← All fish
Fish profile · Cyprinidae
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
A domesticated freshwater carp developed in China through centuries of selective breeding. Body shapes, fins and colours differ greatly between varieties; adult fish need substantial space and filtration rather than a small bowl.
Last reviewed 26 October 2026 · 5 sources
- Max length
- 48 cm
- IUCN
- LC
- Least Concern
- In Malaysia
- Introduced
- Family
- Cyprinidae
- order Cypriniformes
Category from the IUCN Red List, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0); it may lag the latest Red List assessment.
How big?
Linear scale · hand 18 cm
Up to 48 cm.
Where in Malaysia
6 open-licence records · GBIF
PLSKDHKTNTRGPNGPRKPHGSGRKULPJYNSNMLKJHRLBNSBHSWK
- Recorded (open records)
Recorded in Negeri Sembilan, Pulau Pinang, Perak, and Sarawak. Based on 6 open-licence records on GBIF. Few records can mean few surveys, not few fish.
How to identify
- Colour and body shape vary among domesticated breeds.
- More pointed snout than a crucian carp; young goldfish lack the crucian carp's dark tail-base spot.
- Domestic colours include white, yellow, orange, red, brown and black.
Habitat
- Diet
- Omnivorous; prepared foods can be supplemented with plant material and small invertebrates.
- Native range
- China; ornamental strains have been introduced widely.
Aquarium care
- Minimum tank
- 100 L
- Temperature
- 4–25°C
- pH
- 6–8
- Temperament
- Peaceful
Sources
Last reviewed 26 October 2026