Goldfish

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

About Goldfish

Group
Freshwater
Size
Medium
Temperament
Non-aggressive
Aquarium Size
Large (50+ gal)
Swimming Region
All
Fish Water Condition
Suitable Tank Mates
Other goldfish, White Cloud Minnows, Rosy Barbs, Zebra Danios
Difficulty Of Care
Weekly care- suited for the beginner aquarist
Top Breed
7
ADVERTISEMENT

Goldfish General Description

Goldfish are one of the first species of fish to be domesticated and are also one of the most commonly kept aquarium pets. They are community fish and thrive when kept in large groups of 6 or more fish. Their peaceful temperament and ease of care also make them excellent pets for the beginner aquarists. Over the years they have been selectively bred into many variants with different body shapes, physical characteristics and colorations.

Goldfish are one of the first species of fish to be domesticated and are also one of the most commonly kept aquarium pets.

Origins

Goldfish first originated over a thousand years ago in ancient China as a result of a natural color mutation that occurred in the common Asian carp. The ancient Chinese started selectively breeding these fish with the naturally occurring yellow and orange color mutations and developed the first goldfish during the Song Dynasty.

Color

Goldfish are most commonly red, yellow or orange in color, but also come in black, white, chocolate, bicolor, tricolor and calico color variants.

Maintenance and care

ADVERTISEMENT

Most goldfish breeds are incredibly hardy and can survive in the most meager of aquarium conditions; but when given adequate space and care they can reach lengths of over ten inches and live for up to fifteen years. Fancier breeds, however, require more specialized care. They prefer soft, pH neutral water with colder temperatures. They can also survive for short periods of time in bodies of water that are frozen over, making them excellent pond fish.

Except for the Comet and Common, most breeds of goldfish are slow swimmers and should not be kept with fish faster swimming fish that can out-swim and out-compete them for food. They are also extremely peaceful and should not be raised with more aggressive species of aquarium fish which can start harassing them.

These fish also produce a very high amount of waste, so an adequate filtration system and timely water changes are a must for the aquarium.

Feeding

Goldfish are omnivores and will readily accept most types of food. They can be fed on a varied diet of flakes, pellets, live-foods and vegetation.

Most goldfish breeds are incredibly hardy and can survive in the most meager of aquarium conditions.

Breeding

Goldfish are one of the easiest species of aquarium fish to breed and will spawn quite prolifically when given adequate space and the right conditions. The easiest way to induce breeding is to first condition the goldfish on a protein rich diet and then gradually increase the aquarium or pond temperature by a few degrees. They will readily devour their own eggs and fry, so the use of a heavily planted aquarium or spawning mats is recommended when breeding them. The parents should be removed as soon as spawning occurs and the eggs usually hatch within 4-5 days.

Aquarium varieties

Common, Comet, Fantail, Shubunkin, Lionhead, Ryukin, Oranda, Pearlscale, Ranchu, Bubble Eye, Telescope Eye, Black Moor.

Photo credit: Lerdsuwa/Wikimedia

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Shiffon

The Shiffon is a cross between a purebred Shih Tzu and Brussels Griffon. They have a rambunctious, curious, playful, and cheerful personality.

Best Dog Anxiety Wraps

Dog anxiety wraps rely on the soothing power of deep pressure to provide stress relief to your pet. Read on to find the best choice for your dog!

Eels

Eels are one of the more fascinating species of fish in the aquarium trade. They are characterized by their long bodies and snake-like heads.

Irish Red and White Setter

Athletic, strong, intelligent, affectionate, energetic, and loving, the Irish Red and White Setter is great with children and other pets.

SnapChat Gets Catty With New Selfie Lenses

Even Social Media platforms know that more than ever, pets are people too. Social Media Story Teller Snapchat has recognized that with the introduction of ne…

Golden Dox

The spirited Golden Dox brings together the feisty little Dachshund and the friendly Golden Retriever for a playful family dog.

Saltwater Goby Fish

Saltwater Goby Fish are a large family of fish made up of over 2000 distinct species. Most species of saltwater goby fish are extremely small in size.

A Brief Guide to Feline Calicivirus

Have you ever heard of Feline Calicivirus? Known as FCV, this disease affects a cat''s respiratory system and can be dangerous.

10 Best Belly Bands

We are bringing you our list of the 10 best belly bands on the market – they are specifically designed to contain urine in male dogs, and work as a unique form of dog diapers.

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Quill

A golden vision, Quill is our Adoptable Dog of the Week. Quill is a female Goldendoodle from Chesapeake City, MD. She is housetrained, good with kids, good w…

Product Review: Taco Meoow Cat Bed

Oscar asks his bestest kitty friends, Evey and Toto, to help him try out the Taco Meoow. Spicy and soft, this cat bed is a fiesta of fun!

Is Papain Safe For Dogs

If you’re scratching your head wondering what the heck is papain and where or why would you even begin to look for it, the answers are easy. The natural version of papain is found in your grocery store’s produce section and you may recognize it better as papaya.

Cat or Dog? Only His Groomer Knows For Sure.

Is he a dog or is he a cat? Only his groomer knows for sure... which is a good thing, because his groomer happens to be his mom.

Product Review: Solvit Dog Ramp

Senior dogs can find it hard to get in and out of cars. A perfect solution is Solvit''s Deluxe Telescoping Pet Ramp, which makes road trips easy again.

No More Slip ‘N’ Slide: ToeGrips Help Dogs Get A Grip

Is hard-surface flooring your dog''s greatest nemesis? Dr. Buzby''s ToeGrips helps your dog get a grip on mobility issues with a cool traction solution.