Most goldfish foods are formulated with lifelong health in mind, but some fall short of meeting all dietary needs. There are some reports of mollies nipping at goldfish’s fins and Plecostomus fish sucking the protective slime coat off goldfish, so these should be avoided as well. Aggressive fish like cichlids should be avoided since they will kill goldfish. For example, avoiding tropical fish with water requirements above 74º F since this would keep the water warmer than goldfish prefer. When choosing tank mates for goldfish, it’s best to consider if the needs of both fish are in line with each other. Tank dividers can be beneficial if there are aggression issues with the goldfish or other fish in the tank. It’s generally recommended to quarantine new fish in a separate container for 2-4 weeks to prevent the spread of disease and parasites the new fish may have.Ĭommon goldfish are generally peaceful fish and are good tank mates for other peaceful fish, like platys, danios, and guppies. When introducing new goldfish into a tank, they should be floated in the bag until the water in the bag is the same temperature as the tank they are going into to avoid temperature shock, which can be deadly. Image Credit: Hans, Pixabay Are Common Goldfish Good Tank Mates? Providing plants and plenty of hiding spots can help reduce the risk of injury and death in both situations.įiltration: Filtration collects large particles floating in the water, like waste and uneaten food, but filtration systems also help grow the good bacteria needed within the tank to prevent ammonia and nitrogen buildup. They will eat fry, small adult fish, and other tank mates like shrimp. The second is when goldfish are put with fish that are small enough to fit into their mouths. The first is during breeding season when male goldfish can become relentless, chasing females to exhaustion and injury. Most common goldfish are peaceful fish, making great tank mates for other peaceful fish, but there are two exceptions to this calm nature. Typical Behavior & Temperament Image Credit: Hans, Pixabay A basic setup for one common goldfish can be done for around $50 but can easily go into the hundreds for larger aquarium and filtration setups. It’s important to keep in mind that even though the fish may be inexpensive, the initial setup cost of a bowl or aquarium, food, a water testing kit, and water treatments will all add to the price of being a goldfish owner. They may even eat aquarium plants, but usually leave plants like anubias, java fern, and hornwort alone.Ĭommon goldfish are sold at most pet stores for under $1 and can be up to $10 or more from online retailers, with prices usually varying based on size. They also need a high-quality, varied diet, and an environment they find stimulating, which can be anything from tank mates to various plants and decorations.Ĭommon goldfish are scavengers and need roughage to graze on, enjoying things like arugula, romaine lettuce, and many herbs.

They can thrive in a large variety of aquarium, pond, and bowl setups as long as they receive routine water changes with treatments to remove toxins. The oldest common goldfish on record lived to be 43 years old! They come in a wide variety of colors, and while the basic orange-gold color they most commonly sport may seem boring, watching their shimmery scales darting around an aquarium can be very aesthetically pleasing.Ĭommon goldfish thrive in both indoor aquariums and outdoor ponds and can survive temperatures from below freezing to 90º F or more.

There is a misconception that common goldfish don’t live very long lives, but with appropriate water quality and diet, they can live up to 20 years.

Common Goldfish Overview Image Credit: Hans, PixabayĬommon goldfish are a great choice for the new fishkeeper due to their hardiness in poor water conditions and temperature extremes as well as their widely available food and care supplies.

Goldfish standard metagame