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.