Common Goldfish
A hardy, personable fish that grows larger than many people expect. Common goldfish need cool, well-filtered water and plenty of space for long-term health.
tankSize
150L (40 gal) minimum for one, larger for more
careLevel
Beginner to Intermediate
temperature
18 to 22C
temperament
Peaceful
diet
Goldfish pellets plus vegetables and occasional treats
lifespan
10 to 20 years
aloneOrCommunity
Cool-water community
weeklyMaintenance
Large water changes and strong filtration upkeep
Best for
- Owners who can provide a large, well-filtered tank
- People who enjoy interactive, food-motivated fish
- Cooler-water setups
- Long-term keepers who plan for adult size
Not ideal for
- Small bowls or tiny aquariums
- Warm tropical community tanks
- Owners who cannot keep up with heavy waste load
- Setups without strong filtration
Temperament
- Peaceful and curious
- Can be messy eaters
- Does best with similarly sized goldfish
Daily routine
feeding: Feed measured portions once or twice daily; remove uneaten food.
check: Observe swimming, buoyancy, and appetite.
enrichment: Provide open swimming space and safe décor.
Living fit
smallHome: Possible only with a large tank and strong filtration.
kids: Great for learning responsibility, but adults must manage maintenance.
firstTimeOwner: Good if you understand tank size and filtration needs.
Health notes
- Water quality is the biggest factor for long-term health.
- Overfeeding can cause buoyancy and digestive issues.
- Avoid sharp décor and ensure good oxygenation.
Cost and time
time: Moderate weekly time due to higher waste production.
cost: Moderate-to-high setup cost for tank size and filtration.
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