Goldfish

Carassius auratus

"Fair Choice" Pet Fair Choice

The Goldfish is a domesticated freshwater fish descended from a carp native to eastern Asia. Long valued for their color and beauty, they have been kept as ornamental pond fish for at least a thousand years in China. Today, they are bred for the familiar gold color (the typical Common Goldfish) or for other colors and features (long fins or large eyes). Goldfish are hardy and grow quickly. They can live up to 30 years in captivity, reaching 5 pounds and over a foot long. They tolerate a wide range of water temperatures and even brackish or mildly saline water. They are omnivorous, eating algae, worms, plants, snails and small insects, and the eggs and young of other fish.

Did You Know?

Goldfish can live up to 30 years in captivity, reaching 5 pounds and over a foot long.

Source Sustainability Best Choice

Does the harvest for wildlife trade or captive breeding of this species harm wild populations?

Little Cause for Concern

Goldfish are almost exclusively bred in captivity so the pet trade does not threaten the survival of wild populations.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Only acquire a pet that is from a reputable, USDA-licensed breeder or dealer to ensure that you are not buying an illegally wild-caught and/or imported animal.

Invasion Threat Worst Choice

Does the release or escape of this species into the wild harm the environment and/or economy?

Significant Cause for Concern

Goldfish have established self-sustaining populations outside of their native range in many regions of the world. Non-native wild populations exist throughout North America, South America, Europe, and in many areas of Asia and Australia. Most introductions were either from released pets or discarded baitfish. Because Goldfish are hardy and able to tolerate wide ranges of temperature, food type and water quality, they are often successful invaders.

Non-native Goldfish populations have caused significant environmental harm. They have been linked to decreased water quality and increased toxic algal blooms. They have spread harmful parasites in Australia and caused the decline of rare native amphibians in Europe. Voracious predators on the eggs and young of aquatic animals, Goldfish have reduced populations of native species almost everywhere they have been introduced.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Always keep your Goldfish inside a safe and secure aquarium. Never release a pet into the wild.

Animal Welfare Fair Choice

Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or being kept as a pet harm individual animals?

Some Cause for Concern

Goldfish are relatively easy to breed and keep in captivity. Most breeding facilities are in Asia, so the fish must be shipped to pet stores in North America. In some instances, they are subjected to harsh conditions during transport. Thousands of fish are typically kept together in small bags of water without filtration or oxygenation, for 40 hours or more, subject to variable temperatures in unheated cargo holds. Although better packaging methods designed to protect fish during shipping have been developed, mortality in Goldfish shipments can be high (up to 80%).

PetWatch Recommendation:

Before acquiring a Goldfish, be sure to research its specific care requirements and be prepared to care for this animal for up to 30 years. If possible, purchase a Goldfish that has been domestically bred to reduce the likelihood they have suffered during transport.

Health Threat Fair Choice

Does this animal pose a health risk to native wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?

Some Cause for Concern

Goldfish are known to carry bacteria (Mycobacteria species) that can cause disease in fish and skin infections in humans. Even healthy-looking fish may be infected by these bacteria. People with compromised immune systems are especially susceptible to these skin infections, commonly called “fish-handler’s disease.”

PetWatch Recommendation:

Due to the potential for disease transmission, always wash your hands after handling Goldfish or touching the aquarium water. When purchasing a Goldfish, ask for proof of a clean bill of health and obtain a list of any medical treatments the fish has received.

EcoHealth Alliance works at the intersection of ecosystem, animal and human health through local conservation programs and develops global health solutions to emerging diseases.
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