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Matthew28

(1,926 posts)
4. No, it's not a tropical fish. It's a coldwater/temperate fish
Sun Jun 21, 2026, 03:48 AM
10 hrs ago

No, it's not a tropical fish. It's a coldwater/temperate fish (specifically a fancy goldfish variety like Ranchu or Oranda).Why it's not tropical:Temperature preferences: Fancy goldfish like Ranchus and Orandas do best in cooler water, typically 65–74°F (18–23°C). They can tolerate a wider range (down to near-freezing in ponds or up to the mid-80s°F briefly), but long-term tropical heat (75–82°F / 24–28°C, standard for tropical fish) stresses them, speeds up metabolism, shortens lifespan, and increases risks like swim bladder issues or organ strain.

aqueon.com

Origins: Goldfish (Carassius auratus) come from temperate East Asia. While some modern breeders (e.g., in Thailand) raise them in warmer conditions, they are still classified as coldwater fish, not true tropicals.

jimmygoldfish.com

Comparison to tropical fish: Tropical species (like tetras, bettas, or most cichlids) need consistently warm, heated water and often come from equatorial regions. Goldfish thrive in unheated indoor tanks or outdoor ponds that experience seasonal changes.

In the video, this guy is happily eating algae in what looks like a large pond setup—perfect for its hardy, coldwater nature. If you're thinking of keeping one, avoid mixing it with true tropical fish due to mismatched needs. Let me know if you have care questions!

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