Without a doubt, goldfish hold the time honored position of being the classic image when thinking of an aquarium and children.

It is a position that has been rightly earned and will most likely continue for the foreseeable future.

One of the primary pillars supporting their position as number one is their unequaled heartiness.  The common goldfish is a survivor and thus, perfect for children and new aquarists.

Common Name: Goldfish

Scientific Name: Carassius auratus

Adult Size: Goldfish can vary in size depending on the specific breed, but they typically reach an average length of 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) in home aquariums. Some fancy goldfish breeds have shorter bodies but may have longer fins.

Lifespan: With proper care, goldfish can live for many years. They have the potential to live up to 20 years or even longer if provided with a suitable environment and good nutrition.

Thermal Preference: Goldfish are cold-water fish and prefer temperatures ranging from 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). They can tolerate a wide temperature range but are most comfortable within this range.

pH Preference: Goldfish can tolerate a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0, but they generally prefer a slightly alkaline environment with a pH of around 7.2 to 7.6.

Reproduction Method: Goldfish reproduce by laying eggs. During the breeding season, males develop breeding tubercles (small white bumps) on their gill covers and pectoral fins. Females have a rounder abdomen when carrying eggs. The female lays eggs, and the male fertilizes them externally. After spawning, the eggs hatch in about four to seven days, depending on the water temperature.

Behavior: Goldfish are social fish and generally peaceful, making them suitable for community aquariums. They are active swimmers and can display various behaviors, including exploring their environment, foraging for food, and interacting with tankmates. They are known to exhibit schooling behavior and may enjoy the company of other goldfish.

Primary Food Source: Goldfish are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods. Their diet consists of both plant matter and small aquatic organisms. In the wild, they feed on algae, aquatic plants, insects, small crustaceans, and even smaller fish. In captivity, goldfish are commonly fed commercial fish flakes or pellets formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. They can also consume small portions of fresh or blanched vegetables like peas, lettuce, and spinach.

Goldfish are hardy and can survive for extended periods without food, but their health will deteriorate over time. The exact duration that a goldfish can survive without food depends on various factors, including the age and overall health of the fish, as well as the water temperature and quality.

Under ideal conditions, a healthy adult goldfish can survive for about two weeks without food. During this time, they will gradually deplete their energy reserves, leading to weakened immune systems and increased susceptibility to disease. After the two-week mark, the goldfish’s health will decline rapidly, and it may not be able to recover even if provided with food later.

It’s important to note that while goldfish can survive without food for a limited time, it’s not recommended to intentionally deprive them of food as a regular practice. Proper nutrition is essential for their overall well-being, growth, and longevity.

If you need to leave your goldfish unattended for an extended period, it’s advisable to arrange for someone to feed them or consider using automatic fish feeders designed to dispense food in your absence.

Keep in mind that just because your goldfish hasn’t been intentionally fed, doesn’t mean it has no food.  Goldfish will eat just about anything!

A mature aquarium has many algae and other flora floating in the water and sitting on the floor.  When not fed, goldfish will switch from food flakes to searching for food throughout the aquarium.

So, if you run out the door for vacation and forget to feed poor Wilbur the goldfish, not to worry.  Wilbur will probably be just fine until you return.