Is it cruel to keep one goldfish alone in a tank?

Question

I have one goldfish in a 50L aquarium. Do you think this is cruel?

Answer 1

no it's not cruel, you're doing the right thing, since you have only about a 10 us gallon tank on your hands, and it will outgrow that tank eventually
http://www.fishlesscycling.com/articles/caring_for_your_goldfish.html



Hope that helps
Good luck


EB

Answer 2

It is cruel, but not for the reasons you think. That tank is far too small for a goldfish. You haven't posted your tank dimensions, but going by the 50 litres, I suspect that a goldfish, given room, could grow to the same size as your tank. How would you like to live in a suitcase? This will stunt the growth of the fish, but it's internal organs will continue to grow, eventually killing it. This is why many goldfish don't seem to last very long as pets, properly cared for they should have a life expectancy of around 30 years.

Even ignoring this information, goldfish are actually very messy fish. They create a lot of waste, to keep the water quality at it's necessary levels in that size tanks you'd probably need to do daily water changes. Perhaps even twice daily.

I'm sorry to be so harsh, but you did ask if it was cruel, and it's better that people start to learn that goldfish simply aren't suitable pets for the vast majority of people who buy a fish tank (or even worse, a bowl). Look at some of the stories listed above. So many people telling stories of how they lost 2 out of 3 goldfish etc - but nobody has bothered to learn why their fish died. They even went and bought more to repeat the process!! They were dying because the tank and care for them was completely unsuitable.

As with all fishkeeping, do some research on the internet, find out what fish you like the sound of (there are many beautiful fish that will fit in your tank), do a bit more research, and then take your goldfish back to the petshop and get something more suitable instead.

Answer 3

They can survive alone so it's not really 'cruel' You haven't room for another anyway.
It's just 'not right' to keep any in such a small tank.
Goldfish contrary to popular belief do not grow to the size of the tank, a gene that controls growth switches off and the outer body growth slows to almost a standstill whilst inner organs carry on growing and squash together in the too small body. A goldfish in the wild can reach 2ft long, in a pond 1ft and in a 4ft tank (which is the minimum length recommended by most experienced fish keeping organisations) they should reach 8 ins. With work and careful attention to water quality you could keep a small group in that sized tank and as most goldfish are sociable they should not be kept alone.

Answer 4

I have exactly the same stories as BlueApple with regard to how my goldies have responded to the loss of a tank/pond mate. As far as I am concerned and from what I have witnessed and experienced, goldfish are extremely social fish and very much need a "partner" and unlike tropicals who like to school in odd numbers, goldfish seem to be better in even numbers. That said, I'm afraid that no matter how lonely your little goldy may seem, you simply do not have any more room to put another goldfish in your little tank. If you are feeling sorry enough for your goldy to want to get him a friend, you are first going to need to invest in at least a 100L tank. Good luck!

Answer 5

Not cruel exactly but let me tell you this story.

For years my parents owned 3 gold fish. Then one became ill and the other 2 seemed to show concern. They kept trying to get it to eat and would nuzzle at it. He eventually died.

Then one of the other 2 died. He stopped eating after the death of the first one which left only one.

The one remaining fish was alone for about 8 weeks during this time he would eat but showed no interest in life at all and would stay motionless in one corner of the tank.

My parents eventually bought 2 new fish. I was there when they put them in the tank. The transformation was remarkable. I swear I saw the expression in his eyes change and he immediately began to show interest and interact with his new friends.

All creatures need company in my view.

Answer 6

Cruel is really harsh of a word. I have 2 fish and they are really happy. Like people, fish don't NEED buddies to survive, but it's important that you get your fish company to make him/her happy.

Bottom line is it's not cruel, but it's not good either. You're a great owner to ask that question :)

But with a 13 gallon tank right now your tank can only support 1 fancy goldie. So as for space he is as happy is a clam but throw in another fish and your looking at an ammonia problem. If you can get a used 30 gallon and you can keep 2 fancy goldish togther!

Answer 7

I have a black tetra. I have had him for about a year. I have had 15 other fish with him but they all died. I had him alone for about 9 months and i have just recently added 3 more black tetras. He seems to be healthier and happier so if i were you, i would get more fish with him. Its not cruel, its just not helping him any.

Answer 8

It is not cruel but it prefers others for company and even show off its finnage and colours.

Answer 9

In the wild most fish hang around in shoals.

My goldfish hang around together! Best of buddies.

Why not get your fish some friends?

<>< ☺ <>< ☺ <>< ☺ <><

Answer 10

No and I answer this because I don't know what goldfish think if they get lonely, those are human traits.

Answer 11

i wouldnt call it cruelty but itll be nice if your fish can have a companion or companions. goldfish are very social and non-aggressive. plus youll enjoy having more than just one goldfish and have a shot at them possibly breeding