Goldfish can be great beginner fish, but they do come with some surprising challenges that many new fishkeepers don’t expect. Let’s break it down:
Why Goldfish Are Great for Beginners:
• Hardy & adaptable – They can survive a wide range of conditions.
• No heater needed – They’re coldwater fish (ideal temp: 65–75°F).
• Friendly and interactive – Goldfish recognize their owners and often beg for food!
• Readily available & affordable – Found in most pet stores.
But… Here’s What Beginners Often Miss:
1. They Get Big!
• Common/comet goldfish grow up to 12 inches+.
• they will stunt in small tank setups and while this may not lead to a death sentence, it can lead to health problems and potentially organ damage.
• Fancy goldfish grow slower but still reach 6–8 inches.
• They need way more space than most think.
2. They Need Big Tanks
• One fancy goldfish needs at least 20 gallons.
• Add 10–20 gallons per additional fish.
• common/comets need 55 gallons and add 30 gallons for each additional comet goldfish.
• Those little bowls? Not even close to big enough.
3. They’re Messy… Very Messy!
• Goldfish poop a LOT.
• They need powerful filtration to keep water clean.
• Poor water quality = fin rot, swim bladder issues, ammonia burn, bacteria or fungal infection and early death.
4. No Tropical Community Tanks
• Goldfish are coldwater/ temperate fish, not tropical.
• They may nip smaller fish and get stressed in warmer temps.
Best Goldfish Types for Beginners:
• Fantail
• Ryukin
• Oranda (Comes with different care requirements)
Oranda care Requirements
1. Wen (Head Growth) – Oranda-Specific
• Orandas have that fleshy growth called a wen on their heads, which makes them more prone to bacterial infections and fungus, especially if water quality isn’t top-notch.
• The wen can also block vision, so they might need extra time at feeding if kept with faster fish like Ryukins.
2. Swimming Ability
• Ryukins are often more agile and faster than both Orandas and Fantails.
• Fantails and Orandas are a bit more delicate/swim slower, so if kept together, watch for food competition.
3. Temperature Range
• All three do well in cooler water (65–75°F / 18–24°C), but Orandas prefer the higher end of that range—warmer temps support wen development and reduce infection risks.
4. Water Quality
• Fancy goldfish in general are messy and need great filtration, but Orandas are especially sensitive to:
• Ammonia spikes
• Unstable temps
• Low oxygen (especially in warm water)
5. Tank Size
• All three grow larger than most people expect, with Orandas and Ryukins pushing 8–12 inches. Fantails tend to stay on the smaller side but still need room.
• Ideal setup: 20 gallons for the first fish, 10–15 more per extra goldie.
• Avoid comets or commons unless you have a pond or a massive tank.
In Summary:
Goldfish are great for beginners if you’re ready to:
• Get a big enough tank
• Use a strong filter (we recommend 20 to 30 gallons over what your tanks is)
• Do regular water changes ( we recommend 30-50% weekly)
• Avoid overcrowding