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Global Animal Guide

Goldfish: Key Facts

Bright orange goldfish swimming in clear aquarium water

Quick answer

Goldfishs (Carassius auratus) are fishs found across Asia, Europe, North America. The world's most popular pet fish. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.3 kg (1 lb), reach speeds of Slow; a gentle cruiser, and live 10–15 years, sometimes 20+. They feed on omnivore and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Domesticated from wild carp in East Asia and now kept in ponds and aquariums worldwide.

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Key takeaway

Goldfishs (Carassius auratus) are fishs found across Asia, Europe, North America. The world's most popular pet fish. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.3 kg (1 lb), reach speeds of Slow; a gentle cruiser, and live 10–15 years, sometimes 20+. They feed on omnivore and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Domesticated from wild carp in East Asia and now kept in ponds and aquariums worldwide.

Goldfish overview

Goldfish (Carassius auratus) is a fish listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.3 kg; lifespan around 10–15 years, sometimes 20+.

Goldfish ecology

Diet: Omnivore. Habitat: Freshwater ponds and aquariums. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.

Goldfishs and people

Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild goldfishs are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.

Status and further reading

Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Goldfish profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.

Range and habitat

Goldfish inhabit Domesticated from wild carp in East Asia and now kept in ponds and aquariums worldwide. Their preferred habitat includes freshwater ponds and aquariums, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across Asia, Europe, North Ameri

Physical characteristics and behaviour

Adult goldfish typically measure about 0.18 m in length and weigh roughly 0.3 kg (1 lb). They can sprint at Slow; a gentle cruiser when hunting or escaping predators. Goldfishs are known for the world's most popular pet fish — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.

Sources

Goldfish FAQs

What are key facts about goldfishs?

Goldfishs (Carassius auratus) are fishs found across Asia, Europe, North America. The world's most popular pet fish. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.3 kg (1 lb), reach speeds of Slow; a gentle cruiser, and live 10–15 years, sometimes 20+. They feed on omnivore and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Domesticated from wild carp in East Asia and now kept in ponds and aquariums worldwide.

What is the scientific name of the goldfish?

Carassius auratus — used in research and conservation listings for goldfishs.

What do goldfishs eat?

Goldfishs are described as omnivores, with seasonal and regional variation in Freshwater ponds and aquariums.

Where do goldfishs live?

They are associated with Freshwater ponds and aquariums. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.

What is the conservation status of goldfishs?

Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.

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