Beginner Care Guide of Goldfish

Common Name: Goldfish

Scientific Name: Carassius auratus

Average Size: Up to 9 inches

Life Span: Up to 10 years with proper care

pH: 6.5 - 7.5

Temperature: 22°C - 26°C

Water Hardness: 4 - 16dH

TRAITS & BEHAVIOR

Diet:

Goldfish are omnivores. They eat both plants and tiny living creature like small aquatic insect larvae. Goldfish require more carbohydrate if compare to other freshwater fish.

Swimming Behavior:

Goldfish like to swim freely at the middle region of an aquarium.

Hardy:

Goldfish are able to live in wide range of water temperature.

ENVIRONMENT

Aquarium Placement:

Keep away the aquarium from direct sunlight and electronic goods.

Aquarium Size:

A minimum of 30 US Galloons (108 litres) of aquarium tank is recommended.

Decoration:

May decorate the tank with driffwood or rocks but make sure to leave the centre free flowing. Goldfish will eat the live plant. Therefore advisable to opt artificial plant instead of live plant.

Lighting:

6 - 8 hours of lighting is recommended. Avoid extended exposure of lighting to prevent the growth of algae.

Water Temperature:

Maintain the water temperature in between 22°C - 26°C by using cooling fan although they can stay in cooler or warmer water.

Water Change:

Advised weekly change 10% of your aquarium water, at least 30% of aquarium water monthly by using cleaning tools.

General Compatibility:

Goldfish can usually coexist with Loaches and Plecostomus.

NUTRITION

Staple diet:

Tetra Goldfish Gold Growth, Tetra Goldfish Gold Colour, Tetra Goldfish Gold Exotic, Tetra Goldfish Flake are good choice of main food which provide goldfish a well balanced diet.

 

 

Supplement:

JBL Atvitol and Ista Mineral Salt Goldfish can be given twice a week to strengthen their immune system.

 

Treats/ Specialty Food:

To enhance the health and vitality of goldfish, bloodworms, artemia and fresh vegetable like romaine lettuce, peas and zucchini can be offered 2 - 4 meals per week.

Feeding:

To obtain an optimum health, recommended to feed goldfish as much as they can consume within three minutes, twice a day. Can add on Autofeeder.

HEALTH

Sign of healthy:

- Clear eyes

- Smooth and clean in appearance

- Healthy appetite

- Calm and steady gill movement

- Bright and even body coloration

Sign of Illness:

- Loss of body coloration or appetite

- Lying at the bottom of aquarium

- Poor growth or weight loss

- Fins clamped to sides

- Scraping body on rock

If you notice any illness sign(s), please to test water quality and improve it necessary.

IMPORTANCE

- Avoid fish tank from being overcrowded as it may cause stress to fish and higher chance for them to get sick.

- Regular water change and an appropriate filtration is needed to maintain a good water quality.

- Check water quality by using JBL Test Kit at least once a week.

- Wash hand with soap after each time handling your aquarium.