Top 10 Facts About Goldfish

One of the most common fish in the fish community is the goldfish, and there's a lot more to them than most really think. They are by far one of my favorites and are actually pretty cute.

The Top Ten

Goldfish do not have stomachs

Goldfish digestive systems include their mouths, pharynx, esophagus, intestines, and rectum, but they do not have a stomach. Instead of a stomach, they have an intestinal bulb that acts as a replacement.
Goldfish can have very long life spans

Depending on their environment, a typical goldfish can live up to 10 to 15 years. With good care and responsibility, they can potentially live for 20 years or even longer, with some living up to 40 to 50 years.
Goldfish were once considered the perfect first-anniversary gift

This was a tradition in some parts of Western Europe around the 17th century. Many cultures, including the Japanese, saw goldfish as symbols of good luck.
Goldfish were President Cleveland's favorite fish

He and his wife were both animal lovers. They loved goldfish so much that they imported them from Japan and kept them in ponds at the White House.
Goldfish can be valuable

Goldfish have been known to sell for as little as $5 at carnivals and pet stores. Fancy goldfish from breeders can range from $50 to around $350.
The largest goldfish ever recorded was as large as a house cat
Goldfish have teeth

Their teeth are called "pharyngeal" and are not in the mouth but found in the back of their throats. They help the fish grind up food before swallowing, similar to how humans use their teeth. Like humans, goldfish will lose teeth and regrow them.
Goldfish make noises

You might hear your goldfish make popping noises at the surface. This can be a sign of low oxygen levels or poor water quality, or simply a fish doing this to get a person's attention.
Goldfish are intelligent

The saying that goldfish only have a short memory is a myth, and they are actually quite smart. These colorful creatures have a memory that lasts for many months, and they are even able to recognize their owner's face.
Goldfish scales can indicate their age

Just like trees, goldfish scales develop a new ring each year. You can count these rings to determine the age of your fish.