Common Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Photo: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Cold water, huge waste, and a 40-gallon start for one slim-bodied fish — then more. They do not belong in a 10-gallon desk tank.
Cold-water fish. Waste is the main output.
Cold-water fish — not compatible long-term with tropical community setups.
In the tank
- Hardy in cool, filtered volume.
- Water
- freshwater
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- All levels
- Adult size
- 12 in
- Minimum tank
- 40 gal
- Group
- Can be kept singly
- Temperature
- 50–74°F
- pH
- 7.0–8.0
- Diet
- Sinking goldfish pellets and gel food. Not tropical flakes.
- Beginner
- Not a first fish
How to keep them
- 40 gallons to start for one slim-bodied fish, then more.
- Sinking goldfish food. Unheated is correct.
Tankmates
Other goldfish of similar type.
Avoid
Tropicals, shrimp, and desk tanks.
Check tankmates · Stocking calculator
