Beginner: Common Goldfish
The Common Goldfish
Carassius Auratus
- Image via Wikipedia
Asian in origin, the common goldfish is a member of the Cyprindae fish family. The common goldfish is related to the many species of carp, koi and other goldfish types. The name Auratus literally means “overlaid with gold”.
The common goldfish is a great fish for beginners since it’s a very hardy breed of goldfish. It can live in water with temperatures ranging from 55-80*F (12-26*C), with a pH of 6-8, which is much like tap water. The common goldfish doesn’t require a heater and needs only minimal care if placed by itself in a well filtered 10 gallon aquarium (38 liters).
Goldfish are however social animals and would benefit from having a tank mate. You can keep two of three small goldfish (a few inches or less) in a 1o gallon tank but when they mature, you will likely need to upgrade your tank size. A goldfish that is properly cared for can live for well over five years and grow to around 12 inches long.
A small one gallon goldfish bowl (3.7 liters) is not highly recommended. When you place a goldfish in a small space like a bowl, the water gets dirty fast and make the goldfish unhealthy. Read the next post for beginners: goldfish bowl size for more info. If space is an issue, consider buying a fancy Beta fish or cold-water minnows which will do better in a small space than a goldfish would.
See how to take care of the common goldfish at Goldfish Bowl or more Goldfish Care info.
help i have two goldfishes and i want them to mate…. can i put them together?…..and one time when i put them they just wont mate……. can you help plwase!!!
i have to goldfish named dj crisy cris and dj shade-o their really cool. but my brother wont leave them alone he stares at them and tries to stick his finger in the tank and i have to slap him what should i do?????????
i just won a gold fish at the carnival and named it ollie i got him a 1 gallon tank for starters and he seems very bored with it what should i do?
Make sure you use dechlorinator drops and that the water temperature is cool but also similar to what the current water temperature is. Also make sure the ph is neutral but also similar to the current tank water. With ten gallons, you can probably add a filter that will help oxygenate the water and create a place for good bacteria to grow. This bacteria helps eliminate ammonia. See goldfish tank water change for more info
I have two small goldfish my son won at a festival. We’ve had them for two weeks in a 10 gallon bowl. The water started looking dirty, so we did a 50% water change. Ever since, they have both been swimming at the top of the bowl. It looks like they are trying to get oxygen. Did I do something wrong?
Goldfish that are 4-6 inches long probably need 10 gallons a piece to be happy. With any smaller of a tank, you will need to change the water more often.
my goldfishes names are berlin, and silver surfer, silver surfer was all silver but, now he is developing gold on his body all along the top and likes being friendly to berlin. berlin is black and silver and likes swimming fast and nibbling at the bubbles from the filter.
my 2 goldfishes names are berlin, and silver surfer, silver surfer was all silver but, now he is developing gold on his body all along the top and likes being friendly to berlin. berlin is black and silver and likes swimming fast and nibbling at the bubbles from the filter.
yea,i have 2 goldfish now. the poor little fellows died. maybe 2 teenage goldfish (4-5-6 inches long) can fit? my 2 goldfish have survived for a few weeks since they have deceased. poor little fellows. do you think 2 4-5-6 inch long goldfish can fit?
Goldfish can get sick from being stressed. Tapping on the glass can send strong vibrations through the water and stress them out. I think the real problem though is that five goldfish might be too many for the size of tank you have? 1 adult goldfish needs 10-20 gallons for itself. five little goldfish will produce a lot of ammonia and waste. When ammonia builds up it can kill them. get an ammonia test kit and test the water a few times a week. if the levels are high, perform a water change. by having a filter and beneficial bacteria, it will help keep the ammonia in check. Live aquatic plants can help too. good luck with your goldfish.