Paw Post · Fish
Goldfish belong in a tank, not a bowl
Goldfish live much longer and grow much bigger than most people think. Cared for properly, they can stay with you for years.
Why not a bowl?
In a small bowl the water gets dirty fast, oxygen runs low and the fish can't grow. Goldfish need a large tank with a filter — at least 100 litres is recommended for a few fish. Give them plants to hide among and space to rest.
Looking after the water
- Chlorine in tap water harms fish, so treat the water with a water conditioner.
- Change about a fifth to a quarter of the water every week.
- Never change all the water at once — you'll lose the helpful bacteria in the tank.
- Extra food dirties the water: give only what the fish can finish in two minutes.
Never release them
Goldfish released into lakes and streams can grow very large, eat the food of native fish and make the water murky. If you can no longer keep your fish, never release it — give it to an aquarium shop or another fish lover.
More from Paw Post
-
Small pets
Rabbits live on hay, not carrots
Rabbits are cute, curious and playful. But some of the things we think we know about them are wrong!
2 min read
-
Small pets
Hamsters: the tiny friends who wake up at night
Hamsters are small, but their needs are big. Let's meet this little night-time digger.
2 min read
-
Reptiles
Tortoises and turtles: a friend who may outlive you
Tortoises and turtles are calm and fascinating, but caring for them is harder than it looks — and lasts for decades.
2 min read