How to care for goldfish

Goldfish care

Goldfish make good starter pets. They’re pretty, but low maintenance. You can set up a satisfactory home for your goldfish with a minimum of equipment and expense.

Under ideal conditions, the life expectancy of a pet goldfish is about 15 years. In the wild they may live even longer, as much as 30 years or more. Even though the species is considered hardy, the average life span of a pet goldfish in the U.S. is three weeks. So if you want to improve your chances of raising a healthy pet, you need to know a little about how to care for goldfish.

Here are some of the decisions you should make before heading to the pet store:

• What kind of fish will you buy?
• How many fish do you want?
• Where will you place them?
• Who is going to care for them?
• How much are you willing to invest?

Types of goldfish

The first big decision involves the kind of fish you want. Believe it or not, goldfish aren’t always gold. They may range in color from yellow-orange to black, or even white. Body shapes vary, as do fin placement and other features. Some have large heads, bulging eyes, or exotic appendages.

Known technically as Asian carp (Carassius auratus), domestic breeding of the species has resulted in a wide variety of sizes and colors. You may find fantails, comets, or common goldfish at your local store. But don’t worry about all the technical names and choices. Go for the colors and designs that please you.

Friends for your goldfish

If you decide to purchase a large aquarium and stock it with numerous fish, keep some important things in mind. Goldfish are a prey fish. If you think they seem lonely, make sure you choose compatible fishy friends. Goldfish can exist happily with some tropical fish, but make sure they thrive in the same environment. Things to look for are water temperature and feeding needs. Highly competitive fish can starve out a meeker breed.

Selecting the site

Next, you’ll have to decide where to keep your fish. Goldfish can survive outside in temperate climates. But unless you already have a suitable pond, such as a koi, you are looking at a major undertaking. ould-be predators that might share your home.

The more fish you purchase, the larger the aquarium you will need. You must allow enough surface area to provide adequate oxygen. In addition to oxygen, fish need an open area to swim and a place to hide from real or imagined predators.

Supplies and equipment

It is recommended that goldfish be placed in an aquarium, not a goldfish bowl. More spacious digs allow for breathing space, decorative touches, and the all-important filter. Once you know how many fish you plan to adopt, you can calculate the size of the aquarium. For each inch of fish, allow 30 square inches of surface area. (And allow for growth.) This means at least 8-10 gal capacity for just one fish.

Here’s what you need to properly care for your goldfish:

• Aquarium (glass or acrylic)
• Clean, room temperature water (50-73 degrees F)
• Fine, smooth gravel or sand
• Filter
• Plastic plants (50-75% of the area)

Maintenance

Quick Tip
Keep hands and equipment free of soaps or detergent, which are toxic to fish.

Water quality is very important for your fish’s health. Check with your pet store to see if the local water supply is acceptable. It should be free of chlorine and chemicals. Run the water from the faucet briefly before collecting. Let it sit overnight in a container that does not contain any traces of soap or detergent.

Change only a portion of the water weekly (10-25%). Changing all the water at one time will stress the fish. If unsure whether it’s time for a change, stir the gravel to check for signs of waste and residue. Maintaining the filter in good working condition will help with this chore. The purpose of the filter is to clean and aerate the water. You want to avoid buildup of pollution and ammonia.

Feeding

Use a commercial fish food developed especially for goldfish. It should have a high carbohydrate content. Sprinkle sparingly on the surface once daily. Avoid overfeeding. Allow one-three minutes for feeding, then remove uneaten food. By nature, goldfish will continually graze for food on the aquarium floor. Do not be deceived into thinking they are still hungry!

Health

Observe your fish for signs of disease. They should be eating eagerly and swimming freely in the middle of the tank. Gills will be working evenly. Look for clear eyes, smooth skin, and undamaged fins. In case of unusual behavior or appearance, contact your pet store.

Conclusion

In summary, if you know how to care for goldfish they will bring many hours of enjoyment. And you can plan on celebrating a fifteenth birthday party instead of a somber farewell ceremony.