Fancy Goldfish
Carassius auratus
A hardy, long-lived cold-water classic that needs far more space and filtration than most people expect.
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Min. Tank Size | 75 L |
| Temperature | 18.0–23.0 °C |
| pH Range | 7.0–8.4 |
| Max Size | 20.0 cm |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
Care Guide
Fancy goldfish are cold-water fish, not tropical, and should never be kept in bowls. Provide at least 75 litres for the first fish and 40-50 litres per additional fish, with powerful filtration.
Feed a sinking goldfish pellet plus blanched vegetables to prevent the swim bladder issues fancy varieties are prone to. Keep temperatures moderate (18-23C) and perform generous weekly water changes to manage their heavy waste output.
Behaviour
Sociable, food-motivated and long-lived. Produces a heavy bioload.
Compatibility
Keep with other fancy goldfish only. Their cool-water needs and messy nature suit dedicated tanks.
Breeding
Egg scatterer that spawns in spring as temperatures rise; eggs are laid over plants.
Disease Risks
Swim bladder disease, ich, fin rot and constipation are common. See our fish disease database for treatment.
How to Tell Males from Females
Sexual dimorphism is limited. Females tend to be fuller-bodied when in breeding condition and males slightly slimmer or more intensely coloured, but reliable sexing generally requires mature fish observed side by side, or spawning behaviour.
