Family: Cyprinidae

Distribution: Carassius auratus auratus, best known as the Goldfish, has its origins in central Asia and China, and Japan.  The species, which inhabits ponds, rivers, lakes and ditches – particularly in slow-flowing waters – has since been introduced throughout the world.

PH: 6.0 – 8.0

Temperature: 15°C – 30°C (59 – 86F)

Hardness: 5 – 19 dH

Description: Carassius auratus auratus, or the Goldfish, is easily the most collected fish specimen in tanks all over the world.  The common Goldfish has a length of 10 cm, although it can get up to a whopping 59 cm in the wild and has lived to the ripe old age of 41.  The Goldfish has a general life expectancy of 10 – 30 years.  It has a stocky, elongated body and a colouration that may range from green-gray to orange.  Today there are several forms available to hobbyists.

Diet: The Goldfish requires food that is low in protein and high in carbohydrates.  You would be best served feeding it specialist Goldfish flakes or pellets, twice daily.  It will also accept peas, insect larvae, crustaceans, blanched vegetables and bloodworms – these should all be provided in its regular diet.

Breeding: The Goldfish, a spawning species, should be bred in a clean tank.  The female will lay her eggs – up to 1000 – on plants, and these will hatch in 2 – 4 days time.  You will have to move the adult goldfish to a different tank during the egg stage as they may be tempted to eat the eggs.  The small fry will take up to a year to display adult colouration, but can be immediately fed dry foods and small, live foods.

Comments: Carassius auratus auratus will need at least a 35 gallon tank.  You should provide plenty of coldwater plants and make plenty of water changes.  Bear in mind the Goldfish will eat soft, fine-leafed plants. This is a fine species for beginners to the hobby, but one should not become complacent when housing this species simply because it is so common.

Article/Books:

Recommended Compatible Species: Goldfish are usually best housed with other goldfish.  You might consider tanking this species with White Cloud Mountain Minnows and other cold water species.

Originally posted 2010-01-05 12:05:16. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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