Learning to Provide Care For Goldfish

Learning to care for goldfish involves getting to know the species.

Goldfish are classed in two categories. Common are best kept in ponds, whereas fancies are selective-bred therefore more delicate, often having difficulty swimming, so would not survive in a pond and must be kept in a tank. Goldfish are the most common household pet in the world and they are a great fish for beginners. Goldfish are a fairly hardy species and are quite adaptable to different temperatures, water and food. They are normally active, swimming throughout the aquarium. Aggressive behavior (including fin nipping) is typical when new fish are introduced to the tank, but this usually stops after a few days.

Goldfish are social, omnivorous, coldwater fish who thrive best in temperatures ranging from the 60's to low 70's. They require a varied diet, including quality pelleted commercial diets (flakes can lead to swim bladder disease later in life), fresh leafy greens, and frozen or live insects. They are stocked at a rate of 800 to 1,000 pounds per acre. Make sure the brood pond is free of any aquatic vegetation. Goldfish are currently widespread throughout much of New York in waters suitable to their survival. They feed on aquatic plants and small aquatic animals, spawn in late spring, and seem to interbreed freely with carp.

Goldfish are not tropical fish; therefore, they do not require tropical temperatures. Because of this it is not recommended to keep goldfish with other tropical fish. They are a very hearty species. There's a reason why they are given away at carnivals! Goldfish are cool-water dwellers, and prefer neutral pH water of temperatures in the 60's. These are often the first (and more often, the last) fish that people own when venturing into the hobby of fish keeping.

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Check out my latest article on choosing an aquarium background [http://fishcaresecretsrevealed.com/choosing-an-aquarium-background-and-other-essential-things.html].