Red & White Comet Goldfish 5cm

The Red & White Comet Goldfish is a hardy, active single-tail goldfish known for its streamlined body, long forked tail and striking combination of red-orange and white colouration.

At approximately 5cm, these are young fish with plenty of growing to do. Adult Comets commonly reach around 25–30cm or more, so their long-term space and filtration requirements should be considered before purchase.

Each fish has its own red and white pattern. Some may show a predominantly white body with red patches, while others may carry considerably more red. Product photos should therefore be considered representative rather than an exact indication of the fish supplied.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Carassius auratus
• Common Name: Red & White Comet Goldfish
• Sale Size: Approximately 5cm
• Adult Size: Commonly around 25–30cm or more
• Temperament: Peaceful and active
• Water Type: Freshwater / coldwater to temperate
• Temperature: Approximately 10–24°C
• pH: Approximately 6.0–8.0
• Water Hardness: Approximately 5–19 dGH
• Diet: Omnivore
• Care Level: Easy, provided adequate space and filtration are available
• Breeding: Egg scatterer
• Sex: Unsexed
• Suitable For: Large filtered aquariums and outdoor ponds

Red & White Colouration

Red & White Comets combine a bright white base with red to orange-red markings.

Every fish is naturally different. The amount, position and intensity of the red colour can vary considerably between individuals.

You may receive fish with:

• large red patches over a white body
• predominantly red bodies with white areas
• red head markings
• red and white patterned tails or fins
• different balances of red and white across the body

Colour can also continue to develop as young goldfish mature.

Don't Judge a Comet by Its Current Size

A 5cm Comet Goldfish is still a juvenile.

Comets are large, strong-swimming goldfish that can commonly reach 25–30cm or more when properly cared for.

This means they need considerably more room than their shop size might suggest.

For long-term indoor keeping, a large aquarium around 120cm in length or larger is a much more appropriate starting point than a small goldfish tank. Around 200 litres or more provides considerably better long-term swimming space and water stability, with additional space required for multiple adults.

A well-designed outdoor pond is an excellent long-term home for Comet Goldfish where conditions are suitable.

Strong Filtration Is Important

Goldfish are active feeders and produce a substantial amount of waste.

A Comet Goldfish aquarium should provide:

• strong biological filtration
• good oxygenation
• plenty of open swimming space
• regular partial water changes
• a mature, fully cycled biological filter

Ammonia and nitrite should remain at zero, while nitrate should be controlled through suitable stocking, filtration and regular water changes.

Aquarium Setup

Comets are fast, active swimmers and appreciate open areas where they can move freely.

A suitable setup can include:

• smooth aquarium gravel or sand
• rounded rocks and décor
• hardy aquarium plants
• large open swimming areas
• strong filtration
• good surface movement and oxygenation

Avoid sharp décor that could damage the fish as they swim quickly around the aquarium.

Goldfish may dig through substrate, disturb plants and nibble softer vegetation, so choose plants and décor with their natural behaviour in mind.

Water Conditions

Goldfish are adaptable, but good water quality and stable conditions remain essential.

For aquarium keeping, aim for approximately:

• Temperature: 10–24°C
• pH: 6.0–8.0
• General Hardness: 5–19 dGH

Comets generally do not require tropical aquarium temperatures. In many Australian indoor setups, a heater is unnecessary provided the aquarium remains within a suitable and reasonably stable temperature range.

Avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH or water chemistry.

Ideal for Outdoor Ponds

Red & White Comets are particularly well suited to outdoor ponds because their streamlined body and powerful swimming ability allow them to make good use of larger water volumes.

A suitable pond should provide:

• adequate depth and swimming space
• good filtration
• strong oxygenation
• some shaded or sheltered areas
• protection from predators where necessary

Always plan pond stocking around the eventual adult size of the fish rather than their juvenile sale size.

Tank Mates

Comets are peaceful but fast and enthusiastic feeders.

They are generally best kept with other robust single-tail goldfish of similar size and swimming ability, such as:

• other Comet Goldfish
• Common Goldfish
• Shubunkins
• other compatible coldwater fish where their requirements are appropriate

It is generally better to avoid mixing fast single-tail Comets with slower fancy goldfish such as Ranchu, Black Moors and some Orandas.

Comets can reach food much faster and may leave slower fancy varieties struggling to compete.

Very small fish may also eventually be eaten if they can fit into an adult goldfish's mouth.

Feeding Red & White Comets

Comet Goldfish are omnivorous and benefit from a varied diet formulated for goldfish.

A balanced feeding routine can include:

• quality goldfish pellets
• goldfish flakes
• vegetable-based foods
• occasional suitable frozen foods
• blanched vegetables as part of a varied diet

Feed controlled portions rather than large amounts at once. Uneaten food quickly contributes to poor water quality.

Comet Goldfish vs Fancy Goldfish

Comets have a streamlined body and a single, deeply forked tail. They are strong and fast swimmers.

Fancy goldfish such as Ranchu, Orandas and Black Moors have been selectively bred for more rounded bodies, specialised fins or other features that usually make them slower swimmers.

Because of this difference, keeping Comets primarily with other single-tail goldfish generally makes feeding and long-term care easier.

Browse our Goldfish range to compare other available varieties.

Are Comet Goldfish Suitable for Beginners?

Yes. Comets are hardy fish and can be a good choice for beginners who have enough space for them.

The main challenge is not difficult husbandry — it is providing enough water volume, swimming space and filtration as the fish grow.

A small bowl or undersized aquarium is not an appropriate long-term home for a Comet Goldfish.

Arrive Alive Guarantee

We carefully pack our live fish for transport and back eligible orders with our Arrive Alive Guarantee.

If a fish arrives deceased, please contact us within 2 hours of delivery with your order details and clear photos of the affected fish. Once the claim has been verified, an applicable refund or store credit will be provided for the affected fish.

For full claim requirements, shipping conditions and exclusions, please read our Arrive Alive Guarantee & DOA Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Red & White Comet Goldfish grow?

Comet Goldfish commonly reach around 25–30cm or more when mature. The fish offered here at approximately 5cm are still juveniles.

Will every Red & White Comet look the same?

No. The amount and placement of red and white colouration naturally varies between individual fish, so product photos should be considered representative.

Can Comet Goldfish live in a bowl?

No. Comets are large, active fish that require substantial swimming space, strong filtration and good oxygenation.

Do Comet Goldfish need a heater?

Usually not. Comets are coldwater to temperate fish and generally do not require tropical temperatures, provided the water remains within an appropriate and stable range.

Can Red & White Comets live in a pond?

Yes. Comets are particularly well suited to appropriately designed outdoor ponds with plenty of swimming space, filtration and oxygenation.

Can Comets live with fancy goldfish?

It is generally better to keep fast single-tail Comets with fish of similar swimming ability because they can out-compete slower fancy goldfish for food.

Are Comet Goldfish suitable for beginners?

Yes, provided their adult size and filtration requirements are properly planned for. Their hardiness does not make them suitable for bowls or small aquariums.

How long can Comet Goldfish live?

Goldfish are long-lived fish and can live well beyond 10 years when provided with appropriate space, nutrition and excellent water quality.

Live fish naturally vary in colour, markings, finnage and size. The stated 5cm sale size is approximate and product photos should be considered representative of the red and white colour variety.