Goldfish Care Guide: Tank Setup and Aquarium Mates – 2021

 

About Goldfish

 

The Goldfish is a freshwater fish that is native to East Asia and has been developed as an ornamental fish for gardens and aquariums. It belongs to the Cyprinidae family and the Goldfish scientific name is Carassius Auratus. The Goldfish has been reared and bred for centuries in China and Japan resulting in a variety of forms and color.

 

Over centuries different species of the Asian Carp have been bred as fish food in Eastern Asia. The Asian Carp was either grey or silver but due to some mutation a few were produced as red, yellow or orange.

 

History shows that during the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 AD) the ordinary carp was bred and reared as ornamental or garden fish. These varieties underwent natural mutation resulting in yellowish orange color. This led to selective breeding of this variety for gardens and ponds.

 

With the advent of the Song Dynasty (960 to 1279 AD) the breeding of Goldfish was firmly established and the gold or the Goldfish yellow ones were considered to be fit for royalty and people outside the imperial family were forbidden to keep them.

 

The Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644 AD) brought about the tradition of raising the fish indoors and it was during this time that the first occurrence of the fantail was recorded.

 

It was introduced in Japan in 1603 and 1611 this colorful fish reached Portugal and from there to other parts of Europe. By the 1620s It became associated with good fortune and it became a tradition to gift Goldfish to each other.

 

As the fish became more easily available they lost their good luck charm status but they definitely became one of the most popular pet or ornamental fish the world over.

 

Fish lovers started to breed them with other fish such as koi to produce different types of Goldfish koi hybrids and resulting in hundreds of breeds of Goldfish being around today.

 

The appearance of the fish has been one of its most outstanding reasons for its popularity.

 

There are over 300 varieties of Goldfish available worldwide and most have very distinctive features and characteristics.

 

In olden days people found them so pretty that they refrained from eating them. They are easy to care for and make great first pets for many.

 

The Common Goldfish is a great choice for beginners as they are sturdy and need less efforts to maintain.

 

The Fancy ones like the Fantail or Telescope Eyes may need a little more devotion to maintenance but they are still much easier than other pets.

 

Category	Rating
Level of Care	Easy to Medium
Temperament	Generally peaceful
Appearance	Varied appearance
Life Expectancy	Lifespan of over 5 years
Size	2 inches to 18 inches
Diet	Omnivorous species
Family	Cyprinidae
Tank Size	20-30 gallons
Tank Environment	Generally cold freshwater with greenery
Tank Mates	Peaceful with similar-sized species

 

 

Goldfish Appearance

 

 

Goldfish Colors

 

Fish come in many colors and color combinations. But it is rarely found in gold. Their colors range from orange to red to black to white and several combinations of these colors.

 

The difference in color is also dependent on the scale type. Scale types include metallic, common nacreous or calico and matt.

 

The most common Goldfish color is orange or red.

 

Goldfish Body Shape

 

They have three basic body shapes:-

 

1. Long and streamlined with single caudal fins. Examples include Shubunkins and Comets.
2. Rounded, deep and short bodies with twin caudal fins. Examples include Black Moors, Veiltails and Orandas
3. Rounded, short and less rounded bodies with no dorsal fins. Examples include Lionhead, Celestials, Telescope Eyes, Bubble Eyes.

 

Goldfish Fins

 

They have three basic fin types:-

1. Single Caudal Fins – The only single finned varieties are Comets, Shubunkins – Bristol, London and American, Common Goldfish.
2. Twin Caudal Fins – These types have twin caudal fins with dorsal fins. Finest examples are Fantails, Butterfly, Veiltails, etc.
3. Twin Caudal Fins without Dorsal Fins – These do not have dorsal fins and include types like the Bubble Eye and Celestial Eye Goldfish.

 

Goldfish Eyes

 

Another differentiating feature of the Goldfish is the eyes. The four basic Eye types are:-

 

1. Normal
2. Upward facing such as the Celestial’s Goldfish eyes
3. Goldfish with bulging eyes the kind that Moors have
4. Fluid sacs under the eyes – These are Goldfish with big eyes like the Bubble eye Goldfish.

 

An important fact to remember is not to mix Goldfish with normal eyes with the other eye types. The ones with the  normal eyes will get to the food faster than the upward facing ones or the telescopic eye types. This will result in lack of nutrition in the other eye type Goldfish.

 

Classification of Goldfish

 

Classification of the Goldfish has been done in two different ways – The Chinese Classification and the Western Classification.

 

Goldfish Chinese Classification

 

Chinese classification has been categorized into 4 types:-

 

The Egg – These have rounded bodies with no dorsal fins. The Lionhead falls under this category.

 

The Dragon Eye – These types feature distinct eye formations that are protruding or extended. Finest examples are Telescope Eyes, Celestial Eyes, Bubble Eyes, etc.

 

Wen – These are with a fancy tail and dorsal fins. They have a characteristic head growth. The best examples are Orandas and Lionhead.

 

Ce or Grass – These are the non-fancy types of Goldfish and are usually given out in fairs as prizes or gifts.

 

There is another classification of Goldfish known as the Wakin and Jikins which includes types that have double tails but the shape of their bodies is like the Comet Goldfish.

 

Western Classification of the Goldfish

 

The Western Classification of Goldfish are based on their body types, their tails, sturdiness and availability.

 

The Common Goldfish – These are hardy and great for beginners. They can be kept in outdoor ponds as well as aquariums. Comets and Shubunkins fall under the Common variety of fish

 

Fancy Goldfish – These feature double tails or extended eyes or head growths. They have special features and some may be far too delicate to be kept outdoors.

 

Single tailed Goldfish – These are sturdy and easy to care for. Can be kept both indoors and outdoors. The Comet, Shubunkins, Nymph and Tamasaba  are the best examples of this type.

 

Double Tailed Goldfish – These have double tails accompanied by specific physical traits such as protruding eyes or special head growths or egg-shaped or rounded bodies, etc. Double tailed  include Fantail, Veiltail, Orandas, Celestial Eyes, Lionhead, Ryukin, Butterfly tail and several more.

 

Rare Varieties – These are relatively new types of Goldfish or those that are found only in specific places. The Izumo Nankin is one such example. This kind is  found only in Japan and rarely seen in the west.

 

 

How many types of goldfish are there?

 

 We have Almost 300 varieties of goldfish but out of 300 their are 24 most popular goldfish which are best for aquariums. If you want to know more about them Click Here

 

Types of goldfish suited for pond

 

1. Lionhead
2. Ranchu
3. Oranda
4. Wakin

 

Goldfish Temperament

 

 

They are mostly peaceful creates that live by the mantra’ live and let live’. However, fish do have unique personality traits that vary from one fish to another – there is no one size fits all rule here. You will soon learn over time that some are more active than others and their habits.

 

They spend most of their time hanging around the middle portion of the tank, use this as a guiding principle when selecting other tank mates.

 

They aren’t fast swimmers, which means they don’t have the speed needed to chase other fish or escape their harassers. Make sure you keep them separate from aggressive species because they won’t be able to defend themselves.

 

The only times your fish will become ‘adventurous’ in the tank is during breeding and feeding. During breeding, males will try to impress females, and at feeding times, they’ll race to get the food before their brethren.

 

 

 

Goldfish Habitat – Where do Goldfish live?

 

The Goldfish natural habitat is slow-moving freshwater and they seem to thrive in slightly muddy water. Their original ancestors, the Prussian carp, lived in the freshwaters of northern Asia.

 

They are a hardy species and can survive temperature fluctuations, pH level changes, low oxygen supply and even muddy or cloudy water. For this reason, these colorful, ornamental fish survive well in man made ponds.

 

However, with all the breeding activities and the evolution of various fancy types of fish some have become a little too delicate for ponds.

 

Fancy varieties such as the Bubble Eye, Celestial Eye, the Lionhead, Veiltail, etc are far too delicate to survive in ponds. They are the best Goldfish for aquariums and they thrive in well-maintained tanks or aquariums with specific aquascape conditions.

 

Indoor Goldfish Tanks or Aquariums

 

Keeping Goldfish in aquariums has been practiced for centuries. These colorful, ornamental fish are cold water fish and can live comfortably in unheated tanks or aquariums.

 

However, the image of a Goldfish in a bowl has been quite prominent and it definitely gives the wrong impression for beginners on keeping these creatures as pets.

 

Goldfish bowls are definitely not an option when it comes to giving your fish a home. A long and rectangular shallow tank is much better than a deep or tall one for better water to oxygen ratio.

 

Setting up your Goldfish aquarium is an important aspect of Goldfish keeping. You have to put it in the right place where there is good natural light but not too much of it.

 

If your tank is kept in a place that is too dark then your fish will not get enough light and their colors will fade.

 

Decorations, plants and other accessories are good for the fish and it enhances the look and feel of the tank.

 

Wash the substrate in tap water before you spread them in the tank. If you are adding plants to your tank rinse them in tap water too before placing them inside. Plants can be live or fake however live plants can also be good sources of food for your Goldfish.

 

Be careful with your decorations and avoid using those with sharp edges or abrasive ones. This is particularly essential if you have Bubble Eyes, Celestial Eyes and Telescope Goldfish. The sharp edges may tear the delicate eyes of these fish.

 

 Thrive well in aquariums and adjust to a wide range of temperature. The ideal Goldfish water temperature range for an indoor tank is between 68°F to 75°C. The ideal pH level of the water should be 7.0 to 7.4

 

The Goldfish tank size should be determined based on the number of fish you intend to keep and the size of the fish. Ideally one gallon of water per inch is the benchmark for most Goldfish tank size.

 

An adult Common or Comet or Shubunkins will need a minimum 20 gallons per fish while a Fancy like a  Fantail or Oranda will need a minimum of 10 gallons per adult fish.

 

All types of Goldfish can be kept in the aquarium from common to fancy to rare. The important thing to keep in mind is that they should be similar in character and behavior.

 

Ponds or outdoor water bodies

 

fish are quite popular as pond or outdoor fish due to their colors and ability to survive the fluctuating temperatures outdoors.

 

Some types can even survive in ponds in freezing temperatures provided the pond is not completely frozen and there is still enough oxygen in the water.

 

The Common Goldfish, Shubunkins (London and Bristol), Comets, Wakins Jinkins and sometimes Fantails can be kept quite comfortably in ponds all year round in tropical and temperate climates.

 

While some Goldfish such as Oranda, Veiltail, Lionhead and Black Moors can be kept in ponds only during summers.

 

The size and depth of ponds can be designed and constructed according to the types and number of fish you keep. Ideally, the depth should not be less than 80 centimeters to ensure that the water does not freeze in winters.

 

During the winter season, the fish will seem a little sluggish and they will prefer to stay on the bottom of the tank most of the time during cold weather.

 

Fish are quite messy hence a high quality filter will be a good addition to the pond. It will help in clearing the waste matter and keep the pond clean.

 

Plants are also an essential addition to the pond as they also help in the filtration process. Plants and vegetation in the pond are also a great source of food for the fish.

 

It is also an important part of fish keeping to include other Goldfish species or other fish or aquatic animals in the fish pond. For example, you can add Ramshorn snails as these will eat the algae that is growing at the bottom of the pond.

 

Another important factor to keep in mind while keeping fish is including fish species that eat fish eggs. This will help keep the Goldfish population under control in the pond.

 

Water conditions ideal for Goldfish

 

The health and lifespan of your fish is largely dependent on the water conditions of their habitat. Although fish are known to survive in tropical to near freezing water conditions they still need steady temperatures to thrive when kept in aquariums.

 

Keeping the Goldfish temperature range of the water stable is an important part of fish care. The ideal Goldfish temperature is between 68°F to 74°F. fish thrive in soft water so the pH level should be in the range of 7.0 to 7.4.

 

Keeping the water clean is also an important part of Goldfish care. The first step is to pick the right filter. A biological filtration system works well as it helps to keep the water cycling and debris free.

 

You can also use  a siphon to remove excess debris from the gravel. Ammonia levels in the tank can be maintained by doing a weekly 10% water change for new tanks and 25% water change monthly for well established tanks.

 

Changing the water regularly helps in maintaining the pH level of the water and also to eliminate growth-limiting hormones and clear the sediment build-up in the tank.

 

Goldfish Tank Mates

 

The fish is a social animal and will love to have company in the tank. However, it is very important how you choose your Goldfish mates. Know the basic personality trait and behavior of your fish before you choose its mates.

 

There are over 200 distinct types of fish and each has its own specific features and requirements. Every type of fish has its own characteristic trait and they mix mostly only with their own kind.

 

It is absolutely necessary to remember that slow-moving fish cannot be kept with fast-moving ones. A Comet and a Celestial Goldfish will have different tank mates given their specific characteristics.

 

When choosing your fish companions you will need to keep the following points in mind:-

 

 

Temperature preference

 

If you are keeping different types of fish in your tank then they should have similar temperature preferences.

 

For example, tropical fish require warmer temperatures while your Goldfish prefers cold water. Hence these two varieties cannot be put together.

 

 

Goldfish Size and fin length

 

Fish are omnivores and hearty eaters. They can eat smaller fish and invertebrates in the tank.

 

If you keep minnows, shrimps or snails in the tank there are chances that your fish will land up eating them.

 

Your fish can also be a bit of a bully so they might harass fish like Angelfish if they are together in the tank.

 

fish also have the tendency to nibble at the long fins of their companions. So ideal companions for them should be those who are of the same size with shorter fins.

 

 

Swimming speed

 

It is wise to keep your fish in a group of fish with similar speed and agility. Single tailed and slim-bodied fish are fast swimmers and they will land up dominating the slow moving ones in the tank.

 

Feeding time will be a major problem for the slower ones. The fish will outrun them for food.

 

 

Behavior and Personality Traits

 

fish are basically a peaceful breed and they are not aggressive nor do they establish territories. Hence it is important not to keep them with the aggressive and territorial types such as the tiger barbs or African cichlids.

 

Ideal tank mates for your single tailed are Shubunkins, Comets, Common, and Ryukin.

 

Best Companions for your Fancy can be Black Skirt Tetras, Blood Fin Tetras, Rosy Barbs, Giant Danios, etc.

 

 

Functional Tank Mates

 

Functional tank mates for your fish include those that eat the algae that grows on your accessories. These are Apple Snail, Rubber-Lipped Plecostomus, Bristlenose Plecostomus, etc.

 

Scavengers or bottom dwellers are those that mostly stay at the bottom of the tank and eat up the leftover food and dying vegetation. Corydora Catfish and Hillstream Loach are great bottom dwellers.

 

 

What to feed your goldfish?

 

 

What does a Goldfish eat? This is something that many would like to know. It is essential to understand what to feed your fish in order to provide them with the best possible nutrition.

 

What can a fish eat? fish are omnivores and will eat almost anything. They are also opportunistic eaters which means they will continue eating as long as food is available for them.

 

For this reason, most fish have digestive issues. Over feeding will also lead to more waste production which will ultimately lead to excess production of toxins in the tank. This will lead to infections and diseases for the fish.

 

So it is of utmost importance to understand what they can eat and how much is just right for them to ensure healthy Goldfish growth.

 

fish in your tank will need less food compared to those living in the wild as they are less active. Specially formulated fish foods are the best for them. These have less protein and more carbohydrates than standard fish food.

 

fish food are available in pellet and flake forms. Feed a combination of both so they also get variety in  their food. Pellets sink and flakes float giving the opportunity to your Goldfish to eat at different levels.

 

What Goldfish can eat other than fish food?

 

You can further enhance the nutritional content of the food for your fish by adding other treats to their regular diet.

 

These can include peas, brine shrimp, bloodworms, leafy greens, boiled carrots, boiled zucchini, boiled cucumbers, orange slices, chopped grapes, watermelon, cooked rice, mealworms, and daphnia.

 

These extra food or treats should not form the main diet of your fish as these will not provide the balanced nutrition they need. They should be given occasionally and in small quantities.

 

The best Goldfish diet should include fish food daily and once or twice a week give them the extra food or treats for variety.

 

Also remember to clear away any left over treats after a couple of hours to avoid overfeeding or rotting.

 

 

Feeding Tips

 

 

• Fix and maintain Goldfish feeding Feed your fish at the same time daily. This will also develop their cognitive abilities. They will recognise you and know their mealtimes.

 

• Feed your fish twice or thrice a day for one minute with tiny portions. Drop small amounts so that you can gauge how much is needed without leaving too much waste.

 

• Feed treats only twice or thrice a week and add variety so that they can also get different tastes.

 

• Always remove uneaten food and treats within 15 to 20 minutes of feeding. This will help keep your tank clean and also avoid overfeeding your fish.

 

• Do not feed your Goldfish bread as this will expand in the stomach and may cause constipation.

 

Goldfish Cognitive Abilities

 

It may come as a surprise to many that your beautiful Goldfish also has amazing cognitive abilities and learning skills.

 

They tend to swim to the front of the glass or swim about in the tank whenever the owner comes near to the tank. They can also go near the surface whenever it is feeding time.

 

Over time fish will learn to associate certain people with food and may even exhibit actions similar to ‘begging for food’ from their owners. After a few months you can even train your fish to eat food from your hand.

 

Your fish may also hide when new or unfamiliar people come near the tank.

 

 

One of the most popular misunderstandings about this species of fish is the Goldfish attention span and memory. The popular belief is that fish have memories that last only seconds. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

 

The ordinary Goldfish memory spans well over three months and they also have the ability to recognize shapes, colors and different sounds.

 

With the help of positive reinforcements many researchers have proved that fish can be trained to perform tricks and respond to certain signals.

 

These behaviors are significant proofs that your average Goldfish memory span is not just 3 seconds and they do have a good range of cognitive abilities.

 

 

Goldfish Lifespan and Growth

 

 

In general, the average lifespan of a fish is ten to fifteen years. There are records that show a fish living almost 40 years. However, determining the age of a fish will depend on quite a few factors.

 

The first and most important factor is your fish’s genetics and their early development conditions.

 

fish have been domesticated as pets for thousands of years hence it is not possible to determine their lifespan in the wild. But the common carp, the known ancestor of the fish, can live up to 30 to 40 years.

 

How long do Goldfish live? The best answer to this would be around 15 to 20 years depending on their living conditions and diet.

 

It is also a fact that aquarium raised fish does have a shorter lifespan compared to the ones raised in ponds.

 

The best way to increase the lifespan of your aquarium inhabiting fish is by maintaining excellent tank conditions. Keep a good quality filtration system and ensure you maintain regular cleaning processes.

 

Tank size is another important factor to keep in mind while ensuring a healthy life and growth of your fish. Small tanks tend to inhabit their growth and it can also get dirty much faster resulting in infections and diseases.

 

How to Hatch Goldfish Fry

 

 

Once spawning concluded, it’s time to remove the eggs. Parents will eat their own if you leave them in the tank. Remove the eggs (or preferably the plant that contains them) and put them in a smaller try for your fry.

 

Make sure the fry tank has similar conditions as the main tank at around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a heater to increase the temperature if necessary gradually.

 

When the fry hatch out of their eggs, they’ll lay on the bottom. During this time, please do not feed the fish fry until they start swimming. Once they’re ready to eat, provide them egg yolk.

 

Once they’re old and big enough, transport your fry to the main tank.

 

How Goldfish Breed?

 

fish require conducive conditions to grow and reach sexual maturity. They need the right amount of water, and a healthy and balanced diet.

 

Today, most fish are bred in captivity especially in pond settings. During breeding time which is usually in spring Goldfish male and female are kept with the right temperature changes.

 

Males chase females that are carrying eggs and bump and nudge them to release the eggs.

 

Goldfish life cycle begins with the egg. Goldfish lay eggs that attach to the aquatic plants such as Elodea or Cabomba. These Goldfish eggs hatch within 48 to 72 hours.

 

It takes about a week to ten days for the fry or Goldfish baby to assume their shape but it may take longer for them to develop into the beautiful gold color they are famous for.

 

Over time and with selective breeding a lot has altered the breeding process of the typical fish. Some types are not able to breed naturally due to the alteration in their shapes and physical attributes.

 

Hand Stripping is a man made method to assist fish in breeding but if done incorrectly this process can harm your fish and cause permanent damages.

 

Breeding in captivity has another major problem for fish. Some adults tend to eat the young ones that they encounter.

 

Hobbyists breed their fish by selecting adult specimens and allowing them to reproduce naturally. Then selecting and separating from the fry the ones that do not meet the specific pedigree requirements.

 

 

Goldfish Diseases

 

Fish are a hardy breed but they do fall sick and may fall victim to fungal infections, bacterial diseases and several parasites. Usually this happens when the water is not kept clean and frequent water changes are not done.

 

Tend to produce a lot of wastes and if their tanks are not kept in top-notched conditions then your fish will definitely contract several types of diseases and infections.

 

But with timely detection and proper treatment it is possible to keep your Goldfish healthy and lively for years.

 

Some common Goldfish diseases and infections are:-

 

• Goldfish White Spot Disease – This is a very common infection in aquarium raised fish and are usually caused by parasites in the water. Drastic water changes and stress can cause white spot disease.

 

If you see your Goldfish with white spots then check for this infection.

 

• Floating Problems – This can be the result of overfeeding or feeding low quality fish food. The dry pellets can sometimes cause your Fancy to bloat as a result you may notice your Goldfish swimming upside down or erratically.

 

• Goldfish Fin Rot – Fin Rot is another common fish disease and may be due to stress, poor water quality, fluctuations in temperature, fin nipping, or aggressive tank mates. Check for torn or ragged fins or red streaks on the fins or tails.

 

• Fungal Infection – The most common cause for fungal infections in fish is poor water quality. This lowers the immune system and increases the growth of Goldfish fungus.

 

Fish that are already suffering from other diseases such as parasitic infections, ulcers or open wounds have higher chances for developing fungal infections.

 

• Gold Dust Disease – This is another fish disease that is commonly caused when new fish is added in the tank. Small dust-like grains are formed on the back of the fish. These parasites are quite small and can be quite hard to detect.

 

Goldfish – Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Q1. Can Goldfish live in a bowl?

 

fish or any other fish for that matter should never be kept in a bowl. This will stunt their growth and make them susceptible to various diseases.

 

Stunted growth can lead to various other issues. One such problem is that the organs will continue to outgrow the body leading to far more complicated health issues.

 

Q2. How much room do Goldfish need for healthy growth?

 

On an average a fish would need approximately 24 inches of space or surface area in an aquarium for an inch of the length of the fish. If you are keeping them in a pond then the surface area should ideally be 48 inches per inch of the fish.

 

This is not a benchmark for the size of your tank but rather for maintaining good quality of the water.

 

Adding a filter to your tank can help when there are more fish in the tank.

 

Q3. How big do Goldfish grow?

 

Growth depends entirely on living conditions and diet. On an average the common fish can grow upto 12 inches while the comets can reach 8 inches comfortably. Fancy fish are smaller and grow to about 5 inches.

 

Q4. How long do Goldfish live?

 

On an average, Lifespan is between 8 to 15 years. Their living conditions will determine the age of the fish. Those kept in bowls have the shortest lifespan of about 2 to 5 years.

 

fish kept outdoors in proper conditions and well fed they can easily live up to 20 years or even more.

 

Q5. What to feed a Goldfish fry?

 

If you want your fry to develop the special characteristics you want and also help them grow quickly then the best food is brine shrimp.

 

Q6. Will Goldfish eat other fish?

 

If you want to know if fish are aggressive then no they are not. But if there are smaller fish in the tank with them there is a good chance that they will eat it.

 

Q7. How to tell if my Goldfish is not well?

 

The most telltale sign when a fish is not its best self is clamping its fins close to its body. Other signs include your Goldfish sitting at bottom of the tank, no response to food, erratic and jerky swimming motions, rubbing against the objects in the tank, increase in body slime, and loss of color.

 

Q8. How many Goldfish per gallon of water?

 

The ideal rule of thumb is one inch of Goldfish per gallon of water. At least 20 gallons is required for one common and 10 gallons for a Fancy Goldfish.

 

Q9. Do Goldfish need tank mates?

 

They are a social and friendly aquatic animal and they do need companions. Just ensure you keep those that have similar personality and behavioral traits.

 

Q10. How often should I feed my Goldfish?

 

Once or twice everyday is the minimum time you need to feed your fish. Fix a time for your feeds for best results.

 

Q11. Which food is best for my Goldfish?

 

The best fish food is the one that has high vegetable content in pellet form. Bloodworms and brine shrimp are also a good choice for treats.

 

Q12. How to clean dirty gravel?

 

The best way to keep the gravel clean is by  investing in a good gravel cleaning siphon. These come quite cheap but they do come in really handy in keeping the gravel clean in your tank.

 

Q13. Can I use tap water to top up my tank?

 

No. Tap water contains chlorine and is harmful both for the fish as well as the good bacteria found in the filter. Before adding water to your Goldfish tank set up you will need to first treat it with a water conditioner for dechlorination.

 

Q14. Can I keep single-tailed and Fancy Goldfish together in the same tank?

 

Single-tailed are fast swimmers and can get boisterous at times while Fancy ones are mostly slow swimmers and may have trouble living together in the same tank with the Single tails ones.

 

 

Q15. Can Goldfish live with guppies?

 

Yes, Goldfish and guppies can be good tank mates. However,  you will need to ensure your fish does not eat the guppies once they grow bigger. Although, both have peaceful temperaments the fish can still eat a guppy out of sheer habit.

 

Q16. Why Goldfish die?

 

The main cause of death is poor water conditions such as high ammonia build up, Nitrate or pH crash. Ammonia is also another reason for your Goldfish turning black.

Other causes for untimely death also include Fish TB, a bacteria; overfeeding or poor quality food; parasitic infections; stress from shipping.

 

Q17. What kind of water should I use for my Goldfish?

 

The most easily available and convenient is tap water. However, tap water contains chlorine so you will need to condition it before using it for your fish.

 

Water conditioning products are easily available at the Goldfish pet store and it helps in removing chlorine, ammonia and other heavy metals.

 

Q18. What can I use to accessorize my aquarium?

 

You can use any kind of decoration for your aquarium provided they are aquarium safe. Always read the labels; they should say ‘For aquarium use’.

 

You can use plastic plants, silk plants, driftwood, ceramic ornaments and figurines, etc.. You can also use real plants for your aquarium.

 

Q19. What kind of plants can I keep in my aquarium with my Goldfish?

 

You can put Java moss, java fern, anubias, hornwort, onion plant, hygrophila, bacopa and cabomba. But please do remember your fish will eat the plants so make sure you keep the ones that the fish does not particularly like such as the java plants.

 

Plants will help with improving the water quality of the tank as they will absorb ammonia, nitrates and also add good bacteria to the tank.    

 

Q20. Do Goldfish sleep?

 

Yes, Goldfish sleep and take naps during the day. Although watching your Goldfish sleeping is something not noticeable as they do not have eyelids.

 

Q21. Does my Goldfish need light?

 

Yes, fish do need light. If you are using artificial light then keep a 12 hour schedule for lights on and 12 hour for lights out. Do not place your fish tank under direct sunlight as this will heat up the tank and also promote unwanted algae growth.

 

Q22. Can I pet my Goldfish?

 

 

You can touch your fish while changing the water or simply to feel them. But it is advisable not to do it too often. Touching can remove the slimy protective covering on the fish which is meant to protect it from parasites and other harmful bacteria.

 

But once in a while it is recommended so that you can detect any kind of infections that your fish may  have.

 

Q23. Does my Goldfish have a memory?

 

According to popular beliefs, a Goldfish has a memory that  lasts only for 3 seconds. But that is not true at all. In depth research has confirmed more than once that the Goldfish memory spans about three to five months.

 

Q24. Koi vs Goldfish – What is the main difference?

 

Main difference between Koi  and Goldfish is their body shape. Fish have a wide range of body shapes but they are majorly wide. Koi however are far more narrow.

 

Q25. How many Goldfish in a 10 gallon tank?

 

1 or 2 fish can be kept in a 10 gallon tank. But before they grow to their full size you will need to move them to a bigger tank.

 

 

Fun Goldfish Facts

 

• The colorful and pretty fish was once cultivated and bred for food.

 

• Their ancestors were silver grey and they were the most commonly found fish eaten in East Asia.

 

• Fish are the most used animals for tests on visual perception and cognition. The reason being they are able to perceive the same colors we do.

 

• Humans have three sets of color sensors while the fish has a four. The fourth one helps them to see ultraviolet light.

 

• They are quite useful in understanding the effects of alcohol on the human brain.

 

• The Goldfish koi hybrids are between the size of a Goldfish and koi. Though they are anatomically intact they cannot reproduce.

 

 

Conclusion

 

 

Goldfish has been a favorite first pet for many and they still are very popular as indoor fish. The widespread breeding and developments have resulted in several varieties with very unique features.

 

These distinctive features have made them more attractive and popular for many Goldfish enthusiasts. Depending on your level of expertise, there is a specific Goldfish variety for you.

 

For beginners, Comets and Shubunkins are great  while those who have more experience can start with fancy ones like the Orandas, Veiltails, Telescope Eyes or other varieties.

 

Whether Common or Fancy, Goldfish have won the hearts of people across the globe for centuries and they will continue to do so for centuries to come.