Add another or go solo?

[time4mercy]

I have a single "feeder" goldfish (about 2" long) in a 5 gal tank. When I inherited the fish from a departing coworker, it was in a 1 gal, so this is a big improvement for him.

He has been alone for a couple of years. Seems very happy, healthy, and energetic. However, now that he is in a larger tank, people are commenting on his solitary status and some are quite upset on his behalf. (These are "non-aquarium savvy" folks, BTW.)

I don't have a problem with getting him a "friend", but would like to know if it's a good idea. I have freshwater tropicals at home, but don't know much about goldfish psych - would he be happy to see another fish, or would it be a possible declaration of war? Is he better off with the status quo?

There is also the issue of tank size. Until I got the 5 gal, there was no way I was adding another fish. Even 5 gal isn't that big. (BTW, it's an All-Glass Mini Bow with a Whisper filter).

Any thoughts? If I were to get a second fish, it would be another "feeder" (hate that) of similar size. What would be best for Zorro D. Fish?

All opinions much appreciated.

 

[Ms.Bubbles]

Definitely do not add another fish to your tank.

Goldfish need about 15-20 gallons EACH--5 gallons is really too small for even 1 fish, and could cause stunting and various other health problems.
You need to get yourself a bigger tank for the one you've got. If you want to have a friend for your goldie, you will need at least a 30 gallon tank.

 

[Dangerdoll]

Being that this fish is at the very least, a couple of years old.... I would go as far to say that this fish is already stunted irrepairably.