While goldfish can survive in cramped conditions, it's not good for them. To live to their full lifespan and size (they can reach 45 cm) they need properly aerated, treated and filtered water.
Myth 2: Goldfish only live for a couple of years
The average lifespan of a captive goldfish is 5 to 10 years, and if they're carefully looked after they can live well into their 30s and 40s.
Myth 3: Each variety of goldfish is a different species
All goldfish are the same species, Carassius auratus, a type of carp originally from East Asia that's been selectively bred for hundreds of years.
