sarasa fish

Question
We recently purchased sarasa fish at our local walmart.
The first one died.  We are on #2.  This one we put into an 2.5 gallon aquarium.  Do we need an algae eater? If so, what type of algae eater?

Answer
Hi Aprile
Sarasa comets have the potential to grow over 12 inches, and live 20+ years when cared for properly.  Unfortunately, that won't happen in a 2.5 gallon tank.  It's usually recommend for goldfish to start out with a minimum of 15-20 gallons, with a single fancy variety of goldfish able to live in a 20-30 gallon tank, comets and commons though should be in at least a 55 gallon, or even better a pond.  
So, either upgrading to a much larger tank like I mentioned, or I would return the fish and consider maybe a betta instead for your 2.5 gallon tank.  No algae eater fish would be suitable for that size tank either.  Even the small oto cats need at least a 10 gallon tank, and that's still difficult to keep them alive in.  Another option though, an apple or mystery snail might work out instead.  

Hope that helps, let me know if you have more questions, and good luck.

Christy