Goldfish: 5 Common Misconceptions

One of the most misunderstood pets is goldfish. They are given away at fairs and carnivals and are advertised as a low-maintenance pet.

While they aren’t the most demanding pets to care for, they do have unique requirements, just like any other animal. The world’s oldest goldfish survived to be 43 years old, despite the fact that the average lifespan of a goldfish is 15 years. This demonstrates how alarming it is that many people’s fish are dying within months. Most individuals appear to be truly unaware of what they require to succeed.

Although there are certain factors beyond our control (such as parasites and illnesses that fish may have had before entering our care), there are numerous situations in which a goldfish’s life may be prolonged simply by giving good care.

1. Goldfish Are Able to Survive in Bowls

Goldfish are frequently portrayed in bowls on television, so it’s no surprise that many people don’t hesitate to keep them in a little bowl.

In actuality, the rule of thumb for the size of a goldfish tank is 20 gallons for the first goldfish and 10 gallons for each subsequent goldfish. This may appear to be a vast aquarium for one or two little goldfish, but they may get very large and produce a lot of waste.

Having a large enough tank ensures that the tank does not get ammonia-overloaded. I also like knowing that I am providing the greatest possible life for my animals. A goldfish will be considerably happy in a larger bowl than it would be in a small one.

The nitrogen cycle is explained in detail in the video below.

2. They Don’t Have Any Specific Water Needs

This point is related to the one before, but goldfish, like any other fish, have unique water requirements.

• They don’t require a heater, and the temperature of their water should be between 62 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
• When the pH of their water is between 7.0 and 7.4, they thrive.
• An airstone will also ensure that they are receiving adequate oxygen levels.

It is a good idea to test their water using a testing kit, just like any other aquarium animal, to ensure that the water quality is safe.

3. Goldfish Live for a Short Time

Although it is uncommon, goldfish have been known to live for more than 40 years. The goldfish has a lifetime of 15 to 20 years, according to various sources.

Of course, many goldfish pass away considerably sooner. Sickness and parasites in the fish’s early life, as well as poor water quality and maintenance, are the most typical causes of a short lifetime.

You can’t change the conditions in which a goldfish lived before coming into your care, but you can help it live longer by ensuring correct water quality and feeding it a high-quality diet.

4. Filters Aren’t Necessary

Another reason to avoid keeping a goldfish in a bowl. They do, in fact, require filters. They create a lot of waste for their size, and dumping it on the ground might disrupt your aquarium’s cycle, potentially endangering your fish.

It is advised that your goldfish tank include a filter and that you perform weekly 10 percent water changes.

5. Goldfish Are Easy-to-Care-For Pets

As you can see, goldfish require a little more effort than we are taught. They need to be kept in a big, clean tank, with their water changed on a regular basis, and fed the right meals in the right proportions.

They may appear low-maintenance when compared to more advanced fish species like Flowerhorns, but no aquatic pet is maintenance-free. If you do your homework and properly care for your goldfish, you will have the pleasure of seeing your pet develop while also having a friend for many years.