Carassius auratus auratus
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Synonyms |
Carassius carassius auratus, Cyprinus auratus,
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Distribution |
Native to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Macau
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Sexual Dimorphism |
Mature females fuller bodied. Mature males show
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Maximum Size |
Usually up to 46cm (18"), although larger
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Water Parameters |
Neutral to alkaline conditions preferred. pH:
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Temperature |
Coldwater - subtropical: 04-30 deg C (39-86 deg
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Compatibility |
Large fish community |
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Lighting |
No special requirements |
Care
The goldfish is an old favourite for many, and is best kept
in a pond situation. Of course, they may be kept in well-filtered spacious
aquaria (with a large surface area for oxygen exchange), but they will very
much appreciate the freedom and space that a garden pond can provide. Given
such an unrestricted expanse and excellent water conditions, this is a fish
that has been known to grow as large as 60cm (24") and live for well over
25 years. Sadly, the goldfish is all too often mistreated, being kept in
cramped unfiltered conditions. There is a mistaken belief that these relatively
hardy fish can cope with any conditions that are thrown at them, but this is
not the case and they should be treated with the same respect given to other
aquatic creatures in our care. As with all other fish, regular maintenance is
required to keep them in good health. Goldfish are notoriously messy feeders,
and continually stir up the substrate in their ongoing search for food.
Powerful filtration is essential, and regular partial water changes are
advised, particularly in the confines of aquariums and smaller ponds. The water
should be well-oxygenated (of particular importance during warmer spells of
weather) and this is easily achieved in a pond situation by use of fountains,
air pumps, waterfalls etc and may be aided further by the incorporation of
oxygenating aquatic plants. Goldfish should be kept in groups of 5 or more of
their own kind and may be successfully kept alongside shubunkin and sarasa
comets. In larger ponds, bigger fish such as tench and orfe may also be
considered. It may be of interest that the natural colour form of the goldfish
is actually a greenish-brown. Many many centuries ago, the Chinese started
breeding the species that we see today from a yellowy-orange fish (a result of
gene mutation). This selective breeding has not only seen various colour forms
emerge, but also fin and body shape differences that are far removed from the
original forms.
Feeding
Pond flakes, pond pellets, pond sticks, frozen/live foods
etc. As the water temperature cools down in late Autumn, a lower protein
wheatgerm-based food should be fed.
Breeding
Mature goldfish will breed on a regular basis in
established ponds so do make occasional checks to ensure that the pond is not
becoming overstocked. In larger ponds, keeping fish that will consume the
goldfish eggs - such as orfe - is a natural way of keeping the population in
check. Goldfish lay their eggs amongst aquatic vegetation (or on artificial
spawning mops) and these usually hatch within 48-72 hours depending on water
temperature. Young goldfish are brown in colour (like their ancestors) and it
can take up to a year before full orange colouration becomes apparent.