Goldfish
Carassius auratus · family Cyprinidae
Also: Common Goldfish
Parameters
- Temperature
- 18–22 °C
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Hardness
- 5–19 °dGH
- Tank volume
- from 150 L
- Maximum size
- up to 30 cm
- Group size
- min 2, ideal 3
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Throughout
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 10–20 years
Description
The goldfish is a cold-water crucian carp, domesticated in China more than a thousand years ago. Many fancy strains exist: veiltails, telescopes, orandas, ryukins, and more.
The classic mistake is keeping them in round bowls under 30 L. The result is spinal deformity, kidney failure, and a lifespan of 1–2 years instead of 10–20.
Care
Volume
Minimum 150 L for a pair of fantails. For long-bodied forms — a pond or 400+ L.
Filtration
Goldfish are big and messy. A filter rated at 6–10× volume per hour, plus weekly 30% water changes.
Feeding
Sinking pellets for cold-water fish (floating pellets cause air-swallowing and swim-bladder problems in fancy forms) + blanched peas and zucchini.
Compatibility
- Danger
- Danger
- Danger
- Caution
FAQ
- Сколько живёт золотая рыбка?
- В аквариуме хорошего объёма — 10–20 лет; в круглых вазочках — менее 2 лет.
Goldie editorial team
Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication
Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians
Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown
Sources
- FishBase: Carassius auratus · FishBase · 2026-05-22
- Seriously Fish: Carassius auratus · Seriously Fish · 2026-05-22