Goldfish, as well as most fish, need a filter. It helps pump oxygen into the water and keeps the tank cleaner for longer. All fish need filters.

Can goldfish live in a bowl without a filter?

A goldfish can live in a bowl without a filter, but not at the optimal quality of life. The bowl with no filter arrangement will likely shorten the goldfish's life. Aquarium experts recommend that you not keep your goldfish in a bowl, but rather a larger, filtered tank.

How long will goldfish live without a filter?

For a goldfish, the answer depends on the size of the tank. It depends on how small it is. When we're discussing the scenarios of an average-sized fishbowl, your goldfish can lack oxygen and meet its death within 12 to 48 hours without an air pump/water filter.