Calico Goldfish Care: Temperature, Water Changes, and Salt

A new owner of two calico goldfish in a 10-gallon tank asks about ideal temperature and maintenance.

Ideal Temperature Range

Goldfish prefer 65–75°F. Fantails thrive at 75°F; single-tailed varieties (shubunkins) at 70°F. They survive 33–90°F but stress above 80°F due to low oxygen.

Weekly Maintenance Routine

• 50% water change with gravel vacuuming.
• Add dechlorinator and aquarium salt (1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of changed water).
• Monitor filtration and aeration.

Identify your fish: calico fantails have double tails; shubunkins have single tails. Care differs slightly. See goldfish care guide.