CheckMyFishTank

Common Goldfish care

Carassius auratus · Freshwater · Beginner level care

Common Goldfish, painted illustration

A hardy but large and messy pond type fish that is not a tiny bowl pet.

Smallest tank75 gallons
Adult size12 inches
Temperature60 to 74°F
pH6.5 to 8
GroupFine on its own
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsAll levels
Lives10 to 20 years
Watch for: Grows to a foot or more and needs a big tank. Small bowls stunt them and make them sick.

Feeding

Twice a day. Only what they finish in about 2 minutes, since goldfish always beg for more. Goldfish pellets, blanched vegetables, occasional protein.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Common Goldfish in a 150 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Do not mix with

  • Cardinal Tetra: Cardinal Tetra and Common Goldfish need different water temperatures.
  • Glowlight Tetra: Glowlight Tetra and Common Goldfish need different water temperatures.
  • Rummynose Tetra: Rummynose Tetra and Common Goldfish need different water temperatures.
  • Diamond Tetra: Diamond Tetra and Common Goldfish need different water temperatures.
  • X-Ray Tetra: X-Ray Tetra and Common Goldfish need different water temperatures.
  • Emperor Tetra: Emperor Tetra and Common Goldfish need different water temperatures.
  • Silver Dollar: Silver Dollar and Common Goldfish need different water temperatures.
  • Golden Pencilfish: Golden Pencilfish and Common Goldfish need different water temperatures.

Questions

What size tank does a Common Goldfish need?

At least 75 gallons. Adults grow to about 12 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Common Goldfish like?

60 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6.5 to 8. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Common Goldfish should I keep together?

One is fine, and they can also live in small groups if the tank is big enough.

What do Common Goldfish eat?

Goldfish pellets, blanched vegetables, occasional protein. Feed twice a day: only what they finish in about 2 minutes, since goldfish always beg for more.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.