red eared slider/gold fish question

[regis]

does anyone know if you could put a couple large pond goldfish in with a RES.
(the gold fish would be the same size or bigger than the turtle) or would the RES still try eating the large fish? or could the larger fish stress the turtle maybe?

thanks

 

[ColdwaterCreekGuide]

I've never kept RES but my Eastern River Cooter lives peacefully with 5 large goldfish, and all I have to do to keep her away from them is provide lots of fresh aquatic vegetation for her to chomp on. I would imagine that if the turtle was fed smaller feeders and pellets on a regular basis, it would stay away from them.. Just my opinion though I could be wrong about RES.

 

[sncboom]

I had a RES take down an Oscar of the same size. Live and learn.

 

[Vicious_Fish]

Regis, what are you keeping the turtle and fish in? I don't see any issues with a pond, but a tank is another story.

 

[regis]

thanks coldwatercreekguide, that's what i thought too. vicious_fish, i'm building an indoor pond for my res pretty soon, i just have a 30 gallon right now, but the turtle is only about 3.5 inches in length, hope to start the pond in a few months, by the way "If guns kill people, where are all mine hiding the bodies?"that is hysterical.
sncboom, weren't you afraid the oscars would attack the res, i don't know much about fish but i know oscars are mean, one of my friends had one, it used to slam into the side of the aquarium when you stuck your face near it

 

[deR]

Oscars mean? what the? you sure it was an oscar, they are not mean at all they are fairly docile. But yea RES are known to take bites at fish, so i would be careful same size or not that RES is going to try and eat those goldies.

 

[regis]

i'm fairly sure it was an oscar but it was years ago, it seemed pretty mean, it would also try to swallow your fingers if you put them in the water,

 

[ColdwaterCreekGuide]

I would suggest a trial period, being sure to watch them closely for as long as possible. Every animal is different, and if the RES turns out to be aggressive or attacks the fish, there are several cool DIY turtle enclosures that are relatively inexpensive.. Just google "DIY turtle" I hope this helps, and good luck!

 

[Vicious_Fish]

thanks coldwatercreekguide, that's what i thought too. vicious_fish, i'm building an indoor pond for my res pretty soon, i just have a 30 gallon right now, but the turtle is only about 3.5 inches in length, hope to start the pond in a few months, by the way "If guns kill people, where are all mine hiding the bodies?"that is hysterical.
sncboom, weren't you afraid the oscars would attack the res, i don't know much about fish but i know oscars are mean, one of my friends had one, it used to slam into the side of the aquarium when you stuck your face near it

I think you'll be fine with fish and turtles together in an indoor pond. That's the way to go. It's when you deal with smaller enclosures like a fish tank is where you have the problems usually. A turtle can corner a fish and kill or injure it much easier then in a pond. Goldfish aren't known for their intelligence but I have found that Convict Cichlids are smart enough to stay away from the business end of a turtle. They also make great clean up fish for messy turtles.

Thanks for the quote comment!