Common goldfish
Carassius auratus · Cyprinidae
Also known as Single-tail goldfish, Pond goldfish
Beginner
Hardy single-tail goldfish that grows to about 25 cm and needs a pond or a very large tank, never a bowl.
In short: A common goldfish needs at least 180 L (48 US gal), water at 20–24 °C (68–75 °F) and pH 6.5–7.5. It is peaceful, kept in pairs or more, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 180 L (48 US gal)
- Temperature
- 20–24 °C (68–75 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Adult size
- 25 cm (9.8 in)
- Group size
- 2+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 180 L (48 US gal)
- Temperature
- 20–24 °C (68–75 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness
- 5–19 dGH
- Lifespan
- 10–20 years
- Diet
- Omnivore: goldfish pellets or flake, blanched vegetables; feed only what is eaten in two minutes.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Domesticated from wild Carassius of East Asia (China, Japan)
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Ponds, lakes and slow rivers
- Natural conditions
- Still or slow, well-oxygenated water with wide seasonal temperature swings.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 2 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- Other single-tail goldfishWhite cloud mountain minnow
- Avoid
- Tropical fish that need water above 24 °CShrimpFin nippers such as tiger barbs
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Beginner
- Sexing
- Breeding males show white tubercles on gill covers and pectoral fins.
- Notes
- Spawns readily in ponds in spring as the water warms; eggs are scattered on plants.
- Common ailments
- IchAmmonia burn in small tanksFin rot
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