Freshwater Goldfish

Goldfish

Goldfish belong to the Cyprinidae family, making them close relatives of carp. Despite the wide range of colours, body shapes and fin types available today, all goldfish are the same species - the result of centuries of selective breeding.

For simplicity, goldfish are often grouped into two categories: standard and fancy varieties. Both can reach 20-30 cm (8-12') and may live up to 20 years with proper care.

Goldfish Care

Although they are one of the world's most popular aquarium fish, goldfish are often misunderstood. Many people incorrectly believe they can thrive in small bowls and only live a year or two. In reality, goldfish are large, hardy, long-lived fish that require proper filtration, stable water conditions and a suitably sized aquarium.

Their hardiness often hides early signs of stress, leading to the misconception that short lifespans are “normal”. With the same basic level of care recommended for any aquarium fish, goldfish can live for decades and become surprisingly interactive pets.

Goldfish Natural Habitat

Native to East Asia, goldfish are now found across Asia, Europe and North America, where they have become an invasive species in some regions. They naturally inhabit slow-moving, cool freshwater environments and can tolerate murky or low-oxygen conditions.

Behavior & Compatibility

Goldfish are peaceful, confident and surprisingly intelligent - they can interact with their owners and remember learned behaviour for months. While excellent community fish, suitable tankmates can be difficult to find.

Fancy goldfish varieties are slow swimmers and easily stressed, making them vulnerable to bullying or fin-nipping. They should not be housed with standard goldfish varieties such as Comet Goldfish or Wakin Goldfish.

Goldfish will attempt to swallow anything that fits in their mouth and require cooler temperatures than many tropical fish. Suitable tankmates include placid, medium-sized cold-water species such as Rosy Barbs, Platys and Zebra Danios. Giant Danios are also acceptable, though not recommended for poor-swimming fancy varieties.

Goldfish Tank Setup Tips

• Tank

  Fancy varieties grow to around 20 cm (8'), while standard varieties can exceed 30 cm (12'). The classic goldfish bowl is never suitable.

  A 75-litre (20-gallon) tank is adequate while young, but adults require significantly more space: 114 litres (30 gallons) for fancy types, and 200 litres (55 gallons) for Comets and Common Goldfish. Goldfish need good water movement and oxygenation. Longer tanks are best; avoid shallow “low-boy” tanks.

  Recommended Max Fish Count	Tank Volume
  1-2 Common Goldfish	200 litres (55 gallons)
  3 Common Goldfish	227 litres (60 gallons)
  4 Common Goldfish	283 litres (75 gallons)
  5 Common Goldfish	378 litres (100 gallons)

  Recommended Max Fish Count	Tank Volume
  1-2 Fancy Goldfish	114 litres (30 gallons)
  3 Fancy Goldfish	150 litres (40 gallons)
  4 Fancy Goldfish	265 litres (70 gallons)
  5 Fancy Goldfish	340 litres (90 gallons)

  Goldfish are also an excellent choice for outdoor ponds.

• Base

  Goldfish constantly sift through substrate and may swallow small objects. Avoid sharp gravel. Choose either rounded gravel or aquarium sand. Sand is ideal but will be frequently disturbed - ensure your filter can handle suspended silt.

• Foliage

  Goldfish love rearranging decor and sampling live plants. Choose hardy options such as driftwood and tough plants like Java Fern and Anubias. Anchor plants securely to prevent uprooting.

• Water

  Goldfish thrive in cool temperatures between 19-23°C (66-73°F). Avoid direct sunlight and consider insulation or cooling if needed. A heater is usually unnecessary.

  Maintain pH between 6.5-7.5 and hardness of 5-15 dGH. Use a reliable water testing kit and ensure strong filtration with regular water changes (25% weekly or 50% fortnightly).

  Keep the substrate clean - gravel vacuums help remove waste buildup. Condition tap water using appropriate water conditioners.

Feeding and Care

Goldfish are enthusiastic eaters and will overeat if allowed. Feeding frequency depends on temperature: 2-3 times daily in warm water, 1-2 times in cooler water.

Staple foods like goldfish flakes and pellets should be supplemented with treats such as bloodworms, mosquito larvae and vegetables like peas. Feed only what they can finish in a couple of minutes. Avoid floating pellets, as gulping at the surface can cause excessive air intake.

Great Reasons to Keep Goldfish

• They are forgiving fish, ideal for beginner aquarists.
• They are intelligent, interactive and full of personality.
• They are hardy, long-lived and make excellent pets.

Choose your perfect freshwater aquarium or pond fish online from our goldfish varieties below - we deliver online live fish Australia-wide.