MirekKijewskiiStock Getty Images Plus via Getty Images The goldfish is the most commonly kept freshwater fish species across the globe. Proper goldfish care is essential to prolonging the life of your fish and keeping them happy. Goldfish originate from China during the Tang dynasty, when a gold color mutation was observed in normal silver carp, and these gold individuals were selectively bred for generations. Goldfish were first introduced to Europe as a good luck charm in the 1600s and then were introduced to North America in the 1800s. After generations of breeding, there are over 200 breeds of goldfish. Most of the goldfish available to pet parents are in one of two categories: common or fancy. Both types of goldfish can have numerous colorations, patterns, body shapes, and fin, eye, and tail types. Common goldfish are small, fast fish. They are single-tailed, meaning they have one caudal fin and one anal fin. Common goldfish varieties include: Comet goldfish Shubunkin Sarasa Fancy goldfish are often bigger, slower, and bred to look more ornate than a common goldfish. Their number of fins differs based on their variety. Fancy goldfish varieties include: Nymph goldfish Tamasaba goldfish Wakin goldfish Fantail goldfish Ryukin goldfish Telescope goldfish Butterfly tail Pompom goldfish Lionhead goldfish Ranchu goldfish Celestial eye goldfish Bubble eye goldfish The goldfish lifespan is anywhere between 1015 years, sometimes even up to 20 years when kept in excellent conditions. Great goldfish care can extend the life of your pet significantly. The tank size for a goldfish depends on the variety and the full-grown size of the fish. A goldfish, depending on type, can be housed in a habitat that provides about 20 gallons of water per fish. Some of the larger varieties of fish require a larger amount of spaceup to 50100 gallons. Recommended tanks for goldfish include: Good water quality is critical for keeping a goldfish healthy. The pH should range between 78.4 and you should test the water frequently. If you have a freshwater fish tank, test it weekly with water quality test kits. Water aeration is vital to maintain oxygen levels within their habitat, which can be provided with an air pump and air stone or a filter providing significant surface water movement. Yes, filtration is important to help remove small particulates and houses a large portion of your biological filtration. Select a filter that is rated to turn over the tank at least five times an hour. For example, a 20-gallon tank should have a filter rated at least 100 gallons per hour. Goldfish are most comfortable around room temperature (7276 F). Depending on your room setting, you may or may not need a heater to keep your tank within this range. Heating a goldfish tank higher than this range will cause the fish to be very hungry and quickly foul their tank water. Goldfish are considered a cold-water fish species but can also be kept successfully at warmer temperatures. Enriching your goldfish habitat with plants and decor makes it more naturalistic, but its important to remember that goldfish, as omnivores, may decide to eat or uproot some of the live plants. Some plant species that are not very palatable or grow fast and can outgrow a hungry goldfish are: Vallisneria spp Anubias Java fern Cryptocoryne A gravel substrate can be used for goldfish habitats to make the bottom of the enclosure look more realistic. It is normal for goldfish to pick up their substrate and put it in their mouths. Some starter kits are available that will help get you started with your aquarium. Goldfish are predominately omnivores and can eat a sinking pellet. The food should provide about 30 protein for a goldfish. Pelleted food can last longer than flake food. Take care when feeding flake food, as it often doesnt sink. If a goldfish eats at the surface too much, they can develop buoyancy issues. Additional dietary items that can be used as enrichment for goldfish include: Live or frozen brine shrimp Daphnia Krill Occasional vegetables like romaine lettuce Adult goldfish can be fed once a day. Younger goldfish may need to be fed more often as they grow. Your goldfish will need their tank cleaned regularly. Your tank cleaning schedule will depend on the size of your fish tank, the total number of pet fish, and your filtration setup. Remember to always wash your hands before and after cleaning a tank. Follow these steps on how to clean a fish tank: Turn off your filtration, heater, and lighting. Remove all decorations and place them in separate bucket or on a towel. Scrub them using a designated scrub brush andor toothbrush. Scrub sides of fish tank using an acrylic or glass scrub brush. Place the siphon into your goldfish tank and start the flow into a bucket. Move the siphon up and down, taking in a small amount of substrate at each site. Allow it to circulate for a second or two, then lift the vacuum to break the siphon. Repeat across the entire bottom of your tank. Remove your tanks filter media (sponges, balls, floss, or rocks) and rinse them in the bucket of wastewater. Never use tap water to clean filter media as this can kill the beneficial bacteria that breaks down ammonia and nitrite in the tank. Rinse and fill your bucket with fresh tap water. Use your thermometer to ensure it is the correct temperature for your goldfish. Add water conditioner per the manufacturers instructions. Add fresh water back into the main tank, then return the decorations, lights, heater, and filtration. Many goldfish prefer to live by themselves and may attack other fish. It is OK for a goldfish to be by themselves, although they may interact well with friendsit all depends on the unique fish temperament. If interested in keeping multiple fish, goldfish are best kept with more goldfish but can also live with other cold-water community fish, such as white cloud minnows. Goldfish can make vibrant, entertaining pets for any family and can live a long, healthy life when given the right environment and care. They are a great beginner pet for anyoneeven kidsand can be a rewarding companion for years to come. Goldfish typically live 1015 years when cared for appropriately. No. Tap water contains chlorine and chloramine, which are toxic to pet fish. Any tap water used for a fish tank must first be treated with a water conditioner to remove any harmful chemicals. An old misconception about goldfish is that they can thrive in small bowls. This is not true. Small enclosures such as bowls limit the ability of a goldfish to thrive in captivity. Goldfish can live alone but are social and benefit from having at least one tank mate. Goldfish like to interact with one another and keeping multiple fish can promote activity and companionship. Some goldfish just do not play well with other fish and rely on their human care takers for interaction and socialization. WRITTEN BY Veterinarian Dr. Sean Perry completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Santa Cruz, earning a Bachelor of Science in... Was this article helpful? Sign up for weekly pet health tips and insights from our veterinarians.