How to Care for a Goldfish?

The most popular fish of all is Carassius auratus. We know it as the goldfish. Thanks to A.S. Pushkin, this fish gained worldwide popularity. Unfortunately, it does not grant wishes, but it is indeed one of the most beautiful fish. The ancestor of all these fish is the gold crucian carp. It inhabited the water bodies of Central Asia. In the early 16th century, it became popular in Japan and China, where it adorned the ponds in imperial gardens. Today, there are over 300 breeds of goldfish. Before you decide to buy an aquarium for this golden beauty, study the specifics of its care.

What Should an Aquarium for Goldfish Be Like

• It should be large, as it is a big and active lady. Some individuals grow up to 30 cm. Experts recommend calculating the aquarium volume based on the scheme: 50 liters per fish.
• Rounded gravel is suitable for the substrate. Fish love to dig in it. Choose coarse substrate, as goldfish may swallow small pebbles, which often leads to their demise.
• It should be placed in a way that direct sunlight does not hit it. Besides the substrate, place larger stones and driftwood at the bottom so the fish have a place to hide and rest.
• For varieties with bulging eyes, be cautious with the choice of decoration. There should be no sharp corners to prevent the aquarium owners from injuring their lovely eyes.
• If you decide to keep goldfish, you don’t need to spend money on live plants. They perceive them as additional food and will eat them within a couple of days.
• It is important to monitor the water temperature. These friends love cool aquariums as they belong to cold-water species. The water should be between +18–23 degrees. In summer, it needs to be cooled, and in winter, heated to the required temperature.
• If you want different species of fish, you will need to buy aquariums for each one. It is difficult to find good neighbors for goldfish. Some may not tolerate the temperature in which the picky goldfish live. Others they will simply eat if they are smaller in size.
• Goldfish are omnivorous. They should be fed both animal and plant food. You can buy quality feed at a specialized store. However, we do not recommend using various cereals, as some aquarists do. Such products worsen the water quality in the aquarium.
• These fish love to eat well, which means a lot of waste will be produced during their life activities. Your filter must work properly. You need to clean the aquarium 1-2 times a week, siphon the substrate, and don’t forget to refresh the water.
• With good care, goldfish will live with you long and happily. They can live for 20 years or even more. There is a known case where a pet goldfish lived for 43 years.

We wrote all this not to discourage you from keeping these wonderful creatures. But you must realistically assess the challenges that await you with goldfish and understand all the responsibilities that will fall on your shoulders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size aquarium is needed for a goldfish?

It is recommended to have 50 liters per fish, as they are large and active.

What substrate is best for goldfish?

Rounded gravel is suitable, preferably coarse, to avoid swallowing small pebbles.

What temperature range is needed for goldfish?

The water temperature should be between +18–23 degrees; it needs to be cooled in summer and heated in winter.

Can goldfish be kept with other species of fish?

It is difficult to find neighbors for goldfish, so it is better to keep them in a separate aquarium.

What food is best for goldfish?

Goldfish are omnivorous; it is better to use quality feed from a specialized store.