Are Goldfish A Good First Pet?

Goldfish are America’s third most popular pet, behind dogs and cats. However, they top the list among the easiest for first-time owners. Goldfish do not require walks, grooming, preventative veterinary care, or interactive play, while still providing owners with the experience of having a pet. Many parents choose them for their children to test the waters of pet care. Fish are also ideal for people with busy schedules or long hours at the office. However, it’s important to note that owning Goldfish still comes with significant responsibilities and is a long-term commitment.

What Are Goldfish? 

Goldfish are related to carp, a fish that has existed for thousands of years. They were initially a dull, muted green, and they were often caught for human consumption. However, centuries ago in China, some of these fish developed orange and yellow hues. This caught the attention of breeders, who decided to keep these colorful fish instead of eating them. Over time, this led to a new species known as the Carassius auratus, or Goldfish. Color combinations expanded over the years, until Goldfish sported the bright scales and patterns we currently see. Today, about 200 varieties exist, each with a unique look. 

Are Goldfish Good for Children?

Goldfish are a great stepping stone to develop children’s levels of responsibility and readiness to care for a more demanding pet, such as a hamster or a dog. Owning a Goldfish can help young kids learn to manage schedules and routines and develop empathy for other living things. They will need to remember to feed the fish every day, along with less frequent but equally important tasks, such as changing and treating the water and replacing the filter pads.

Stress Relief for Busy Lifestyles 

Goldfish make excellent first pets for individuals who work long hours and have limited time at home. Adding Goldfish (or any aquatic pet) to your environment is a well-known method for reducing anxiety and stress. The sight and sound of moving water, combined with the calming presence of the fish, can help you unwind after a stressful day. Regular exposure to water can improve psychological well-being and lower risk factors for mental illness. People who frequent areas with blue spaces often report better overall well-being than those who don’t.

Why Goldfish? 

If you’ve been to a pet store, you know many options exist for aquatic pets. So, what makes Goldfish the preferred choice for so many people?

Goldfish gained popularity in the 1870s during a promotional event for the newly established U.S. Commission of Fisheries. After receiving Goldfish from Japan and beginning a breeding program, the Commission offered free Goldfish to any Baltimore or Washington, D.C. resident who wrote to Congress requesting one. The agency distributed nearly 20,000 fish yearly before the promotion ended in the 1890s. This initiative spurred a Goldfish boom, quickly making them a common sight at local fairs and pet shops.

Among freshwater fish, Goldfish are known for having lots of personality. Goldfish are also relatively intelligent, recognizing their owners and responding to their presence. Goldfish can learn to eat from your hand and build a repertoire of basic tricks. Since Goldfish are highly social, keeping them in pairs of two or more is best. 

Goldfish are fairly relaxed and live well with tank mates, but they usually prefer Goldfish-only aquariums, as some other fish species can be aggressive and territorial. Also, Goldfish require lower water temperatures than most other aquarium fish. If you add another species to your tank, research each to ensure it’s a suitable companion for your Goldfish.

While tropical fish are very appealing, they can be unsuitable for some new pet owners. Most require a complex, precise environment to survive and can be expensive to purchase and maintain. Goldfish, on the other hand, are much easier to maintain. They thrive in regular tap water if you treat it with conditioner, which removes chlorine, and introduce beneficial bacteria via liquid drops. 

Lifespan of Goldfish

Goldfish ownership demands a long-term commitment. A common misconception is that Goldfish have short lifespans, but this often arises from neglect or improper care, which can lead to their early death. On average, Fancy Goldfish live for about 10 years, although lifespans can vary significantly among varieties. The oldest recorded Goldfish lived to be 43 years old, but such an age is extremely rare.

Aquarium Setup 

When you conjure a mental image of a Goldfish, you might imagine a plump orange fish treading in a glass bowl. However, fish bowls do NOT provide appropriate enclosures for Goldfish. You need to keep Goldfish in an aquarium–probably a much larger one than you think. On average, Goldfish kept in a bowl will live only one to two years, even if you treat the water and change it regularly. 

We recommend a minimum tank size of 20 gallons for one Goldfish and 10 gallons for each additional fish. Standard aquarium sizes include 10, 20, 30, 55, and 75 gallons, though specialty stores and custom designers sell larger ones up to 300 gallons or more. Therefore, a 30-gallon tank would be most appropriate for two Goldfish, a 55-gallon tank for four, and a 75-gallon tank for six. 

After finding an appropriate-sized aquarium for the number of fish you want to keep, the next step is to install a filtration system. Goldfish produce enormous amounts of waste, so you need a strong filter to clear it and keep the water in good condition. Otherwise, the waste can build up and quickly turn toxic. Recommended filter sizes for 20, 30, 55, and 75 gallons are 80-120 GPH, 120-180 GPH, 220-330 GPH, and 300-450 GPH, respectively. You should change the filter pad every four to six weeks. 

Next, you need to fill the tank’s bottom with substrate. The two best options are aquarium-safe gravel and sand. Many people prefer sand since Goldfish love digging around, but gravel is still a great choice if you don’t want the extra hassle when cleaning the tank. It is normal for fish to put substrate in their mouths and spit it out. That’s how they check for tiny food bits that may be left over.

Finally, you’ll need to add ornaments, plants, or both. These serve as fun decorations for the owner and as vital shelters for the Goldfish to feel safe. Be aware that Goldfish are notorious for digging up and munching on plants. Those that fare best in a Goldfish aquarium include Crinum calamistratum, anubias, marimo moss ball, java fern, and bolbitus fern. These plants have leaves that Goldfish either won’t want to eat or won’t be able to eat.

An optional (though highly recommended) mechanical accessory is an air pump, which can help maintain appropriate oxygen levels in an aquarium. Its primary function is to generate surface agitation to introduce fresh oxygen into the tank. Additionally, air pumps might be necessary for certain accessories and decorations within the aquarium setup. 

Water Quality in Goldfish Tanks

Uneaten food and excessive waste often cause poor water conditions in Goldfish tanks. Inadequate water quality is a major cause of illnesses and fatalities among these fish, often resulting in bacterial or fungal infections. 

If your water is cloudy or discolored, it’s already past the time to intervene. A common mistake beginners make is assuming that clear water means clean water. Just because the water looks transparent to the naked eye does not mean it is contaminant-free.

Change the water in your tank at least once a week to keep your fish healthy. It’s pretty easy to do with a gravel vacuum and a bucket. Remove about 10% to 15% of the water, and use the vacuum to suck up the gunk from the bottom. Then replace the water you removed, and do not forget to treat it. Goldfish cannot survive in untreated water.

The pH scale measures the water’s free hydrogen levels and ranges from 1 to 14. Seven is a neutral pH, where water is neither acidic nor alkaline. As the scale goes down, water becomes more acidic, and as the scale goes up, water becomes more alkaline. Goldfish do best at levels between 7.0 and 8.4, but consistency is key. You do not want your levels to bounce between the lowest and highest acceptable points, because a sudden change in the water’s pH can harm your fish. Test your aquarium’s pH before and after water changes.

Feeding Goldfish

Surface flakes are the most commonly used Goldfish food, but may not be the best option. Goldfish are naturally bottom-feeders, meaning that in the wild, they typically forage for food that settles at the bottom of their habitats. For this reason, it is advisable to use sinking pellets in your aquarium. Another option is to pinch the flakes between your fingers and release them below the water’s surface so they drop. 

Fancy Goldfish, in particular, have compact body structures that can put pressure on their internal organs. Air ingestion, which often occurs when they feed at the surface, can aggravate this. It can inflate the swim bladder, causing hyperbuoyancy and making it difficult for the fish to swim below the water’s surface. For this reason, you should also ensure that your water levels are high enough that the filter does not create air bubbles at the water’s surface, as fish can mistake these for food. 

You should feed your Goldfish once or twice daily, and do not give them more than they can eat in five minutes. 

You can incorporate treats into your Goldfish’s diet. Enhancing the nutrient profile beyond the standard flake or pellet can make your fish’s color more vibrant, boost their health, and enrich their palate. Limit treats to two or three times weekly. 

Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health when offered in moderation. Opt for fruits and vegetables lower in sugars and carbohydrates, such as berries and cooked green leafy vegetables. Make sure you break the pieces down into portions the fish can ingest, and remove anything they don’t consume so it doesn’t add to the waste pool. 

Goldfish are omnivorous, so if you’ve got the stomach for it, live (or freeze-dried) bugs and seafood make some of the best treats. Healthy options include worms, mosquito wrigglers (larvae), and daphnia (a type of plankton). These foods are rich in proteins, oils, vitamins, and minerals, helping to strengthen a Goldfish’s natural defenses against illnesses and support digestion.

What Type of Goldfish Should I Get? 

If you are considering a pet, it is important to know that two classes of Goldfish exist: Pond Goldfish and Fancy Goldfish. As the name implies, Pond Goldfish are well-suited for pond life. While these can live in indoor tanks or aquariums, they thrive in larger outdoor ponds. Pond varieties include Shubunkin and Sarasa Comets.

Fancy Goldfish are an excellent choice for a home aquarium. They are available in various shapes, colors, and fin types. They are often smaller than Pond Goldfish, so they require less space. Fancy Goldfish varieties include Oranda, Ranchu, Wakin, Bubble Eye, and many more.

It is important to note that not all Goldfish varieties require equivalent care, with some better suited for more experienced owners. Popular varieties for beginners include Ryukin, Black Moor, and Fantail. These types are considered the “hardiest,” meaning they will be more equipped to survive beginner mistakes. 

Ryukin is a popular choice because of its unique appearance, characterized by an egg-shaped body with a large bump on the head. It is also one of the hardier Goldfish varieties, and they do not require an ornate tank. Ryukin Goldfish are either metallic or calico. Metallics have shiny scales in combinations of red, orange, yellow, blue, brown, and black. Calicos have blue skin with purple, red, orange, yellow, brown, and black specks. Ryukin can grow up to 8 inches and live up to 10 years if properly cared for. 

Fantails are among the hardiest of the Fancy Goldfish varieties. They have short, egg-shaped bodies, an arched dorsal fin, and a wide, double tail. Fantails can grow up to 8 inches in length and have a maximum life expectancy of 10 years.

Black Moor Goldfish are also characterized by a round, egg-shaped body, but they are best known for their bulbous eyes, which become more pronounced as they age. Black Moors typically have a broad tail but can also be found with veil, butterfly, and ribbon tails. Their metallic scales appear in a spectrum of black shades. Young Black Moors will often appear more bronze in color, but will darken as they mature. When properly cared for, Black Moor Goldfish can grow up to 7 inches and live up to 20 years. 

Are you ready to add new Goldfish to your home aquarium or pond? Shop our wide selection of Pond and Fancy Goldfish now.