How long do goldfish live? This is a question that generates different answers depending on the manner in which a goldfish is looked after. The oldest known goldfish lived for 43 years. However, majority of goldfish are often unable to attain such an age due to harsh environmental conditions. On average, a goldfish lives for between 20 and 25 years.

Many people ask: how long do goldfish live when proper care is given? In fact, a goldfish that has been protected from predators and offered the best diet and care lives for up to 20 years above the average life expectancy.

In order for your goldfish to enjoy natural-like environment, the tank where it resides should be as large as possible. One fish should occupy some 40 liters of space where it can move freely without encountering any threats. A tank with a large surface area ensures that the tank gets enough oxygen. As more oxygen is exposed to large water surface area, much of it finds its way into the water and is therefore easily accessible to goldfish.

The tank where you intend to put the goldfish needs to be set up prior to purchasing the fish. This way, enough bacteria that are good will have found their way into the tank. The main advantage of these bacteria is that they help in breaking down the wastes that are produced by the goldfish. A fishless cycle has to be completed if the threat of ammonia poisoning is to be avoided.

What factors favor the quality of life of goldfish? How long do goldfish live when all these factors are in place? These are very critical questions to conservationists. Goldfish require physical and mental stimulation. The tank should be decorated gravel, plants and bridges. In this case, we are talking about goldfish that are in captivity. With proper care, these fish live for forty years. In their natural habitat, the ideal conditions might not easily come by and therefore goldfish tend to have a lifespan of between 25 and 30 years.

When in captivity, goldfish require a filter since these creatures are quite messy by nature. However, this is not to mean that you should not clean your tank. The filter only ensures that a small tank does not become deadly with dirt after only one day of habitation. Ensure that you change 30 per cent of all water in the pond in order for goldfish to live for the longest time.