How Long Do Goldfish Live?
- Mar 19, 2021
- Anshika Mishra
- 764 0 0
Before we talk about the lifespan of goldfish, lets us clear the Goldfish myths that all of us have heard at least one time before we become a goldfish owner if not more
- Goldfishes makes great beginner pets
- They naturally have a short lifespan
- Goldfish are easy to care for and can be flushed when they die.
- They do not require as much attention, devotion, or love as other fishes in the hobby.
Beginner Pet
Well, it is not entirely a myth that beginners are a great starter pet, it is not for lack of responsibility or attention, nor is it because they do not live very long or because they do not live very long. They are a good beginner pet choice because they do not require a lot of space which you need for a home a dog or a cat.
But some things must be considered when carrying goldfish. Goldfish can be rather high maintenance if you take proper care of them. They require a larger aquarium, a filtration system, and a good diet just like any other fish in the hobby.
If you provide your goldfish with adequate care, then you are sure to have a goldfish that can live for decades.
How long do goldfish live?
When we discuss the lifespan of a goldfish, we really need to examine the question further. The question should not be about how many years a goldfish can live but how long goldfish lives on average.
The lifespan of an average goldfish
Most people that become goldfish owners without thinking it through are most commonly the same person who ends up flushing their goldfish a few months later. These spontaneous goldfish owners have become such by winning them in a ring toss game at the state fair or made a quick purchase while visiting your local mall.
These owners are then not preparing for their new family members and do not take the time to educate themselves on the subject. The goldfish that unfortunately end up in these homes do not live long are lucky if they make it to five years old.
the truth is that if you follow the basic goldfish care instructions and put a little effort into it, many goldfish will live at least ten years if not longer.
The lifespan a goldfish should experience
Becoming a goldfish owner is clearly a thought-out process. The goldfish have a much better chance at a long and happy life with you. The person who has planned, researched, and prepared themselves for this journey are often the same owners who end up celebrating their goldfish's 15th birthday.
In fact, the oldest recorded goldfish was 43 years of age. The lucky few that live to see this age only do so if their owners care about them and provide what they need.
Do not feel as though you have failed as a goldfish owner if your goldfish kicks the bucket after 10 years or so. If your goldfish does not quite reach his 30's but has at least made it past ten years, you are obviously doing something right.
It is not uncommon for goldfish to pass away around or shortly after the first decade of their life. These goldfish are almost always properly cared for and treated as part of the family. If your goldfish is yet to make it to their 10th birthday, you should examine how you care for them as well as what type of care you are giving them.
How can you keep your goldfish alive for more than a decade?
Aquarium
The first thing you should look at is the size of your aquarium. The aquarium can never be too big for goldfish, regardless of how few you may have in a single tank.
If you decide to provide your one little goldfish with a 75-gallon aquarium, then that goldfish will likely grow enormous and live its long life, happily. However, if you have a 10-gallon aquarium for 3-5 goldfish, then your goldfish will probably be flushed within a few weeks or a few months.
Goldfish need a big tank to give them room to grow, room to swim, and plenty of oxygen for them to take in. So, if you have not purchased an aquarium yet, consider following the rule of thumb:
- A single goldfish required at-least 20-gallon of water.
- Each additional fish adds another 10-gallon to 20-gallons per fish (minimum).
If you already own a goldfish and follow this rule of thumb, then this may not be the reason behind your short-lived goldfish.
Water change
The second thing to look for is whether or not you perform a 30% water change every two-week. If you do not perform a 30% water change every two weeks then this may be a reason contributing factor s goldfish are known to be a messy species of fish.
They require request water changes in order to control the number of waste bacteria and fungus is in the aquarium amongst other potentially harmful things.
If you do perform a regular 30% water change, then examine whether or not you are using regular tap water or if you are using treated tap water. Regular tap water creates a burning sensation for the goldfish and will most definitely shorten their lifespan.
Also, performing regular water tests will help in lengthening your goldfish's life:
- Temperature: 62-75degrees Farehenti
- Nitrate: 0
- pH: 7-7.4
If despite performing all the above tasks your goldfish keeps dying then your fish might be suffering from other issues.
Research of specific breeds
Regardless of the fact that goldfish, in general, are very sweet and docile creatures. The main reason behind the clashes in the tank is the food.
There are certain goldfish breeds that are more able swimmers and therefore they can consume the food before the slower fish even reach the surface.
If the tankmates do not seem to be the issue then maybe the problem is their diet. When they are fed a variety of food in their diet from worms to vegetables and fish flakes they will live longer. Keep track of how much you are feeding your goldfish and how often. Overfeeding and Underfeeding them could also be a contributing factor.
The other reason behind your dying goldfish maybe because illness or parasite of some kind. So your part and do good research for your goldfish before it's too late.
Goldfish can and should live longer than a decade. if you care for them then you will give beautiful fin friends for decades.
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