Common Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Common Goldfish come in several color varieties including orange, red, white, black, brown and combinations of any of these colors. All Goldfish varieties have been domesticated from wild carp.

Goldfish are members of the carp group and are generally quite hardy. Smaller goldfish do well in an aquarium of 30 gallons of water or more while young. However, goldfish can grow to 12+” and will eventually outgrow aquariums less than 100 gallons. Therefore, you must accommodate their growth needs over time. Goldfish aquariums should have a fine gravel bottom and hardy, cold water plants. Goldfish are diggers and can be messy so a capable filtration system is a must. Goldfish will also fare well in ponds with Koi and other Fancy Goldfish with similar water parameters.

Goldfish are also known to be social fish and should be keep in groups if possible. Newer groups of goldfish will display schooling behavior by swimming side by side in close formation. However, the schooling behavior may dissipate once the goldfish become familiar with their surroundings. Goldfish are very communal and rarely become aggressive with each other.

There appears to be a definite courtship ritual when Goldfish breed. Breeding often results in up to 1,000 eggs, with fry hatching in five to six days. The fry should be fed small pieces of live or prepared foods designed for egg-laying fish.

Goldfish are omnivorous and will eat all types of dried and live foods. Limit protein, however, to 30% of the diet. A Goldfish flake or pellet food will provide these fish with the proper nutrition.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2” to 2-1/2” Medium: 2-1/2” to 3”

Care details

• Temperature: 36 - 90° F
• Color: Black, Assorted, Orange, White, Red and Brown
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Diet: Omnivore