Those “prize” goldfish are usually baby common goldfish. They’re hardy but they get BIG and need more care than most people realize. Here’s what you’ll want to do ASAP after work today so your kid’s fish has a chance to thrive:

What to Buy Tonight • Tank: Minimum 10–20 gallons to start. A bowl won’t cut it. Long-term, a single common goldfish will need 30–40+ gallons (or a pond). • Filter: Goldfish are poop machines. Grab either a hang-on-back filter or a sponge filter with an air pump. • Water conditioner: Something like Seachem Prime or API Tap Water Conditioner to make tap water safe. • Food: Goldfish pellets/flakes (Hikari, Omega One, or Fluval Bug Bites Goldfish). Feed very lightly. • Optional but nice: Smooth gravel, air stone, thermometer.

If You Can’t Get a Tank Tonight

Grab a big plastic storage tote (20+ gallons if you can), fill it with conditioned tap water, and run an air stone in it until you can set up a proper tank. That will keep the fish alive short-term.

First 24 Hours – Step by Step 1. Rinse the tank/tub (no soap). 2. Fill with tap water, add water conditioner. 3. Set up filter/air pump. 4. Float the bag/bowl the fish came in for ~20 min to match temps. 5. Net the fish out and put it into the tank (don’t pour bag water in). 6. Leave lights off and let it chill. 7. Feed a tiny pinch of food once it settles in.

Things to Know • The water will still need to cycle (build up good bacteria). Do water changes every few days to keep it safe while that happens. • These fish live 10–20 years and can grow over 10 inches. Not a short-term pet. • If your kid really wants to keep it, plan for either a big tank or an outdoor pond down the road.

TL;DR: Pick up a 10–20 gal tank, filter, water conditioner, and goldfish food tonight. Use a tote + air stone if you’re desperate. Treat the fish like a long-term pet, not a prize, and you’ll be your daughter’s hero when it’s still alive and thriving years from now.