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Keeping Fancy Goldfish as Pets


Experience level: beginner (corydoras) & intermediate (other species), for a tropical community

For ages: 8-14 & up, with adult supervision
Pet size: 3"-6" long

All about caring for and keeping Fancy Goldfish as pets


Oranda
Lionhead
Shubunkin
Ryukin
Moor
Telescope-eye
Sarassa


Traits & behavior of fancy goldfish

Omnivores

Fancy goldfish will eat both plants and tiny, living creatures like small
aquatic crustaceans and aquatic insect larvae.

Middle swimmers
You will see these fish swimming in the middle of your aquarium.
Unlike tropical fish, goldfish will live in a wide range of water temperatures.


Things to remember

Adding fish
Whether you're just starting your aquarium or introducing new fish into your tank, don't forget to add only 1-3 at a time.

Aquarium fish only
Never put fancy goldfish into a pond environment. They are at a distinct disadvantage with predators as well as other types of goldfish and koi.

Safety & cleanliness
Please remember that all pets may bite or scratch, and may transmit
disease to humans. Keep your pet's home clean and wash your hands
before and after handling your pet or cleaning his home. Infants,
young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems,
and the infirm or elderly are at greater risk of infections and should
use caution when in contact with the pet or its habitat. Consult your
doctor for more information.


Nutrition for Fancy Pet Goldfish

Staple diet
Choose vegetable-based flake and pellet foods. Sinking foods are
recommended to prevent gulping air during eating. Feed according to
the directions on the packaging.

Supplements
To boost the overall health of fancy goldfish, supplement their diet with
plenty of fresh vegetables, such as zucchini, romaine lettuce and peas.

Frequent feedings
For optimum health, fancy goldfish should be fed as much food as they will
consume in 1-3 minutes, twice a day. You can alternate between regular staple diet feedings and 2-4 meals per week of a supplement food.


Fancy Goldfish Health

Signs your fancy goldfish are healthy:

• Eating vigorously and swimming actively in the middle of the aquarium
• Clear eyes, smooth, clean skin and fins free from any lesions or inconsistent colorations
• Calm, steady gill movements

Things to watch for:

• Swimming upside down or floating at the top of the aquarium
• Lying on bottom of aquarium
• Poor growth or weight loss
• Inflamed gills, skin or fins
• Fins clamped to sides
• Scraping body on rocks

Environment for Fancy Goldfish

Aquarium
Fancy goldfish need a large aquarium. Minimum aquarium size for two adult
goldfish should be 29 gallons.

Decorate their aquarium sparsely with driftwood or rockwork, but be
sure to leave a large, open area in the center of the aquarium
for swimming. Since goldfish will eat live plants, opt for plastic
plants instead.

Fish compatibility
Fancy goldfish do best if kept with other fancy goldfish only.

Gravel
These fish prefer fine gravel or sand substrate on the bottom
of the aquarium. Since goldfish sift through the sand in search
of food, larger grains of gravel may become lodged in their throats
and can be difficult, if not impossible, to remove.

As voracious, messy eaters, fancy goldfish need an aquarium with
lots of filtration (e.g., outside power filter).

Water changes
Test water weekly to assess water quality. It is recommended that
10% of your aquarium water be changed per week. At the very least,
25% of your aquarium water should be changed per month.

Water temperature
Water temperatures should range between 68-72º F, although they
can survive in water warmer or cooler.

Aquarium placement
Place your aquarium in a low-traffic area, away from direct sunlight
and drafts.

Aquarium stand
An aquarium stand will safely support the weight of your filled aquarium.



Are fancy goldfish right for you?

Yes	No
		I have an appropriate location and stand for a correctly sized aquarium.
		I will test the water quality weekly and do a partial water change every 1-4 weeks.
		I will provide a proper environment and adequate nutrition for any fish I keep in my aquarium.

 

Supply list for Fancy Goldfish

Here's a list of the necessities you'll need to take home today to help your new fancy goldfish stay healthy and happy.

Home
	An appropriate size glass or acrylic aquarium
	Aquarium stand
	Aquarium hood with lights
	Gravel (2"-3" layer or 1.5 lbs. per gallon)
	Filtration system (ask associate for recommendation)
	Aquarium heater and thermometer
Food
	Vegetable-based flake and freeze-dried fish foods
Décor
	Decorations (driftwood or rockwork)
	Artificial plants
Supplies
	Water conditioner/dechlorinator
	Water test kit/strips
	Gravel vacuum (for water changes)
	Fish net
Extras
	Books and magazines
	General fish care guide (free)

The above information supplied by PETsMART. Check out their
wide selection of Goldfish and Fish supplies today







See Also:


All Fish Care


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