About Goldfish
Goldfish are commonly considered the perfect pet for small children. While these fish do make great pets for kids, they are not quite as easy to care for as many people think. Like all living creatures, goldfish do require some specific care, and with that care they can live long, healthy lives in captivity.
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Misconceptions
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Many people think that the best habitat for a goldfish is a bowl. But In reality, goldfish need more water per square inch of body space than other tropical fish. A goldfish bowl will not provide the fish with enough oxygen to live a healthy life. Also, in a goldfish bowl, the fish will not have enough room to grow to its full size. Goldfish need plenty of room to grow. If you are going to keep five goldfish, you will need a 55-gallon tank.
History of
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Today's goldfish originated in China during the Tang Dynasty. During this time, people kept carp in ponds. As these carp were bred to become more beautiful, they began to take on the golden coloring that goldfish are known for today. Soon the fish were brought indoors to be kept in small containers during parties and indoor events. In 1611 the fish were first brought to Europe from the East, and they were introduced to the United States in the mid-1800s. They quickly became popular as indoor aquarium pets as well as outdoor pond fish.
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Size
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Most goldfish that are purchased for indoor aquarium use are around 1 to 2 inches in length. This can be confusing to new owners, because these fish will grow quite a bit larger when kept properly. This small size contributes to the tiny habitats that many goldfish must endure. Common fancy goldfish can grow up to 12 inches long if they are cared for properly and provided with enough room. Other varieties can grow much larger, and the longest goldfish ever measured was over 18 inches in length.
Risk Factors
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Goldfish are prone to certain diseases. Ich is one common disease, and it is characterized by tiny white spots all over the fish's body. This is highly contagious and must be treated quickly when observed. It can be fatal, but is easy to treat with medication from a pet store. Many fancy varieties of goldfish have long, flowing fins, and these are prone to developing fin rot. This is a disease that causes the fins to deteriorate, and it can occur after an injury or if the fish is under stress. Medication is available for fin rot, but the owner must also stop the stress that the fish is experiencing to successfully treat this disease.
Type
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Goldfish come in all shapes and sizes. The goldfish most people think of is known as a common goldfish. Comets are like common goldfish but sport longer tails. Double-tailed goldfish include color varieties like the Wakins and Jikins goldfish. Fantail goldfish have egg-shaped bodies with short, double-tailed fins. Oranda goldfish have a growth on their heads known as a wen, causing them to resemble a lion. The black goldfish with egg-shaped bodies and long fins are called Moors. Telescope goldfish have bulging eyes and long, flowing fins. There are many other types of goldfish, but these are the most common ones found in household aquariums.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Louis Hall
