Goldfishes
One of the most commercially available fish, the goldfish is definitely the starting-fish of many future aquarists and the passion of many who consider it one of the most beautiful fish in the world.
But now let's talk about one of these beloved fish even by children.
The Carassius auratus was imported in Europe in the XVII century, bred mainly for ornamental purposes. There is a strong variability in colors going from bright red to yellow, white, black, or spotted with black points. Its shape is also very variable: telescopic eyes, super codons up to the point of being called "comet fish" and an egg-body shape are some of the variations obtained over the centuries.
Today in China and Japan there are more than 25 different species.
The goldfish is very similar to the Carp, its older sister (the carp can reach one meter in length!). However, it can easily be raised in the aquarium for its much smaller size, reaching a maximum length of 30 cm.
The goldfish belongs to the Cyprinidae family, to which belong also the Carp, Cavedano, Vairone, Tinca, Alborella and many other fishes.
The average life of a goldfish is about 10 years, although there are reports about specimens that lived more than 30 years.
But now two tips for those who buy or win the classic goldfish at the Luna Park:
1- avoid use of small bowls. Ideally should be at least 35 \ 40 cm diameter.
2- remember that each single goldfish needs at least 12 \ 15 liters of water to live.
If possible, buy a covered aquarium, because our friend is an excellent jumper and you risk finding him dead on the ground, bad experience!
If the aquarium is without filter, remember to change the water at least every two days, every day would be better, let the water stand twenty-four hours and add a good chlorine-free water bio-conditioner.
Feed the goldfishes only once a day, little amount of food and preferably before replace the water.
Never clean the aquarium with detergent for any reason, the used sponge must be cleaned (ideally new) and used exclusively for the aquarium cleaning.
If you have bought a small filter together with the aquarium, you will have to change the water at a rate of 50% once a week and rinse the filter with a little bit of water taken from the aquarium. Remember to always add the anticlorine bio-conditioner and also a biological activator.
Difficulty in breeding of the most common goldfish species:
Common goldfish: easy
Comet goldfish: easy
Goldfish with three tails: medium
Dark brown goldfish: hard
Lion's head goldfish: hard
How to feed our little fish?
All foods commercially available specific for goldfishes is normally fine. The granular one helps to keep the aquarium water clean. A well washed peace of lettuce leaf every 15 days will be enthusiastically accepted by your goldfish. Take the leaf, tie it with an elastic to a small stone and put it on the bottom of the aquarium. Just four sniffs, to see what it is .... and eat!
