12 Reasons Why Goldfish Are the Best Pets

Written by Nixza Gonzalez
Published: November 30, 2023
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Who says the best pets are dogs or cats? Goldfish are just as lovable and exciting. Follow along to discover 12 reasons why goldfish are the best pets! Keep in mind, though, that goldfish require specific care. They can live long and happy lives in the right tank with the right food. Pets, even small ones like fish, are a big responsibility.

They Are Easy to Maintain

Beautiful Veiltail goldfish in aquarium

Goldfish are low-maintenance pets.

©Julia Vashurina/Shutterstock.com

The first reason why goldfish are the best pets is they are easy to maintain. Unlike dogs, you don’t have to take them for walks. Although goldfish are fairly low-maintenance, it’s important to watch their water levels and the water’s cleanliness.

Goldfish are Beautiful

The Tosakin or curly fantail goldfish is a very distinctive breed of goldfish with a large tail fin that spreads out horizontally (like a fan) behind the fish. shot with blurry background

There are dozens of goldfish varieties. Some come in colors like blue, black, green, and white.

©Sad Agus/Shutterstock.com

Another reason why goldfish are the best pets is they are beautiful! Goldfish come in all kinds of sizes and shapes. Some goldfish are bright orange, while others are multi-colored. They even have different tails. A popular type of goldfish is the fantail goldfish. This variety has a long, majestic double tail and short to medium-long bodies. Because of this, though, they are slow swimmers and are best kept indoors.

They Are Great Listeners

Goldfish communicate, but they aren’t very vocal.

©iStock.com/Sudhakar Bisen

As you can imagine, goldfish are great listeners! You can vent to your adorable bright fish without worrying if the fish will speak up. This is a silly reason but a fun one to think about!

Goldfish Can Be Stress-Relieving

Goldfish

Interacting with fish can improve a person’s mood.

©Yana Art/Shutterstock.com

There is something so peaceful about looking at a fish tank with happy swimming goldfish. Having a goldfish can be a stress reliever in your life. Some studies have found that goldfish can relieve anxiety and fear in hospitalized children. This also goes for adults, though. Other studies have seen a connection between goldfish and human emotions.

However, don’t take this as medical advice. Speak to your doctor if you’re feeling stress and anxiety. Pets aren’t a cure!

You Can Get Creative With Their Aquariums

African Cichlid Fish Tank

Fish tanks are fun to decorate.

©LizWinfreyV, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons - Original / License

Do you need a creative spark in your life? You can have so much fun setting up your goldfish tank. You can play with the lighting, and add plants, stones, and aquarium-safe decorations. Goldfish owners can even theme their aquariums to movies, colors, and more.

Perfect For All Ages

goldfish in aquarium

Goldfish are good pets for all ages.

©Darko Cvetanoski/Shutterstock.com

This reason is a bit tricky. While goldfish are easy pets for all ages, you should never leave a small child alone with the responsibility of caring for a fish. If you have small children, keep the goldfish tank out of the way to prevent accidents.

Quiet Pets

Red Butterfly Moor Goldfish

Goldfish are quiet pets.

©Colin Hui/Shutterstock.com

As adorable as dogs and cats are, not everyone wants a loud or vocal pet. Thankfully, goldfish are quiet. They keep to themselves and don’t make much of a mess. You won’t have to worry about waking up to barking in the middle of the night, maybe just a few quiet splashes.

Food Is Inexpensive

Goldfish swimming in glass bowl with colorful pebbles, opens mouth while eating. Fish food floats on water surface.

Goldfish food is inexpensive, sometimes costing less than $7 for a 7-ounce bottle.

©takopa/Shutterstock.com

Next on our list of reasons why goldfish are the best pets is that their food is inexpensive. Goldfish don’t need to eat a lot and their food can be purchased in most grocery and pet stores. Goldfish themselves are inexpensive. You may be able to purchase one for as low as $0.18, although there is no telling if they are healthy. Food, though, costs around $7 and $10 per 7-ounce bottle. The price can be a little more or less.

Goldfish Are Full of Personality

goldfish tanks

Some goldfish recognize and interact with their owners.

©dien/Shutterstock.com

Ignore the people who say goldfish are dull. These fun fish are full of personality! There have been so many stories of these fish recognizing their owners. If a goldfish is comfortable with you, they may even rub themselves against the tank lightly if you place your finger or hand there. Some goldfish even like to be pet!

You Can Have More Than One

Goldfish in aquarium with green plants

Goldfish can live with other fish.

©satit_srihin/iStock via Getty Images

One of the best parts of owning a goldfish is having more than one! Goldfish make excellent friends. They prefer living with other goldfish. If you do choose to get another goldfish as a companion for your pet, you may need to upgrade the tank size.

Goldfish Add a Pop of Color to Your Home

Panda moor goldfish

The largest goldfish ever caught weighed 67 pounds. The longest pet goldfish ever measured was 18.7 inches long.

©hxdbzxy/Shutterstock.com

Goldfish are pets. They require responsibility and time, but they can also act as a live decoration to your home. Goldfish and their tanks are gorgeous and can easily add a pop of color! Remember, though, they aren’t accessories.

They Are In Your Life for a While

Goldfish commonly Oranda Panda Tricolor in an aquarium with bubbles in the water, Blurred Noise Black Background

The average lifespan of a goldfish is 5 to 12 years.

©Wisnu Bangun Saputro/Shutterstock.com

It’s a misconception that goldfish only live for 2 to 3 years. The average lifespan of a goldfish is 5 to 12 years old. Their lifespan, though, depends on the quality of care and type of fish. As impressive as 12 years sounds, it’s nothing compared to the oldest goldfish ever to live. This record goes to Tish, who lived to be 43 years old.

Summary of The 12 Reasons Why Goldfish Are the Best Pets

#Reason
1Goldfish are easy to maintain.
2They are beautiful.
3Goldfish are great listeners.
4Goldfish can improve your mood.
5You can get creative with their tanks.
6They are perfect for all ages.
7Goldfish aren’t noisy.
8Their food is inexpensive.
9Goldfish are full of personality.
10Goldfish live living with other fish.
11They add a pop of color to your home.
12Goldfish can stay in your life for many years.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Keung/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Nixza Gonzalez is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering topics like travel, geography, plants, and marine animals. She has over six years of experience as a content writer and holds an Associate of Arts Degree. A resident of Florida, Nixza loves spending time outdoors exploring state parks and tending to her container garden.

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