Goldfish
FAQ
- Why should I go through all this extra trouble
just for a measly goldfish? I just want to plonk one in a bowl for display
somewhere.
Firstly, it's really not that much extra trouble to set everything up
properly. Secondly, your fish won't live very long if you just 'plonk
it in a bowl' for display and you will end up being disappointed. It
is irresponsible to say that fish do not have feelings, they feel pain
and suffer too.
- What is the lifespan of a Goldfish in captivity?
The oldest Goldfish ever recorded died at the age of
43. It all depends how well you look after your fish, many peolpe are
suprised when they hear a goldfish is 3+ years old, as they're so used
to them living under a year in their goldfish bowls. Generally, well
taken care of Goldfish live up to 10 years.
- Why do my Goldfish keep gasping at the surface of the tank?
Most likely it is due to low amounts of oxygen in the water. (Water
contains oxygen which fish extract using their gills). The main cause
of low oxygen in the water is due to lack of surface water movement.
Add an airstone connected to a air pump to increase water agitation.
Other causes of low oxygen are chemicals you have used to kill algae
or decaying matter. A more severe cause of gasping could be due to gill
damage.
- My fish is changing colour, what's going on?
Nothing is wrong here. Though unlikely fish can change colour over their
life.
- My Goldfish looks lonely. Can I give him a friend?
It depends. Do you have enough space for another fish? Remember the
approx. 35 litres per Goldfish. If you can't meet those requirements,
don't add another fish, your current fish will be happier alone. If
you do meet the requirements go for it, Goldfish do enjoy having a companion
to interact with. But do chose a breed of fish compatible with you goldfish.
- What other fish are compatible with Goldfish?
Other Goldfish generally. Though other small freshwater fish who enjoy
the same living conditions as Goldfish (such as a mountain minnow) can
do. Be careful that your biggest Goldfish cannot swallow these small
fish. If selecting more than one fish for a tank be aware of certain
handicaps each fish breed may have. A slow clumsy fish can miss out
on food and starve to death if pitted against a fast agile comet or
similar.
- What types of Goldfish are there?
Fancy Goldfish: A fancy goldfish is any fish
that has more than one tail. These fish tend to be slower, fatter and
clumsier and are more delicate. There are many different types of fancy
goldfish, one being the Bubble Eye, with has large fluid filled sacks
below the eye. Bubble Eyes need a special tank with no sharp objects.
Comets: A single tailed goldfish well known
for its hardiness.
Common: Looks like a comet, only with a smaller
tail. Also very hardy.
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