The only goldfish that I know of that had lived for years were the ones that lived in ponds. They do grow to quite a big size. In a goldfish bowl, I don't remember any goldfish which lasted more than a couple of months.
I think for a beginner, a betta would be a good first-time pet. This fish is rather hardy. It doesn't need an aeration system, too. I have seen bettas kept in bottles which came up to the surface now and then to gulp air.
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