What size tank does a fancy goldfish need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Carassius auratus.
How many fancy goldfish in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if fancy goldfish are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many fancy goldfish |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | 1 |
| 40 gallon breeder | 1 |
| 55 gallon | up to 2 |
| 75 gallon | up to 3 |
| 125 gallon | up to 6 |
Check fancy goldfish against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Plan 30 gal (114 L) for the first and 10–20 gal (38–76 L) for each extra. No heater needed in a normal room.
- Its long fins are a target. Avoid fin-nippers such as tiger barbs and serpae tetras.
Tank mates for fancy goldfish
Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish. They need cooler water than tropical fish, they eat anything that fits in their mouth, and slow fancies lose the race for food against faster fish.
Can fancy goldfish live with...
- bettas
- guppies
- neon tetras
- angelfish
- bronze corydoras
- mollies
- platies
- tiger barbs
- dwarf gouramis
- cherry shrimp
- oscars
- zebra danios
- bristlenose plecos
Questions and answers
What size tank does a fancy goldfish need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many fancy goldfish should be kept together?
One is fine. A fancy goldfish does not need company, though a large enough tank can hold more than one.
Can fancy goldfish live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Fancy goldfish needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters), and grows to 6 in (15 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.
What temperature do fancy goldfish need?
64–73 °F (18–23 °C), with a pH of 7–8.4. In a normal room that usually means no heater.
Can fancy goldfish live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.