Order Cypriniformes ( Cypriniformes )
Family Cyprinidae ( Cyprinidae )
Genus Carassius — Carassius.
Goldfish care tips.
1. Aquarium. Goldfish require a sufficiently large aquarium. Adult fish are kept at the rate of 2 dm² of bottom area per long-bodied fish or 1.5 dm² per short-bodied specimen. A classic round aquarium is not a very suitable tank for keeping this fish, contrary to popular belief. It is difficult to keep fish in it; for comfortable and convenient maintenance, a goldfish needs from 15-30 liters per individual.
If you keep it in proper conditions, it will grow several times larger, and then you will need to increase the aquarium volume to 40-45 liters. Keeping goldfish in large aquariums is more convenient, as it is easier to maintain a biological balance in large tanks. Do not put them in a brand new aquarium; it is better if simple fish and plants live in it for 2-3 months and the biological balance is established.
2. Water. The ideal temperature in the aquarium should be maintained around 21°C. Heating is not needed, as goldfish live well at room temperature. A water temperature of 17-26°C is suitable for long-bodied species, and 21-29°C for short-bodied ones. Do not forget to perform regular water changes. A complete water change is not recommended, as this will destroy the biological balance and the fish (as well as plants) may feel unwell. Once a week, you need to replace 10 to 20% of the total aquarium volume with fresh water.
3. Equipment. A filter is necessary because goldfish produce a huge amount of waste during their life activity, their digestion process is very fast, and they love to dig in the substrate, muddying the water in the process. Buy an aquarium filter with aeration capabilities. Goldfish need oxygen-rich water. Good aeration is required for all types of goldfish.
4. Substrate, decorations. Rounded large pebbles at the bottom will be ideal, just make sure they are not too small in fraction, as goldfish grab everything from the bottom with their mouths and can swallow them. If you keep large-eyed fish, the aquarium should not contain shells, sharp stones, or other objects that can cause injuries. Choose decorations for your aquarium to your taste, but they must be smooth, without sharp corners that could tear their luxurious fins or injure their eyes. The main thing is to have plenty of free space where the fish love to swim.
5. Plants. All types of goldfish like to dig in the substrate at the bottom of the aquarium and can damage plant roots, as well as nip at plants. Therefore, it is recommended to plant species with tough, large leaves and a good root system in pots (for example, Anubias or Echinodorus, Vallisneria, Nuphar, Sagittaria, Elodea). You can also use Java moss.
6. Feeding. They eat everything and in large quantities. They consume food of both plant and animal origin. There are special pellet and flake foods for goldfish. They are quite good to use because, in addition to essential nutrients with a high proportion of carbohydrates, these foods are balanced and contain natural additives that enhance yellow, orange, and red colors. For variety in the diet, goldfish are also given live food.
The goldfish diet is diverse: Chaoborus larvae, Tubifex, bloodworms, Artemia, earthworms, white bread, seafood, oatmeal and semolina porridge, lettuce, nettles, Riccia, duckweed, Ceratophyllum. If you are going to feed the fish pellet food, soak it in water for 30 seconds. Unsoaked food can swell in the stomach, and the fish may get sick. But remember that goldfish should under no circumstances be overfed; they can rightly be called gluttons. Do not give them more food than they can eat in 3 minutes. Feed once a day.
7. Familiarize yourself with various diseases that can affect your favorite pet. Knowing the symptoms will help you recognize the disease faster and possibly save the lives of your aquarium inhabitants. If your pets feel unwell, you can add salt to the water at 5-7 grams per liter.
