WaterPond
Aug 23rd 2007, 01:32 PM
Goldfish(Carassius auratus)
:goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish:
Introduction-
Goldfish are one of the best known of all freshwater fish. Chances are as a child each one of us kept a goldfish in a bowl. Well, goldfish are much more than just another pretty fish. Goldfish live wild in the waters of Asia (mostly China) where they are known as the Gibel Carp. They inhabit rivers, streams, ponds, lakes and ditches in China. They are known as a very hearty fish because of their ability to live in different types of water conditions, from almost freezing cold to warm water, and from fast running to stagnant water. Goldfish also known to be the first ever domesticated pet fish. The domesticated type has been around for over 1700 years. It all began in the Chang Dinesty when the classic gold colouration of the goldfish was created. This was done by a form of genetic mutation. As new varieties were created there began to be more world interest in goldfish. They were first brought to europe in the late 17th century where they could only be kept by the most. The breeding of goldfish then began to occur in europe. In 1874, goldfish finally reached north america.
Debunking the Myth: Can Goldfish Live in bowls?
It has always been thought that goldfish can live in bowls. Well they can live in bowls it does not mean that they should. Goldfish produce a large amount of waste which we all know is a source of ammonia. Ammonia being an ittitant to the fish. Ammonia turns into nitrite which is a poison to the fish. Large tanks with good filtration systems keep ammonia and nitrite in check, while in a bowl, they goldfish is left to suffer. Also, common and commet goldfish get very large, up to 2’ long. A small bowl is not a suitable home for a fish which grows so large. Keeping such a fish in small quarters will cause growth defects of the fish.
Varieties- (PICTURES COMING SOON)
There are endless varieties and colour variations of goldfish. Just some of the varities are:
Common- These are the more classic looking goldfish. When young, they are commonly marketed as feeder goldfish. This variety is gold to orange in colouration. Sometimes seen in black or white colouration.
Size: 2’
Tank/Pond Size: 75gallons+
Comet- These are another common type of goldfish. They look very similar to common goldfish. They can be all white, or all orange. A mixture of those two colours is know as a Sarassa Comet.
Size: 2’
Tank/Pond Size: 75 gallons+
Shubunkin- These fish are shaped like Common or Comet goldfish and are known to have calico colouration.
Size:2’
Tank/Pond Size:75gallons+
Fantail- Another common type of goldfish. These fish have a double Caudal (tail) fins. They are quite beautiful. Faintails are also available in a “vieltail” variety which means they have slightly longer finnage. They are available in a large range of colours like Calico(multicoloured, red, orange, black, white, blue), orange, orange and white, white and black, all white and so on…
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l117/WaterPond/Clipboard01-3.jpg
Oranda- A beautiful species of goldfish which like the fantails has a double Caudal (tail) fin. A characteristic about this fish is the large brain like growth on its head. These fish are available in Calico orange, orange and white, white and black, all white and so on. A fish with a red brain like growth is called a red cap oranda.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
Moors/Telescope eyes- This fish have the interesting characteristic of large bulging eyes. They also have a double Caudal (tail) fin. This fish is available in all orange, white, black, orange and white, orange and black, or white and black.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
Lionhead- Thise fish lack a dorsal fin and have chubby looking bodies. They also have a double tail fin. They are available in red, white, black, orange, or a combination of those colours. They also have brain like growth on their heads.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l117/WaterPond/goldfish.jpg
Ranchu- These fish are very similar to lionheads in body shape. They have a double tailfin (fantail). These fish also have a brain like growth on their heads. They are chubbier looking than lionheads and have more of a hump. They are available in most colour variations.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
Ryukin- When young this fish is often confused with the regular faintail type goldfish, but as they grow they begin to form a massive hump on their back. These fish have a fantail. There is a single tail variety of Ryukin called the tamasaba. Avaialable in most colour variations.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
Pearlscale- These fish look like golfballs. They are very round a and chubby with hard scales. There are two varieties, standard, and queen pearlscale. Queen pearlscales have a brain like growht on their heads which the standards lack. They are a faintail type. In my personal experience, I have found these fish to be the least hardy of all species. They are avaialable in most colour variations, although I have never seen a calico pearlscale
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
Bubble eye- These are comical looking fish which lack a dorsal fin and have large flshy growths under their eyes which are filles with fluid. These goldfish are more delicate than most. Available in most colour varieties.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l117/WaterPond/Clipboard03.jpghttp://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l117/WaterPond/Clipboard02.jpg
Celestial eyes- These fish are always looking up, as their eyes are turned up. They, like the bubble eyes lack a dorsal fin. These fish are avaialble in most colour varities.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
Pom Pom- This is a type of oranda that does not have the brain like growth, but instead two pom-pom type growths right above the mouth. They are avaialble in most colour variations.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
Wakin- Thes goldfish look much like common goldfish, but have a double tail (fantail). They are available in red, or red and white.
Size: 1’+
Tank/Pond Size: 50gallons+
Colour Varieties:
Calico- Containing colours like black, orange, red, white, ble, silver…
Sarassa- Red/orange/gold and white
Panda- Black and white
Tricolour-Orange white and black
:goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish:
Keeping Goldfish In the Home Aquarium and Pond
Goldfish do great in both ponds and aqariums. There are plusses and minuses to both. One of my favorite things about seing goldfish in a tank is getting to see the whole fish, rather than just the top of a fish like when kept in a pond. For the larger goldfish varieties, it is not very practical to keep them in an aquarium, so for Shubnkins, commons, and comets, i would say they are best kept in ponds enless you have a large enough system to keep them indoors. Most fantail varieties of goldfish stay under 8" and are perfectly suited for aquariums, but still do great in ponds. For one or two goldfish with a fantail a 20 gallon tank with good filtration is suitable. No heater is needed for a goldfish tank, although i would personally recommend one to hold a constant temperature (set it to about 72F). For each additional goldfish with a fantail, add another ten gallons. Therefore, two or three goldfish will be fine in a 30 gallon, or three or four in a forty gallon. This is the safest way to do things to avoid overstocking.
Keeping goldfish in a pond is an awsome way to enjoy them aswell while providing a very decorative flare to any backyard. Goldfish are also more likely to breed in ponds, which brings us to:
Breeding Goldfish
In my experience, goldfish breed more when their pond is neglected. It is said goldfish will only breed in outdoor ponds if they are kept outside for the winter. Well, my goldfish have spawned numerous times even though i have brought them inside my house every winter. They seem to like mud on the bottom of the pond, and lots of algea. Many plants in the water helps aswell. The fish will spawn on the roots of the plants. Make sure you have a male and female of the same species and they will pretty much do the rest. Goldfish must be over three years old to be sexually mature. My goldfish only ever spawn if my water is green with algea. Over 1000 eggs will be laid, and hatch hatch within 2-3 days. Feed the fry baby brine shrimp and eggyolk, aswell as other micro foods. Temperature also has a big part to do with the spawning of goldfish. Water must be warm in the day 65-75F and cold at night 48-58F.
Diet
Like most fish a varied diet is best. A mix of meaty foods a and vegitables are good. Feed peas, broccili, spirulina, bloodworm, brine shrimo, mosquito larvea, flake food, or pellet food regularely. Do not overfeed as Goldfish are very suceptable to bloat and swim bladder disorder, which brings us to:
Common Diseases of Goldfish
There are many life threatening diseases that threaten a fish's health and well being.
Some of the most common are:
Swim Bladder Disorder
Symptoms: Fish swimming upside down or struggling to not float to the top the the water
Cause: Overfeeding or bad diet
Cure: Feed peas without the shell or casing
Bloat
Symptoms: Fish not eating and looks very bloated, may be haveing trouble swimming
Cause: Bad diet or overfeeding
Cure: There are many products availble that will cure bloat. One such product is called Clout.
Fin Rot
Symptoms: Ragged fins, sometimes with black lining
Cause: Unstable or unhealthy water conditions, Bacteria
Cure: I have had very good luck with Tetrapond's Desafin
Body and Lip Fungus
Symptoms: Cottony growths or white looking slime on fish
Cause: Unstable or unhealthy water conditions, Bacteria
Cure: I have had very good luck with Tetrapond's Desafin
Ick
Symptoms: Small white spots on fish that look like sugar granules
Cause: Parasite
Cure: I have had very good luck with Tetrapond's Desafin
Cool Facts
Goldfish can live more than 20 years if given the right care
Has been kept in captivity longer than any other fish
The worlds oldest goldfish is 41 years
There are 125 different varieties of goldfish
Goldfish are the most common pet in households© WaterPond
No Unauthorized Reproduction
:goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish:
Introduction-
Goldfish are one of the best known of all freshwater fish. Chances are as a child each one of us kept a goldfish in a bowl. Well, goldfish are much more than just another pretty fish. Goldfish live wild in the waters of Asia (mostly China) where they are known as the Gibel Carp. They inhabit rivers, streams, ponds, lakes and ditches in China. They are known as a very hearty fish because of their ability to live in different types of water conditions, from almost freezing cold to warm water, and from fast running to stagnant water. Goldfish also known to be the first ever domesticated pet fish. The domesticated type has been around for over 1700 years. It all began in the Chang Dinesty when the classic gold colouration of the goldfish was created. This was done by a form of genetic mutation. As new varieties were created there began to be more world interest in goldfish. They were first brought to europe in the late 17th century where they could only be kept by the most. The breeding of goldfish then began to occur in europe. In 1874, goldfish finally reached north america.
Debunking the Myth: Can Goldfish Live in bowls?
It has always been thought that goldfish can live in bowls. Well they can live in bowls it does not mean that they should. Goldfish produce a large amount of waste which we all know is a source of ammonia. Ammonia being an ittitant to the fish. Ammonia turns into nitrite which is a poison to the fish. Large tanks with good filtration systems keep ammonia and nitrite in check, while in a bowl, they goldfish is left to suffer. Also, common and commet goldfish get very large, up to 2’ long. A small bowl is not a suitable home for a fish which grows so large. Keeping such a fish in small quarters will cause growth defects of the fish.
Varieties- (PICTURES COMING SOON)
There are endless varieties and colour variations of goldfish. Just some of the varities are:
Common- These are the more classic looking goldfish. When young, they are commonly marketed as feeder goldfish. This variety is gold to orange in colouration. Sometimes seen in black or white colouration.
Size: 2’
Tank/Pond Size: 75gallons+
Comet- These are another common type of goldfish. They look very similar to common goldfish. They can be all white, or all orange. A mixture of those two colours is know as a Sarassa Comet.
Size: 2’
Tank/Pond Size: 75 gallons+
Shubunkin- These fish are shaped like Common or Comet goldfish and are known to have calico colouration.
Size:2’
Tank/Pond Size:75gallons+
Fantail- Another common type of goldfish. These fish have a double Caudal (tail) fins. They are quite beautiful. Faintails are also available in a “vieltail” variety which means they have slightly longer finnage. They are available in a large range of colours like Calico(multicoloured, red, orange, black, white, blue), orange, orange and white, white and black, all white and so on…
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l117/WaterPond/Clipboard01-3.jpg
Oranda- A beautiful species of goldfish which like the fantails has a double Caudal (tail) fin. A characteristic about this fish is the large brain like growth on its head. These fish are available in Calico orange, orange and white, white and black, all white and so on. A fish with a red brain like growth is called a red cap oranda.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
Moors/Telescope eyes- This fish have the interesting characteristic of large bulging eyes. They also have a double Caudal (tail) fin. This fish is available in all orange, white, black, orange and white, orange and black, or white and black.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
Lionhead- Thise fish lack a dorsal fin and have chubby looking bodies. They also have a double tail fin. They are available in red, white, black, orange, or a combination of those colours. They also have brain like growth on their heads.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l117/WaterPond/goldfish.jpg
Ranchu- These fish are very similar to lionheads in body shape. They have a double tailfin (fantail). These fish also have a brain like growth on their heads. They are chubbier looking than lionheads and have more of a hump. They are available in most colour variations.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
Ryukin- When young this fish is often confused with the regular faintail type goldfish, but as they grow they begin to form a massive hump on their back. These fish have a fantail. There is a single tail variety of Ryukin called the tamasaba. Avaialable in most colour variations.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
Pearlscale- These fish look like golfballs. They are very round a and chubby with hard scales. There are two varieties, standard, and queen pearlscale. Queen pearlscales have a brain like growht on their heads which the standards lack. They are a faintail type. In my personal experience, I have found these fish to be the least hardy of all species. They are avaialable in most colour variations, although I have never seen a calico pearlscale
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
Bubble eye- These are comical looking fish which lack a dorsal fin and have large flshy growths under their eyes which are filles with fluid. These goldfish are more delicate than most. Available in most colour varieties.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l117/WaterPond/Clipboard03.jpghttp://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l117/WaterPond/Clipboard02.jpg
Celestial eyes- These fish are always looking up, as their eyes are turned up. They, like the bubble eyes lack a dorsal fin. These fish are avaialble in most colour varities.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
Pom Pom- This is a type of oranda that does not have the brain like growth, but instead two pom-pom type growths right above the mouth. They are avaialble in most colour variations.
Size: 8”
Tank/Pond Size: 20gallons+
Wakin- Thes goldfish look much like common goldfish, but have a double tail (fantail). They are available in red, or red and white.
Size: 1’+
Tank/Pond Size: 50gallons+
Colour Varieties:
Calico- Containing colours like black, orange, red, white, ble, silver…
Sarassa- Red/orange/gold and white
Panda- Black and white
Tricolour-Orange white and black
:goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish: :goldfish:
Keeping Goldfish In the Home Aquarium and Pond
Goldfish do great in both ponds and aqariums. There are plusses and minuses to both. One of my favorite things about seing goldfish in a tank is getting to see the whole fish, rather than just the top of a fish like when kept in a pond. For the larger goldfish varieties, it is not very practical to keep them in an aquarium, so for Shubnkins, commons, and comets, i would say they are best kept in ponds enless you have a large enough system to keep them indoors. Most fantail varieties of goldfish stay under 8" and are perfectly suited for aquariums, but still do great in ponds. For one or two goldfish with a fantail a 20 gallon tank with good filtration is suitable. No heater is needed for a goldfish tank, although i would personally recommend one to hold a constant temperature (set it to about 72F). For each additional goldfish with a fantail, add another ten gallons. Therefore, two or three goldfish will be fine in a 30 gallon, or three or four in a forty gallon. This is the safest way to do things to avoid overstocking.
Keeping goldfish in a pond is an awsome way to enjoy them aswell while providing a very decorative flare to any backyard. Goldfish are also more likely to breed in ponds, which brings us to:
Breeding Goldfish
In my experience, goldfish breed more when their pond is neglected. It is said goldfish will only breed in outdoor ponds if they are kept outside for the winter. Well, my goldfish have spawned numerous times even though i have brought them inside my house every winter. They seem to like mud on the bottom of the pond, and lots of algea. Many plants in the water helps aswell. The fish will spawn on the roots of the plants. Make sure you have a male and female of the same species and they will pretty much do the rest. Goldfish must be over three years old to be sexually mature. My goldfish only ever spawn if my water is green with algea. Over 1000 eggs will be laid, and hatch hatch within 2-3 days. Feed the fry baby brine shrimp and eggyolk, aswell as other micro foods. Temperature also has a big part to do with the spawning of goldfish. Water must be warm in the day 65-75F and cold at night 48-58F.
Diet
Like most fish a varied diet is best. A mix of meaty foods a and vegitables are good. Feed peas, broccili, spirulina, bloodworm, brine shrimo, mosquito larvea, flake food, or pellet food regularely. Do not overfeed as Goldfish are very suceptable to bloat and swim bladder disorder, which brings us to:
Common Diseases of Goldfish
There are many life threatening diseases that threaten a fish's health and well being.
Some of the most common are:
Swim Bladder Disorder
Symptoms: Fish swimming upside down or struggling to not float to the top the the water
Cause: Overfeeding or bad diet
Cure: Feed peas without the shell or casing
Bloat
Symptoms: Fish not eating and looks very bloated, may be haveing trouble swimming
Cause: Bad diet or overfeeding
Cure: There are many products availble that will cure bloat. One such product is called Clout.
Fin Rot
Symptoms: Ragged fins, sometimes with black lining
Cause: Unstable or unhealthy water conditions, Bacteria
Cure: I have had very good luck with Tetrapond's Desafin
Body and Lip Fungus
Symptoms: Cottony growths or white looking slime on fish
Cause: Unstable or unhealthy water conditions, Bacteria
Cure: I have had very good luck with Tetrapond's Desafin
Ick
Symptoms: Small white spots on fish that look like sugar granules
Cause: Parasite
Cure: I have had very good luck with Tetrapond's Desafin
Cool Facts
Goldfish can live more than 20 years if given the right care
Has been kept in captivity longer than any other fish
The worlds oldest goldfish is 41 years
There are 125 different varieties of goldfish
Goldfish are the most common pet in households© WaterPond
No Unauthorized Reproduction