I get this question a lot:
“Can goldfish live in a bowl?”
Well, I’m going to shock you by saying this:
Goldfish bowls are not evil.
There. I said it.
Yes, Goldfish CAN Live in a Bowl
You may have been told that fish bowls make terrible homes for goldfish.
There is a nugget of truth to that.
They CAN – but the problem isn’t the bowl, but the poor conditions inside it.
Big tanks can be just as deadly to goldfish with poor living conditions.
So:
There IS a way the bowl can be made into a safe environment.
When set up and maintained properly, your fish can live a long, healthy life – maybe even outliving the family dog.
(And those of you who are 100% anti-fishbowl, please hear me completely out before you give me the heat. I used to be too, but there are two sides to every story. My goal is to give a logical, balanced view of things as best as I can. )
During my experimentation with keeping fish in bowls, I found firsthand it WAS possible to cycle a bowl just like you would a regular tank and keep the ammonia & nitrite at constant 0 with “messy” goldfish.
I’ve also kept 2 goldfish in a 3 gallon planted bowl that were so happy and healthy they even spawned!
And it’s not just me…
… Many other fishkeepers have come to me over the years sharing their fishbowl success stories as well.
Some have lived for decades in them (goldfish, not owners 😛 ).
Get this:
The oldest goldfish on record in recent history (named Tish) actually lived for 45 YEARS in one.
Wow!
Now:
Today I’m going to talk about the RIGHT way to use a bowl for your fish…
… And also how to avoid the problems most people have using them.
Are you ready?
So…
There is a way you can get that little fish to live in an “undersized” bowl for longer than a few weeks.
It actually IS possible to have:
- Sufficient oxygen exchange
- Acceptable water quality
- Enough bacteria to establish a “cycled” state and reduce the need for water changes
Set your bowl up properly to begin with and you can have a pet that brings you enjoyment for years to come!
5 myths people have about bowls:
1. Goldfish Get too Huge to Live in a Bowl
It’s very true:
Goldfish can grow to be really big, given certain genetic factors and living conditions.
But goldfish also have the ability to regulate their growth in a small space.
While a full-grown Common goldfish might get to be 12″ in a pond with tons of fresh water and room to swim…
That same fish won’t get bigger than 3-5″ in a bowl, even after many years (provided the water is not constantly changed).
Such a fish is said to be “stunted.”
(More on exactly what causes stunting later.)
So in a sense, the old saying is true…
…A goldfish CAN grow to the size of its home.
Read More: Do Goldfish Grow to the Size of Their Tank?
2. Bowls are Impossible to Keep Clean
This is a common myth.
When the bowl is equipped with a proper filter or live plants and a substrate that supplies enough surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow, a bowl can house a surprisingly large colony of nitrifying bacteria that keep the parameters within safe levels between water changes.
An undergravel bowl filter also supplies oxygen to the water, preventing anoxia.
Besides all that, plants can be added to help absorb excess nutrients and add oxygen.
They make a great primary or secondary filter.
People who have difficulties keeping bowls clean usually have no filter (while not changing the water enough) and/or are overfeeding.
As long as you follow our guide on setup, keeping your bowl clean for your fish is easier than ever.
It’s also a good idea to go with something like a large plastic goldfish bowl – to help keep the water cleaner and allow for more swimming room.
3. There isn’t enough Oxygen for the Fish to Breathe
It used to be that lots of plants and frequent water changes were the only ways to keep the oxygen levels high enough in a bowl.
(Hint: it still does.)
Modern filtration also helps overcome this problem.
An undergravel bowl filter or power filter creates constant surface agitation and water movement, allowing gas exchange to take place around the clock.
Even with a very small surface area, provided the temperatures are not too warm, a filter is probably the best way to keep the water full of oxygen for your fish (and a few extra plants won’t hurt for an extra boost!).
4. It is Harmful to Stunt a Fish’s Growth
Yes, fish kept in smaller enclosures are often stunted (though not from the enclosure itself, but from the more concentrated growth inhibiting hormones).
The question is…
Is it cruel due to causing harm to the health of the goldfish?
My take on this is no, and I wrote a whole new post about it you can read here.

Credit: Moo teaforthree, Shutterstock
5. Goldfish Won’t Live Long in a Bowl
Given the right care, a goldfish can actually live several decades in a bowl.
Can… and have.
Sadly, most people aren’t told how to set up and care for a goldfish bowl properly, and consequently their fish don’t last more than a year (unless they just happen to get an invincible fish).
The typical range is probably somewhere around 5-10 years.
Their lifespan can even be longer than those who are grown quickly in a larger environment.
Just look at Tish, the oldest documented goldfish in the world.
He made it to 45!
… In a bowl.
6. Bowls are Cruel Because of their Smaller Size
I get it:
Surviving does not always mean thriving.
Obviously, poor care can cause a bowl to become a “torture chamber” for a fish as it remains alive while suffering from oxygen deprivation, ammonia poisoning or stunting.
But the same is true of big tanks.
Now:
Is it just cruel to keep a goldfish in a bowl, regardless of having all of its basic needs met, correct living conditions and behavioral stimulation – just because it’s in something smaller than a tank?
By definition, something that is “cruel” intentionally causes pain, harm or suffering to the animal.
So if it’s true that proper care can make bowls a safe place for goldfish that does not cause them harm – they can’t be considered cruel.
So far, all the arguments I’ve heard aren’t grounded on facts – just that person’s personal opinion and feelings.
Who is really able to determine what constitutes as “too small?”
(Provided the fish has sufficient swimming room to prevent muscle atrophy, of course.)
The term small is subjective, considering…
… Even a 40 gallon aquarium is small in comparison to a lake or river that contains thousands of gallons in the wild (a fish’s natural habitat).
If it comes back to what’s the most natural for the fish, then no goldfish could be kept in captivity!
There’s no doubt about it:
Goldfish keeping takes work.
It requires responsibility, attention and care.
As far as I can see:
That tanks are better than bowls when proper husbandry is implemented still remains an opinion, and not substantiated by fact.
Fish Bowls through History
It’s been done by many goldfish owners in recent times, and even in ancient times – from Japanese goldfish breeders trying to groom their ideal Tosakin, to the Victorians with their “goldfish globes.”
There are even records of goldfish that were kept in bowls living seven years and upwards, while continuing to grow normally.
Without electricity.
Now, if they could do that back then with such success, why can’t we do it now – or even BETTER?
NOW we have the convenience of advancements of filtration technology at our back, which greatly helps to fight against the problem of rapid oxygen depletion and poor water quality – making it less work than ever before.
We have test kits we can use to closely monitor the conditions in the tank.
We have equipment that does most of the work for us – even to the point of feeding our own fish so we don’t have to remember!
They also understood the importance of controlled feeding. Some historical sources recommend twice weekly feeding of a few small earthworms or a few ant eggs once a day. This means a lower ammonia output.
They also changed the water at least once daily.
And the importance of plants was understood – especially important when they didn’t have access to modern filtration methods.
“Hence the reason why we can not keep fish any length of time in an ornamental basin or in any piece of water where there are not vegetables [plants] growing.”
It wasn’t until recent times that fish bowls have become widely socially unacceptable.
This quote from 1898 is interesting:
“We want to say a word in favor of the much abused round fish globes. It is difficult to find any book on the subject which does not condemn these globes, but the leading book on the subject now on the market is published by a manufacturer of square aquariums. It is easy to see why he should hunt for objections to the round globes; the statements in other books on the subject are apparently copied from the first one.” (Source)
The book goes on to caution readers against the abuse of the fish bowl, such as using too small of a bowl (they recommended at least 10″ in diameter).
Problems with Bowls?
So you may have heard some folks saying fish can’t live in bowls, they are sure to die, they get too big, etc.
But others (like me) have NONE of these problems.
I think it usually comes down to one of two things:
- They are just repeating hearsay, what other “gurus” tell them
- They really did try it themselves and their fish died, so they blame the bowl.
Trust me:
People will blame a lot of things when stuff goes wrong with their fish because some problems are hard to diagnose.
Now:
Sometimes it actually is because the bowl became toxic.
But big tanks can also become just as toxic.
So pointing fingers at the container isn’t really fair.
It’s the water INSIDE.
No doubt about it:
Both tanks and bowls need to have the water cleaned regularly or the fish will poison themselves.
But bowls get all the heat because most people don’t put a filter or live plants in their bowl like they would with a big tank.
They’ve been framed 🙁
And if you do things right, it’s actually not hard at all to keep goldfish in a bowl.
Thoughts on Fish Size
As a good general rule of thumb (though by no means a hard-n’-fast rule), the bowl should be 3-4x the length of the fish’s full-grown body to allow for comfortable swimming (the Japanese have used this ratio). A 10-inch bowl is a good starting point.
Some also use the 1 gallon per goldfish rule.
There are exceptions to this, depending largely on the fish’s genetics.’
And starting size.
Of course, many of these fancier breeds are more delicate, making close attention to water quality very important.
But in all reality, most fancy pet store goldfish don’t get that big, even under the best of circumstances.
They are just genetically small.
The fish that show the most potential to get large are separated from their siblings and given special care before being sold to the pet store – they will command a higher price.
Either way, growth depends heavily on husbandry.
Ultimately?
It’s in your hands.
Wrapping it All Up
I hope you found this post insightful.
Want to share your experience or opinion?
Maybe you disagree with me?
Either way, please leave your feedback in the comments below.
Hey Meredith, thanks for sharing such a helpful post. I totally agree with all your arguments. It is really subjective how small is too small. Some people say that it is cruel to keep fish in bowl, but at the same time another can also say that it is cruel to keep fish is a fish tank because its not their habitat!
Good point, Tom! It’s all pretty subjective once you think about it long enough.
So I live in a colder climate. Even indoors. I have always used an aquarium mini heater with thermometer for other fish that I have had. If I were to get a goldfish in a bowl, do they require a certain temperature?? Thanks for any advice!
Bowls are generally best kept on the cool side for multiple reasons. I prefer 65-70F, cooler can also be fine.
Thank you so much for this article. Ones like it are few and far between. I myself PERSONALLY recall having a golfish in a bowl since my earliest childhood memories, until my parents divorced when I was 12. Our goldfish Charlie was colored in such a way that I would have known immediately if he\’d died and been replaced discreetly. My dad took Charlie and our dog Gwendolyn when he moved, so after 2 years I don\’t know their fate, but dad said they were fine.
I now find myself homeless, and was very afraid I\’d have to rehome my black moor, Poe. I looked into bowls, 3 gallon, plants, and a PennPlax small world filter and batter operated pump, all so I can keep Poe in my tent. He\’s all I\’ve got left to love me. And I know he loves me, he will ignore food in favor of giving kisses through the glass, and swimming against my fingers. I don\’t want to kill him by keeping him. This gives me hope! ❤
Thanks for sharing your story Tatiana, I hope Poe remains healthy and happy for you for years to come.
Thank you for this article. My niece won at the fair this evening not only 1 but 5 goldfish. On the way home I stopped at our local Dollar store to buy a bowl and stones, well 2 bowls because they on the small side. I told her this will have to do until we get to a pet store and get a bigger bowl. Well, she was not to found of breaking up her new family of goldfish but we New that one bowl was way to crowded. Now, I am great full to have read this article to now know why back in the day when I brought my son to the fairs the fish didn’t survive very long. So tomorrow I will be out buying an aquarium now hoping to avoid all the tears of years past not know that a bowl isn’t really suitable for multiple fish especially if your not going to clean a tank every day
Glad you found the article helpful, Kimberly, and best to your new fish family!
And you could live in a small room your whole life but you’d be miserable.
Please see this article for my opinion on the topic 🙂
How many times should i change the water in a week? My son won a goldfish at the fall festival several weeks ago. I’ve been changing the water every other day and he is in a large Tupperware bowl. I’m worried about the oxygen because he only has a few rocks in the bowl.
Add an airstone for oxygen 🙂 See this post that touches on water changes in the nano aquarium.
Which live plants can I keep in my goldfish bowl?
And what food can I feed it?
Please tell which water is best for goldfish bowl without filter.
Check out this post about plants and this one for food. Treated tap water is fine.
It’s cruel because they’re bored out of their minds. I am haunted to this day about the poor goldfish who I had living in a small bowl for 5 years. That poor guy or girl deserved a life. Having a tank big enough for them to have multiple spots to hang out in is just so much more fair. Like, a little hut to swim into where it’s darker, even if it just swims back out. We don’t know enough about fish boredom, so I highly recommend erring on the side of caution and giving as much space and environment for your fish as you can within reason. A fish bowl is just lazy and reckless.
Thanks for sharing your opinion Justin, I personally believe bowls (and tanks) should have hides supplied so the fish aren’t kept in a boring environment. Live plants are an excellent way to achieve both hides and cleaner water. 🙂 Interesting environment can be created even on a smaller scale. Changing things up can also be fun.
One of our festival won goldfish Festie…is now 5 years old and in a 30 gallon tank…..Festie is now 6 inches plus with the most beautiful fantail Ive ever seen. Amazing that it must have been in the cheap tank at the pet store and not as you say separated out. I am not against fish bowls although I have never been able to set it up the way you clearly have mastered. Having my goldfish in larger tanks simply works better for me due to time issues since we have lots of other pets as well.
Thanks for sharing your angle, Shephard! We all have to find our own way with goldfish.
Very good points!Helped me feel less bad about having my three goldfish in a 20 gallon as every one online says is abuse :)I have a nice filter and do one large water change once aWeek and they have been doing great for the past 4 years!Thank you!
You’re doing great, 4 years going strong is fantastic!
I was wondering if some goldfish produce more hormones than others?Ive seen goldfish only be around 3 inches yet have lived a few years in a bowl and some that have grown really big in a bowl?Thanks
I believe it has more to do with the water changes removing the GIH than on the individual fish. 🙂
Could I get another goldfish as a companion for my 5 yr. old goldfish. Or would that be more stressful, since he’s always been alone. He is in a 3 gallon bowl now. I will be moving him into a 55 gallon tank soon.
You could, but be sure to quarantine.
i’ve heard that the stunting hormone can’t survive in the water and it’s just in the fish.If this is the why does removing water make your fish grow?
That’s a really good question. I personally believe it does survive in water but know folks who don’t. We don’t have a lot of actual scientific data on the topic. I don’t claim to understand how it all works. At the end of the day what me and other breeders have found is more water changes leads to more growth.
Hi Meredith,
I’m so glad I found this website. I was thinking of getting a small pearl scale, about 1” long to put in my 2.75 gallon tank. The tank has a pump and bio filter.
Would this work? How often would you estimate I need to change the water? More than other fish?
Totally could work. I’ve done higher stocking ratios than that without issue. More water changes are not always necessary, especially with the right setup.
Not a question about bowls, but I\’ve heard that it\’s good to get the biggest tank you can afford, so would this work: 20 gallon long tank; 200 GPH filtration, 25% weekly water change, and An amazon sword, hornwort, and possibly duckweed so that the goldfish won\’t eat my sword. Thanks in advance!
Should, go by water tests 🙂
Hi, I have a goldfish that my son won at a fair in 2006……..I put him in a bowl on my cupboard where he has lived ever since…feed him a pinch of food a day….change his water regularly when it gets green…I have a few pebbles on the bottom…I really didn\’t expect him to live this long…still looking pretty good. I have had some goldfish live up to 7-8 years in the same environment…hope I didn\’t jinx this one! My son is now 30…..what the heck???
Wow that’s insane!! Great job taking care of him that long, he is clearly doing well!