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Matthew28

(1,948 posts)
4. No, it's not a tropical fish. It's a coldwater/temperate fish
Sun Jun 21, 2026, 03:48 AM
Jun 21

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!

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

I think this fish is the solution. Matthew28 Jun 21 #1
Is this a tropical fish? Emile Jun 21 #2
It's a fancy goldfish, most likely a Ranchu Matthew28 Jun 21 #3
No, it's not a tropical fish. It's a coldwater/temperate fish Matthew28 Jun 21 #4
Thanks for the information. Thinking that would be a great way Emile Jun 21 #8
An Ozone Infusion Pump can clear lakes and will not harm waterfoul. If done right, it will protect them from pathogens. TheBlackAdder Jun 21 #5
But the water will still be full of orthoclad Jun 21 #11
The pump needs to run 24x7, while robotic bottom skimmers clean the organic material that settles. TheBlackAdder Jun 21 #16
I thought that was what they were using... LeftInTX Jun 23 #18
Let's just throw Trump in and let him suck it up Grim Chieftain Jun 21 #6
Add his DOJ lawyers for help. multigraincracker Jun 21 #7
Only if it's a shitless fish. A complete ecosystem is required OR chemical sterilization. Maru Kitteh Jun 21 #9
Yes. It's an ecosystem, not a swimming pool. orthoclad Jun 21 #13
Invasive species. They would colonize the Potomac, orthoclad Jun 21 #10
catfish are native, they can use those (I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't part of the pool already) LeftInTX Jun 23 #17
In the US, native catfish are predators rather than algae eaters jmowreader Jun 23 #19
I recommend that they fill it with pirhanas malaise Jun 21 #12
And snakeheads orthoclad Jun 21 #14
Bwaaaah malaise Jun 21 #15
It's going to take a lot more than a thousand of them jmowreader Jun 23 #20
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