Well, it can survive, and I agree with Orphan. I think she was trying to make a couple of more bucks. But, she is still kind of right. Because when the goldfish grows up, it will die because the tank is too small. Fully grown goldfish, (depending on their type), grow bigger than you'd expect if properly cared for. (about 12 inches average So when it gets about 3 to 4 inches long, go by a tank of at least 30 gallons, because pretty soon that fishy is gonna get big!