How to Care for Goldfish

Goldfish are the most popular freshwater fish kept as pets around the world. Taking good care of your goldfish is crucial for ensuring they live a long and happy life.

Goldfish first appeared in China during the Tang dynasty, when a genetic change caused some silver carp to turn gold. These golden fish were bred selectively over many generations. They were introduced to Europe as symbols of good luck in the 1600s and later brought to North America in the 1800s.

Goldfish can live anywhere from 5 to 10 years on average, but with proper care, they have the potential to live much longer—sometimes up to 20 years or more. In some exceptional cases, goldfish have even been known to live over 40 years, particularly when kept in large, well-maintained environments like ponds.

The lifespan of a goldfish is largely influenced by factors such as water quality, diet, tank size, and overall care. Proper filtration, regular water changes, and a balanced diet can help maximize their lifespan and keep them healthy throughout their life.

Goldfish can live anywhere from 5 to 10 years with proper care, but some have been known to live much longer. In optimal conditions, such as a spacious tank with clean water and a balanced diet, goldfish can live 15 to 20 years or more. There have even been reports of goldfish living over 40 years, particularly when kept in outdoor ponds with adequate space. Factors like water quality, temperature, and filtration play a key role in a goldfish’s lifespan. Without proper care, however, their life expectancy can be much shorter, often just a few years.

Acquarium fish breeds

cold water acquarium fish breeds

Common Goldfish vs. Fancy Goldfish

Goldfish breeding has resulted in more than 200 different breeds. Most goldfish you’ll find in stores fall into two main categories: common and fancy. Both types can come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, body shapes, and styles of fins, eyes, and tails.

Common Goldfish

Common goldfish are small and quick eaters. They have a single tail fin and one anal fin. Some popular varieties of common goldfish include:

Comet goldfish
Shubunkin
Sarasa

Fancy Goldfish

Fancy goldfish tend to be larger and slower than common goldfish, and they are bred for their elaborate appearances. The number of fins varies depending on the type. Some popular varieties of fancy goldfish include:

Nymph goldfish
Tamasaba goldfish
Wakin goldfish
Fantail goldfish
Ryukin goldfish
Telescope goldfish
Butterfly tail goldfish
Pompom goldfish
Lionhead goldfish
Ranchu goldfish
Celestial eye goldfish
Bubble eye goldfish

How Long Do Goldfish Live?

Goldfish typically live for 10 to 15 years, and some can even reach up to 20 years if they are well cared for. Providing excellent care can significantly increase your goldfish’s lifespan.

What Do Goldfish Need?

Tank Size for Goldfish

The size of the tank needed for a goldfish depends on the type of fish and how big they will grow. Generally, each goldfish needs about 20 gallons of water. However, larger varieties may require much more space—up to 50 to 100 gallons.

Goldfish Water Parameters

Having good water quality is essential for keeping your goldfish healthy. The pH level should be between 7 and 8.4, so it’s important to test the water regularly.

Test your water every week using water quality test kits. It’s also crucial to ensure there’s enough oxygen in the water, which can be done with an air pump and airstone.

Do Goldfish Need a Filter?

Yes, a filter is essential, as it helps eliminate small particles from the water and supports much of the biological filtration needed for a healthy environment.

Do Goldfish Need a Heater?

Goldfish feel most comfortable at room temperature, around 72 to 76°F. Depending on your room conditions, you might need a heater to maintain this temperature range. If the water gets too warm, your goldfish may become very hungry and quickly dirty the tank.

What’s the Best Temperature for Goldfish?

Goldfish are classified as cold-water fish but can also thrive at slightly warmer temperatures.

Goldfish Plants and Decorations

Adding plants and decorations to your goldfish’s environment can make it more natural and enjoyable. Just keep in mind that goldfish are omnivores and may nibble on or uproot live plants. Choosing fast-growing plant species can help, as they can thrive even when there’s a hungry goldfish around.

Suitable Plants for Goldfish Habitats

Vallisneria spp
Anubias
Java fern
Cryptocoryne

Using substrate in your goldfish tank can help create a more natural look at the bottom. It’s normal for goldfish to pick up substrate and explore it with their mouths. There are starter kits available that can assist you in setting up your aquarium.

What Do Goldfish Eat?

Goldfish are mostly omnivores and can eat sinking pellets. Their food should have about 30% protein.

Pelleted food generally lasts longer than flake food. Be cautious with fake food, as it often floats and doesn’t sink. If goldfish feed too much from the surface, they might develop buoyancy problems.

Their variety is:

Live or frozen brine shrimp
Daphnia
Krill
Occasional vegetables like romaine lettuce

How Often Should You Feed Goldfish?

Adult goldfish can be fed once a day, while younger goldfish may need to be fed more frequently as they grow.

How to Clean a Goldfish Tank

Your goldfish need their tank cleaned regularly. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the size of the tank, the number of fish, and your filtration system. Always remember to wash your hands before and after cleaning.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for cleaning a fish tank:

Turn off equipment. Switch off the filter, heater, and lights.
Remove decorations. Take out all decorations and place them in a separate bucket or on a towel. Use a designated scrub brush or toothbrush to clean them.
Clean the tank walls. Use an acrylic or glass scrub brush to scrub the sides of the tank.
Siphon the substrate. Insert the siphon into the tank and direct the flow into a bucket. Move the siphon up and down to collect small amounts of substrate. Let it circulate for a moment, then lift the siphon to break the flow. Repeat this process across the entire bottom of the tank.
Rinse the filter media. Remove the filter media (sponges, balls, floss, or rocks) and rinse them in the bucket of wastewater.
Prepare fresh water. Rinse and fill your bucket with fresh tap water. Use a thermometer to check that it’s the right temperature for your goldfish.
Add water conditioner. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to add water conditioner. Pour the fresh water back into the main tank, then return the decorations, lights, heater, and filter.

Goldfish Tank Mates

Many goldfish prefer to be alone and may even become aggressive toward other fish. It’s perfectly fine for a goldfish to live by itself, though some can get along well with tankmates, depending on their individual temperament.

If you’re thinking about keeping multiple fish, it’s best to house goldfish with other goldfish. They can also coexist with other cold-water community fish, like white cloud minnows.

Goldfish can be lively and entertaining pets for any family. With the right environment and care, they can enjoy long, healthy lives. They make excellent beginner pets, even for kids, and can be rewarding companions for many years.

Goldfish FAQs

How long do goldfish live?

Goldfish generally live for 10 to 15 years with proper care.

Can goldfish live in tap water?

No, tap water contains chlorine and chloramine, which are harmful to fish. Any tap water used in a fish tank must be treated with a water conditioner to remove these toxic chemicals.

Can goldfish live in a bowl?

A common myth is that goldfish can thrive in small bowls, but this is not true. Small containers limit a goldfish’s ability to thrive in captivity.

Do goldfish need friends?

Goldfish can live alone, but they are social creatures that benefit from having at least one tankmate. They enjoy interacting with each other, and having multiple fish can encourage activity and companionship. Common goldfish are small and quick eaters. They have a single tail fin and one anal fin. However, some goldfish may not get along with others and may rely on their human caretakers for social interaction.