http://gold.fish-tropical.net en-us http://gold.fish-tropical.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4 Goldfish do have the potential to grow quite large. Straight-tailed varieties have been recorded to grow around 15 inches (40 cm), however, most specimens will not reach these sizes! The growth rate of goldfish is variable, and their final size dependent on the conditions in which they are kept. http://gold.fish-tropical.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3 http://gold.fish-tropical.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2 The fish are unable to maintain an upright position when still and may float head-down, on their side, or upside down. The fish may sit on the bottom of the aquarium and struggle to swim to the surface, or may hang at the surface and be unable to swim down. Weakness and lethargy and a resulting loss of balance can also be caused if the fish is ill with another disease, so check for other symptoms. http://gold.fish-tropical.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1 Raising Goldfish is really not that difficult. However it does take a little understanding to be successful. First lesson is DO NOT keep goldfish in those so-called Goldfish bowls. You can raise Bettas in them but not Goldfish (Carassius auratus). Keep them in large aquariums, the larger the better.