Red-tailed black shark3 concerns
- with Redtail catfish5 concerns
- with Rope fish3 concerns
- with Rummy-nose tetra4 concerns
- with Sailfin molly2 concerns
- with Scissortail rasbora3 concerns
- with Serpae tetra3 concerns
- with Siamese algae eater3 concerns
- with Siamese fighting fish6 concerns
- with Silver arowana5 concerns
- with Silver dollar3 concerns
- with Skunk loach4 concerns
- with Swordtail2 concerns
- with Tiger barb3 concerns
- with Upside-down catfish2 concerns
- with White Cloud Mountain minnow1 concern
- with Yoyo loach2 concerns
- with Zebra danio2 concerns
Poor match (13)
Workable only in unusual circumstances. Not a pairing to plan around.
- with Bala shark2 concerns
- with Black ghost knifefish4 concerns
- with Bladder snail1 concern
- with Clown knifefish4 concerns
- with Clown loach2 concerns
- with Frontosa3 concerns
- with Gold nugget pleco4 concerns
- with Green terror4 concerns
- with Iridescent shark3 concerns
- with Mystery snail2 concerns
- with Nerite snail2 concerns
- with Senegal bichir2 concerns
- with Severum5 concerns
Conditional (5)
Can work, but only if the stated conditions are met.
Generally compatible (1)
Usually works. Minor points to watch are listed below.
Verdict distribution
| Verdict | Pairings | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Incompatible | 70 | Should not be attempted. At least one factor is expected to cause harm. |
| Poor match | 13 | Workable only in unusual circumstances. Not a pairing to plan around. |
| Conditional | 5 | Can work, but only if the stated conditions are met. |
| Compatible | 1 | Requirements align and no behavioural conflict is expected. |
| Generally compatible | 1 | Usually works. Minor points to watch are listed below. |