Goldfishes were first among the fishes and also the most
common fishes that were kept as pets. They are popular because
they are inexpensive and long lasting. They can even survive in
ponds covered with ice, until they have sufficient supply of
oxygen. Many types of goldfishes are available in the market.
Because of selective breeding, different types of goldfishes are
available which differ in color, shape, eye and fin
configuration. Some of these fishes cannot survive in the wild
and must be kept only in the aquarium. This is because of their
attractive colors. Thanks to mixed breeding, the body of some
fishes have been modified which is an obstruction in natural
breeding. Such kinds of fishes are hand bred, but this procedure
is very risky and has to be executed very carefully.
Goldfishes can be kept in aquarium with cold water. According to
the popular perception, goldfishes should have to be kept in
goldfish bowl. But what people do not realize is that the
decreased water surface area provides lesser oxygen to the
fishes, which can result in difficulty in respiration. The
fishes also die very quickly because of ammonia or nitrite
poisoning. Hence, goldfish bowls have been banned in many
countries. Also goldfishes that are kept in bowls have a shorter
lifespan. One medium sized goldfish need minimum of ten gallons
of water. Goldfishes intoxicate the water very quickly with
their feces and the chemicals released from their gills. The
water should be cleaned regularly otherwise the fishes can die
in a short period. The water surface area should be considered
when introducing new fishes to the aquarium, because more the
water surface area, more the diffused oxygen. The water can also
be aerated with the help of filter or water pump. Goldfishes
cannot survive sudden water temperature shifts. This usually
happens in winters, when the heating is turned on.
The goldfishes shouldn’t be touched because it would result in
slimy coating on its body coming out, which exposes the skin to
bacterial infection. This is very dangerous to the health of the
fish. Goldfishes, when kept in dark will loose their color. This
is because they have pigments in the cells, similar to the
pigments in human, which causes it to become tan. Therefore,
lights should be installed in closed rooms. A full hood can be
used to provide adequate light. But if the aquarium has water
less than thirty gallons, then the room lights will do the job.
Also the aquarium can be placed in natural light, if it is
available.
Goldfishes are opportunistic feeders, that is, they will eat
whenever food is provided to them. The more the food given to
them, the more the waste created. They should be given food only
twice a day and the quantity must be only that much which it can
finish in couple of minutes. The food should have high
carbohydrate and low protein, as the fish will be unable to
digest proteins well because of the lack of stomach. Other than
the commercial food flakes and pellets, they can also be given
bloodworms and green leafy vegetables. If the fishes are
overfed, it could lead to the bursting of their intestines.
The goldfish can grow up to twenty-three inches and can weigh up
to ten pounds. There are known to live for twenty years, but in
captivity they live for eight years. Goldfishes although are
good in aquariums, they can also be kept in ponds. The depth of
the water should be more than thirty inches, so that the water
doesn’t freeze in winter. Plants should also be added to the
pond as they will filter the water and even increase the oxygen
amount in the water. Along with that, filters should also be
used to the clean the pond water. Ponds are a good place to
breed goldfishes. Water surface should be one square foot for
each inch of fish’s length.
The goldfishes kept in the aquarium and as well as in the ponds
should not be mixed with tropical fishes or any other kind of
fish. Since most of the goldfishes are hybrid variety, they are
more prone to attacks. Some fishes not only attack the
goldfishes, but also suck on their wounds.