This article will teach you all of the essential things to know before owning a Goldfish and provide advice on what you need to do when your fish is sick. Goldfish can make excellent pets, but it is important to be prepared for the responsibility of caring for one!
Goldfish Species Overview
| Common Name: | Goldfish |
| Scientific Name: | Carassius auratus |
| Family: | Cyprinidae |
| Origin: | Asia, Europe, and Northern Africa. Introduced to America, Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia |
| Goldfish Size: | 5 inches / 12 cm (Smallest), up to 18 inches/ 46 cm (Largest) |
| Average Lifespan: | 10-20 years [Wild], 25 years [Captivity] |
| Temperament: | They are generally tolerant of other fish and can be kept with them in a community tank. However, they will sometimes fin nip and behave aggressively toward each other, and therefore need to be kept one to a tank. |
| Diet: | Omnivore, but prefers protein-based foods |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 15 gallons / 57.0 liters |
| Category: | Coldwater |
| Reef Compatible: | No |
| Aggressiveness: | Semi-aggressive |
| Lighting Needs: | Moderate |
| Water Movement: | Weak |
| Care Level: | Moderate |
| Breeding: | Hard (exact ratio of male and female goldfish not known). Egg scatterers that prefer cold water; will lay eggs at a temperature of 50° F / 10° C . Eggs will hatch after 24 hours. |
| Growth Rate: | Fast |
| Additional Information: | Excellent scavengers that quickly become a part of the aquarium community. |
Common Goldfish Behavior
Goldfish are a very popular and common pet. They can be quite hardy and easy to care for, despite what some people may say about them! Goldfish are usually social but can show aggression if there is not enough space.
This is not often the case, though. Goldfish can also get bored very quickly, leading to excessive scratching on decorations and walls in the tank. Make sure you provide your fish with plenty of space to swim.
Goldfish are typically not nocturnal, so that they will be active during the day with bursts of energy throughout the day.
They love bright tanks because their water parameters are usually on the harder side. Unfortunately, Goldfish can also jump, but some measures can help prevent this.
Common Goldfish Lifespan
Common Goldfish can live up to 25 years in captivity, though their lifespan in the wild is much shorter. Common Goldfish can live to about 15-20 years in a well-cared-for tank. This is reduced when they are added to outdoor ponds because of the colder climate.
Common Goldfish Appearance
The Common Goldfish can be white, orange, yellow, blue, red/brown, or any combination of those colors. They have a single tail and a protruding belly. Their appearance has been altered over the years by people breeding them because of their coloration.
Common Goldfish Habitat And Tank Requirements
Common Goldfish can be kept in aquariums or outdoor ponds, but make sure there is enough space for them to swim and grow. A filter and air pump/bubbler should be installed for clean water; temperature requirements differ depending on which variety of Goldfish you get (Common Goldfish prefer warmer waters around 70-80°F). Furthermore, goldfish tend to make a mess so make sure their tank gets regularly cleaned out.
Common Goldfish Tank Requirements
Common Goldfish are cold-water fish and should not be kept below 50-60°F in their tank. They prefer ponds with abundant oxygen, though they can survive in most types of water except stagnant ones.
Make sure their tank is filtered with an air pump/bubbler to help keep the water clean.
Common Goldfish have the tendency to jump, so make sure their tank is covered so they cannot escape.
Tank decorations such as plants and other decorations must be durable enough to withstand goldfish, since they can be quite destructive! Make sure your filter is strong enough to handle all of the activity in the tank.
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- Temperature: 68-75F
- Hardness: 15-20 dGH
- Lighting: Moderate Lighting
Common Goldfish Tank Size
Common Goldfish can grow to be quite large, so they need a lot of space! A single Common Goldfish should be kept in no less than 10 gallons, but more is always better!
Recommended tank sizes are:
- Minimum tank size for 1 goldfish: 20 gallons
- Minimum tank size for 2 goldfish: 40 gallons
- Minimum tank size for 3+ Goldfish: 55 gallons or larger.
Best Tank Mates For Common Goldfish
Goldfish are social animals and do well when kept with other Goldfish. However, if you want to keep them with tropical fish, make sure the tank’s temperature is not too warm for them, or else they could become sick.
The best tank mates for Common Goldfish would be other cold-water fish, such as:
- Mollies
- Platys
- Rasboras
- Tetras
- Gouramis
- Goldfish can also be kept with plants and snails to clean the water. They cannot tolerate high temperatures, so keeping them in a tank that does not go over 75 degrees Fahrenheit is vital.
Fish species to avoid are:
- Cichlids
- Guppies
- Tropical Fish Species
How To Feed Common Goldfish
Unlike tropical fish, Common Goldfish are not attracted to bright colors or movement. Instead, they are scavengers and will eat just about anything you put in the tank.
Foods that they can eat include:
- Live food such as brine shrimp
- Frozen food such as bloodworms, daphnia, krill
- Dry food such as goldfish flakes, pellets, and crisps
If you do not feed them live or frozen foods regularly, it is essential to supplement their diet with algae wafers or cucumber slices.
Goldfish Common Diseases and Illnesses
Goldfish are hardy fish and can live in almost any water type, except for stagnant water. However, this does not mean that they are immune to diseases and illnesses.
Some common diseases and illnesses that Goldfish can get include:
- Fin Rot
- Ich
- Dropsy
- Swim Bladder Disorder
If you notice any of these symptoms in your Goldfish, it is essential to take them to a vet right away. Many of these diseases can be treated if caught early, but some can be fatal.
Swim Bladder Disorder is widespread in Common Goldfish. This is caused by their diet being too rich, causing indigestion and bloating. In addition, healthy Common Goldfish do not have water-filled stomachs!
Offering your fish a nutritious yet low protein diet can help prevent swim bladder disorder from overfeeding. Green vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli may also benefit their bladder.
If your goldfish begin to exhibit any of the symptoms listed above, be sure to take them immediately to a veterinarian! Most common Goldfish diseases can be easily treated if caught early enough.
Careing for sick fish necessitates specialized equipment, so it’s best to prepare ahead of time.
Don’t put too much strain on your Common Goldfish by overfeeding them or overstocking the tank!
How To Breed Goldfish
Goldfish can breed in captivity, although they need very specific conditions to do so. Goldfish will turn up their noses at most types of food unless it is live or frozen brine shrimp.
They also need a spawning mop or plants that they can use to lay eggs on top of. The best way to know when your fish are ready to breed is when their colors start to get darker, and they become more aggressive.
Pregnancy lasts about 30-40 days, with the fry becoming free swimming after another 5-10 days.
The babies will need particular conditions to survive:
- At least 50% water changes every day (up to 100%)
- Water of at least 78 degrees Fahrenheit
- Live baby brine shrimp for food
It is crucial to remove the parents from the tank, so they do not eat their offspring! Fertilized eggs can be removed with tweezers and placed in another tank, although some breeders choose to leave them in the spawning mop or plants that they are laid on so they can hatch there.
Are Common Goldfish A Good Idea For Your Fish Tank?
Common Goldfish can be a great addition to your fish tank, but it is important to remember that they require specific care. Ensure that you can provide a healthy diet and clean water conditions before adding one of these fish to your tank!
