How old do goldfish get?

Those who have a beautiful natural garden often want a small pond, a water oasis for animals and plants. Goldfish, Carassius auratus, are excellent choices for livening up the pond. They are considered undemanding and enchant people with their blaze of color. They are also popular as aquarium fish and are often bought as the first pet for children. But how long do goldfish actually live? What does life expectancy depend on?

goldfish

Goldfish have fascinated people for centuries with their beautiful shapes and unique colors. They have a calming effect on people. This is another reason for their popularity as a fish in the aquarium or in the garden pond.
The goldfish is a freshwater fish. It belongs to the carp family and comes from China. It can be kept in the aquarium or in the garden pond. The best-known types of goldfish are the comet's tail and the Sarasa.

Note: Did you know that the goldfish was the first known domestic animal that was kept by humans for no economic benefit?

Life expectancy

How old goldfish get depends on many factors. There are specimens that have reached the age of 40 years. The average life expectancy of the animals is 25 years.

Appropriate keeping is decisive for the age of the fish. Unfortunately, they die through Posture faults often after just a few weeks or months. For the old age of the fish it is necessary to adhere to the following conditions:

Water quality

If you want to keep goldfish in the garden pond, the water should meet the following characteristics:

• pH value: 7 to 8
• Ammonium content: less than 0.1 milligrams per liter
• Nitrite content: less than 0.1 milligrams per liter
• Nitrate content: less than 25 milligrams per liter
• Carbon dioxide content: less than 20 milligrams per liter
• Hardness: 12 to 18

In order to ensure compliance with these values, the control with one helps Water test from the specialist trade. Alternatively, you can have the water quality checked in a laboratory.

Water temperature

The temperature of the water should be between 4 ° C and 30 ° C. Water temperatures between 28 ° C and 24 ° C in summer and between 6 ° C and 14 ° C in winter are ideal.
Note that special cultivated forms are more sensitive and warmth-loving than the common goldfish. Pond heating is required in winter when keeping exotic specimens.

Pond size

The size of the goldfish determines their water or Required space in the pond. A guideline for keeping common types of goldfish is: a maximum of five animals per 1000 liters of water. The pond should be at least one meter deep.

Note: When calculating the space required, note that the fish move quickly multiply. The number doubles in no time.

Pond design

In order to reach a high age, the fish need a habitat that comes as close as possible to the conditions in a natural pond. Basically, the maintenance of larger ponds is easier than the maintenance small ponds.
In large garden ponds, the water quality remains stable for a long time. If you have enough space on the property, make the goldfish pond as larger as possible. Prefer a location in the shade. The fish do not tolerate the blazing sun well. You need gravel or Pond soil on the bottom as well as sufficient aquatic plants.

Lining

If your garden pond is planted with enough water plants, the fish do not need a daily feed. The more natural your pond is, the less feed is required. Small organisms quickly settle in the near-natural pond and serve as food.

Otherwise, use food from specialist retailers and dose it exactly as indicated in the feeding instructions. It is advisable to feed smaller amounts. Observe the food consumption and give food again every few minutes if necessary. Make sure to avoid leaving food left over. Leftover food affects the quality of the water and the fish.

Water filter

Keeping goldfish requires a pond water filter. This makes maintenance easier and reduces soiling. Falling leaves still have to be removed manually.

Protection from other animals

Goldfish in the garden pond are endangered by cats, raccoons and gray herons. It may be necessary to protect the pond with pond nets.

wintering

The has a great influence on the life expectancy of the fish wintering. The garden pond must have a minimum depth of one meter for the wintering to work. Make sure that the pond surface must not freeze over. If necessary, protect the goldfish pond with styrofoam sheets. Switch off the water filter in winter.

Note: The hibernation in the garden pond increases the vitality of the fish.
If you follow these instructions, you will enjoy the colorful fish for a long time. Goldfish can reach an age of up to 40 years.