Goldfish Fish Profile – Care Sheet

The goldfish is naturally greenish-brown or gray. The species, however, is variable, and numerous abnormalities occur. A deviant fish may be black, spotted, golden, white, or white with silver; it may have a trilobed tail fin or protruding eyes; or it may lack the normally long dorsal fin. Centuries of selecting out and breeding such abnormal specimens have produced over 125 breeds of goldfish, including the common, pet-shop comet; the veiltail, with a three-lobed, flowing tail; the lionhead, with a swollen “hood” on the head; and the celestial, with protruding, upward-directed eyes. They are really a must in your aquarium.

Goldfish
Scientific Name
Goldfish (Carassius auratus) is a goldfish belonging to the family Minnows and Carps.

Natural Range and Origin
Goldfish is a fancy fish native to East Asia, the goldfish is a relatively small member of the carp family.

Maximum Size and Longevity
Goldfish are capable of reaching the grand old age of 20 years and attain a length of between 12 to 30cm, depending on variety.

Water Quality
Enjoys soft neutral and slightly warm water:
Temperature: 15°C – 20°C is the ideal range, however they can tolerate temperatures outside of this range. Outside of this range however, they can become stressed and more prone to illness.
pH: 7.0—7.5
General Hardness: 150 ppm.

Feeding
A good staple food for goldfish is a high quality floating granule. The small size is best, as this assures all fish get their fair share. Feeding floating granules, two to three times a day, in the right quantities is one of the major factors in keeping goldfish healthy and active. For variety, occasionally substitute flake food, and, more importantly, some vegetable material.

Compatibility 
Goldfish are best kept with other Goldfish, in a tank or pond. A good rule of thumb to minimise aggression is to keep straight tailed fish together with other straight tailed fish, and fantailed fish with fantailed fish. They make perfect addition to any tank!

Colour and Varieties
Goldfishes comes in different varieties of colourations: orange, red, white, red-and-white, blue, black, black-and-white, black-and-red, natural, and chocolate coloration. Scalation may either be metallic, nacreous (calico) or matte. Ranchus with pale-yellow bodies and bright red heads are rare

Sexing
Small goldfish are difficult to tell apart. Larger fish at about one year old can be distinguished fairly easily. Males develop small white tubercles along the leading edge of the pectoral fins. When in breeding condition the tubercles can also be noticed on the gill plates.

General Information
Goldfish are hardy, colourful, easy to care for and the ideal beginner’s fish. They make a perfect first pet. As experience and interest levels grows, their fascinating history and wide range of varieties also ensures that they are highly prized by the enthusiast.