Do Goldfish Sleep?

If ants sleep, why can't goldfish? It might have never passed through the minds of ordinary folks the fact that fish can sleep. Yes, even our small swimming buddies doze off once in a while, but it is definitely not the same as tucking yourself under the covers and having a good night's sleep.

Scientists have done some research that verifies the fact that some animals do not sleep. The mayfly, for example, is known to live for only a number of hours after birth. Hence, these insects only spend a considerable amount of time flying around before they die. They do so without rest so as to maximize their lifespan. A lifespan of a goldfish can be as long as ten years with the possibility of this number doubling. The lifespan also depends on whether or not the fish is actually well-fed by its owners. Because of their long existence, goldfish do get tired and need to take a break once in a while.

In answering the question "" we need to consider the way their methods differentiate from other organisms. Like the majority of animals on this planet, they basically take one spot while sleeping. They do not float around the way people always see them do, although there is the occasional hovering which is caused by buoyancy. At times they would even hide behind large aquarium decorations.

The difference, however, lies in their concept of sleep, which is actually a form of resting. They sleep with their eyes open-as they do not have any eyelids-and only undergo a trance-like state. Because of this, they are basically aware of what is going on around them. When another fish nudges them or when a certain light is turned on, sleeping goldfish would quickly swim away as if they were not sleeping in the first place. Their brain is also very small in size, and it is said that animals having this physical characteristic do not actually enjoy sleep since they lack the necessary termination of brain activity. This is why it is known that goldfish only sleep a few hours a day. Since goldfish exhibit certain awareness during their state of sleep, they retain the ability to move their fins to stay afloat and to maintain their position. They also do this to satisfy the needs of their gills to have sufficient oxygen as they move.

The next someone asks you the question "" always say yes, but be prepared to explain that their methods are far different from ours. They need sleep just like us human beings. They can also experience fatigue or get tired if they do no rest. Like us, they also sleep better with the lights off, so if you are one of the numerous goldfish owners who care about their pets, make it a point to dim the lights whenever you see them floating on one specific spot. If you do, goldfish sleep patterns will not be disturbed. Remember that since they do not have eyelids, they are also prone to distraction brought about by brightness.

Do goldfish sleep? For more information, please visit My Goldfish Care: http://MyGoldfishCare.com

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How to Recognize the Signs of the Common Goldfish Diseases

If you own a pet goldfish then it is very important that you know about goldfish diseases and what their symptoms are. Knowing the signs of sickness in your goldfish will allow you to catch the illness before it gets worse; most goldfish fatalities are the result of their owners not realizing that their pet is already sick. In this article the most common of the diseases that goldfish comes into contact with is discussed, and hopefully this will help you extend the life of your goldfish.

Swim Bladder Disease - The signs that there is something wrong with your fish's swim bladder is if it either stays at the bottom of the tank or near the surface. Their swim bladders act as the ballast for fish, enabling them to dive or surface whenever they like, if there is something wrong with the bladder then swimming becomes problematic for the fish. If you think that your fish has swim bladder disease, try feeding it with frozen peas, if the problem still persists then take it to the veterinarian.

Ich - or white spot disease, is caused by a parasite called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Ich is one of the more common goldfish diseases, it can be recognized as white spots appearing all over the fish's body. When your fish contracts Ich, you will find it rubbing its body against the hard decorations in your tank in order to scrape away at the growths on its body. This illness is usually caused by introducing an infected fish into your fishtank; which is why it is very important that you only get your goldfish from a reputable breeder.

Dropsy - This is one of the most fatal of goldfish diseases. If this disease is left by itself and allowed to progress, there is little or no chance that your goldfish will survive; that is why it is very important to recognize this disease at an early stage so that treatment can be administered. The symptoms of dropsy are swollen eyes (usually one at a time), massively swollen belly, and the goldfish's scales stick out of its body rather than lying flat. This disease is mostly caused by bad water condition and poor tank maintenance.

Anchor Worm - Just like Ich, anchor worm is caused by a parasite that has infected your goldfish, but instead of white spots you will see hanging growths at different parts of the fish's body. And like Ich, anchor worm will cause your goldfish to rub themselves against any rough or hard surface trying scratch the growths off. By itself anchor worm does not pose any serious threat to your fish, though it greatly weakens it's immune system, making it very susceptible to other kinds of goldfish diseases.

It is true that goldfish are a hardy fish that are able to thrive in any kind of water condition, but they are far from perfect; they still get sick just like other animals. But by recognizing the signs of goldfish diseases you will be able to treat them before they get worse.

For more information on goldfish diseases, please visit My Goldfish Care: http://MyGoldfishCare.com

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Egg Layers

ByRichard D Ross

or scatterers are a group of Tropical Fish that reproduce by laying eggs and then fertilizing them. Depending on the species of fish, the eggs will be either placed or dropped on plants, or directly in to a substrate nest. The female will spawn the eggs and the male will then fertilize them.

Mouth Brooders are a unique kind of fish, that carry their eggs or hatched fry around in their mouths, to protect them. Both the males and the females will perform this duty. Some fish will drop adhesive eggs on to the leaves of fine leafed plants, which are better for this purpose, than broad leafed ones. Plants like Cabamba and Myriophyllum are very egg friendly.

Their leaves are delicate and perfect for eggs to stick to and hide newly hatched fry. Others place their eggs into nests they build in floating plants, called Bubble Nests.The male fish will blow and place small bubbles on to the plants and glue them together with saliva.

No matter what the method, once fertilized, the egg sacks develop into little fry and then hatch. The egg sack remains attached and provides nutrients until the little fry can fend for themselves. The fertilized eggs are small and transparent. In the wild, hatched fry have a good chance to survive. But in the home aquarium, good luck. Unless protected, they become food for larger fish, even their parents! In the home aquarium, you can get to spawn, under the right conditions. They prefer softer water, pH 7.0 to 7.5. The water temperature should be in the mid seventies.

Breeder plants, should be placed in a tank with established plants, like Vallisneria and Java Fern. Some hobbyists are lucky enough to have breeder tanks, where females are placed. They are fed a diet of fresh foods like brine shrimp or raw fish finely chopped. When the male is introduced after a few days, the pair are apt to spawn and fertilize the eggs. once this is done, remove the parents from the tank to give the babies or fry a chance to live.

Most of us with just one tank, simply clip the egg laden leaves and put them in a smaller floating hatchery, placed in the top of the tank. Once they hatch, the young are safe from larger fish. If they are isolated and fed quality food, the new fry will prosper, though a few of them will not survive. Genetically, some fish are just hardier than others. Barbs, Tetras and Catfish are examples of popular egg laying fish given the proper environment, these and others will give hobbyists a good chance at success.

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Richard D. Ross has been an aquarium hobbyist for many years. His love is Fresh Water tropical fish. He has a personal website: http://www.pellonesportal.com

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Tips on How to Feed Goldfish

Part of becoming a pet owner involves the responsibility of feeding your animals. The most important part in having a good relationship with them is that you know exactly the dos and don'ts when it comes to stuffing food in their mouths. In the case of feeding goldfish, beginners might have a bit of trouble in satisfying the diets of their fish.

What you need to remember is that goldfish are omnivores. They can eat both meat and plants. Like human beings, they need to eat regularly in order to satisfy their body's need for nutrients. There are many pet shops that sell fish food so it is best to pay these places a visit in order to know which type of food your goldfish needs. You may buy fish flakes or fish pellets made especially for your pet, but it is also ideal to read the ingredients before you do so. Some food contains lesser nutrients compared to the others, so always compare and contrast before you make your purchase. Another tip on how to feed goldfish is that you can still save money by feeding them brine shrimps or even small worms which can be caught in any normal garden. They can also eat small bits of lettuce which are high in vitamins. Make sure, however, to rinse these before throwing them inside the tank in order to avoid any unwanted germs from mixing in the water inside the aquarium.

Now you need to know how frequently you should feed your goldfish. Their ideal feeding rate is once a day, but depending on the size of the fish you can opt to do so twice. It is important to feed them in small amounts. A good way to measure the quantity is to calculate how much food one can consume in less than three minutes. If it takes them longer to eat the amount you give them, it means you are feeding them too much. Be wary that even goldfish can die from overfeeding as too much food can rupture their small stomachs.

Another tip on how to feed goldfish is to notice the amount of food they leave in the tank. If it happens that they quickly get full and leave some bits of food floating in the water, it is highly recommended to clean these bits up in order to avoid polluting the aquarium. Buy a fish net from pet shops so you can easily scoop out the small bits of leftovers. Remember that if excess fish food is left out to float around inside the tank, there is the possibility that the water's ammonia level will increase to a point where it can kill your fish.

Pet owners need to become more aware of the right ways on how to feed goldfish. Remember that goldfish are like any other animals. They need to have a proper diet in order to survive longer. Feed them less and they will starve, feed them more and they will most likely die as well.

For more information on how to feed goldfish, please visit My Goldfish Care: http://MyGoldfishCare.com

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Goldfish Types That Are Suitable for Beginners

Are you planning on keeping goldfish as pets, but you are not sure as to which of the goldfish types to get? If you are a newcomer to the world of fish keeping, goldfish are great choices for being your first pets because they are beautiful, low maintenance, and they are more hardy than other types of aquarium fish. If you are looking for like you then here are some suggestions:

Common Goldfish

The common goldfish are the ones that are given away as prizes at county fairs. These are one of the best when it comes to resistance to disease and water condition as compared to the other goldfish types, which is why even beginners can take good care of them.

This type of flat-bodied goldfish are agile swimmers and can grow to more than a foot in length if given enough room, they are also able to live for more than 10 years depending on the level of care that it gets. They are omnivorous, meaning you can feed them just about anything from fish pellets, flakes, live worms, and even frozen peas.

Comet Goldfish

These goldfish are similar in appearance to the common goldfish except that they have longer and more pronounced fins. The tail fin of the comet goldfish is one of the longest among all of the goldfish types, the tails are almost as long as the main body of the goldfish itself; it is really impressive to see an adult comet goldfish that is almost a foot in length with a graceful tail that is almost the same length or even longer.

And just like the common goldfish, comet goldfish are a hardy bunch making them a perfect choice for beginners.

Shubunkin Goldfish

These goldfish are similar in body shape as the common goldfish; the shubunkin's body is just a bit more streamlined than the common goldfish. The coloration is also different in this goldfish, instead of the gold and white metallic colors found in common goldfish; the shubunkin has a combination of metallic and transparent scales of different colors, which is why the shubunkin is also called the calico. The shubunkin goldfish comes in a variety of different color combinations ranging from white, black, gold, blue, red, and purple; shubunkins that have blue colorations are very rare making them more valuable than the others.

And just like the other flat-bodied goldfish types, the shubunkin goldfish does not need much maintenance to keep, you can even keep them in a pond in your backyard if you like, just remember to place them in an indoor tank when the weather gets too cold.

Goldfish are one of the most popular pets for many years, and they do not seem to lose any popularity as time passes by. If you are a budding enthusiast in raising these beautiful fish, the types pf goldfish mentioned above will be able to give you lots of practice in raising and taking care of the other goldfish types.

For more information on goldfish types, please visit My Goldfish Care: http://MyGoldfishCare.com

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How Long Is Goldfish Lifespan?

Contrary to popular belief, goldfish lifespan can last for years given the right habitat and care. The lifespan of a goldfish is also dependent on what variety it is, as some are known to live 10 years while some can go for 20 years or more. Here are some types of goldfish with their known lifespan and some tips on how you can make them last for as long as they can:

Common Goldfish

The common goldfish is one hardy breed of goldfish; they can live in just about any kind of water condition and will also eat anything. It doesn't take much to keep these goldfish happy, you just need to feed them often and keep them in a tank where the water temperature is not too cold. If they do not get any ailments or serious diseases the common goldfish lifespan can exceed 10 years.

Shubunkin Goldfish

Shubunkin goldfish are not gold colored at all; they are more like a combination of different colors. Most shubunkins have a combination of translucent and metallic scales that are colored silver or white, with splotches of black, red, brown, or blue. The shubunkin goldfish is a lot like the common goldfish because they are very low maintenance pets, perfect for beginners. The average shubunkin goldfish lifespan is more than 15 years.

Black Moor Goldfish

The Black Moor Goldfish is characterized by its black and velvety coloration and its protruding eyes; though they do not protrude as much as those of the telescopic eye goldfish's. This kind of goldfish is also great pets for beginners since they are not picky on food, and they are pretty resistant to most diseases that goldfish usually get. Among the other goldfish varieties, the Black Moor Goldfish lifespan is by far the longest. The average lifespan of a Black Moor is 20 years or so, but there have been reports of them living for more than 25 years.

Tips on Extending Goldfish Lifespan

The lifespan of the goldfish stated above are the results of giving the fish the proper care that they need. In order for goldfish to live to the extent of their life spans it is necessary that you take care of them properly and place them in an environment where they can live happily.

One great tip is to remember to not overfeed your fish. For one, when goldfish are overfed their bodies swell up too much because of the amount of food, making them sluggish and prone to numerous diseases. If you also put in more food than your fish can eat, they will just dissolve into the water and make it murky.

Another tip for extending goldfish lifespan is to always keep the water in the tank clean. You should replace at least 25 percent of the tank's water every month. Placing a filter in the tank can also help in keeping the water clean and clear, and it also helps in circulating the water and keeping it oxygenated.

By following these simple tips on extending goldfish lifespan, you will be enjoying the company of your pet goldfish for a very long time.

For more information on goldfish lifespan, please visit My Goldfish Care: http://MyGoldfishCare.com

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Taking Care of Your Pearlscale Goldfish

The pearlscale goldfish is one of the numerous varieties of goldfish and is also one of the most commonly-bought pets. It takes the shape of an egg, looking like they have just swallowed a round object. It scales, filled with calcium carbonate, are also varied in shape that complements its spherical body. The calcium carbonate contained within these scales sort of makes a pattern of small-colored domes which create the optical illusion that the shapes are jutting outwards. The head of this type of goldfish is small, which makes the body stand out even more.

Its dorsal fin stands erect on its back. It begins from the middle and extends itself all the way to a part of the body called the caudal peduncle. The other fins of this goldfish variety are paired with ends that are rounded, with lobes that appear forked at the tips. Whenever this goldfish swims these lobes often wave upwards instead of downwards. This type of goldfish comes in several colors. Some have scales that resemble the color of metal along with a couple more distinct hues. Some, however, retain their orange color similar to the majority of goldfish nowadays.

Breeders of this goldfish often prefer one with a head one-thirds shorter than its total length. Since the fish has two different types-those with headgrowths, and those who have none-there exists a sort of favoritism among breeders that the ones having headgrowths are considered to be more valuable compared to others. The Pearlscale goldfish is fortunately not picky when it comes to eating. It will eat almost all types of food that other goldfish eat. You must, however, watch out for its diet. Avoid giving it food in large chunks as its internal organs are not fit for consumption of such. If it eats too much, there is a possibility that its round body will not take the pressure, rupturing the stomach in the process.

Like several other fish of this type, it grows in a relative manner. It requires almost ten gallons of water whenever a pet owner plans to keep it in an aquarium. Ponds, however, are more ideal for goldfish of this type, as it is considered to be its perfect habitat. The best part about keeping a fish of this variety is that it can be housed along with fishes of other types as it does not pose a complete threat. There are, however, a select few types that are considered unsafe for the Pearlscale goldfish, namely the Comet goldfish, the Shubunkin goldfish, the Waking Goldfish, and the janitor fish.

If you are one of the numerous owners of the Pearlscale, keep in mind that they require absolute care. Their bodies, round and heavy for their own good, are not suitable for environments that are stressful. Swimming fast is definitely not their cup of tea. A calm and serene atmosphere inside the tank must be taken into consideration. Avoid placing unnecessary toys or objects in the aquarium to avoid scaring the fish.

For more information on the Pearlscale goldfish, please visit My Goldfish Care: http://MyGoldfishCare.com

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Black Moor Goldfish - The Perfect Pet for Beginners

Black Moor goldfish is one of the most beautiful varieties of goldfish. As their name implies, they are velvety black in color that fade to a dull silver along the belly. They are also characterized by their protruding eyes that seem to pop out from its skull; the protruding eyes are the reason why they are also called black dragon eyes, and the more endearing popeyes.

The Black Moor goldfish has a lifespan that is one of the longest of all the goldfish. The average Black Moor can live to more than 20 years, but if given enough care and room to grow, they can last for more than 25 years. They can also grow in length to about 8 inches to 10 inches, depending again on the room provided to them.

Because this goldfish is a hardy little fellow, it does not take much to keep it happy and healthy. For as long as you give it enough food, ample room in the tank, and clean water to swim in it will surely last for years; given that it does not get any serious diseases of course. Because it is low maintenance, the Black Moor is the perfect fish for beginners at keeping fish.

The things that you need to concern yourself about when keeping a Black Moor goldfish as a pet is that it has relatively poor eyesight because of its bulging eyes, it is also not the most agile swimmer in the world so it can be hard keeping them in a tank with faster moving fish because it will not be able to keep up with the feeding frenzy of the other fishes. Because of these handicaps these fish are more relegated to being kept in indoor tanks with other slow moving fish rather than in outdoor ponds that have a lot of obstructions that it has to navigate around in.

But besides its incapability of keeping up with the faster fishes, the Black Moor makes up for it in its high resistance to illnesses and it is also not very sensitive to water quality unlike other fish. You can keep Black Moors in tap water for all they care; but if you want your Black Moor to be a lot more healthy and happy then you should check the pH balance of their tank water and the temperature from time to time, just to see if they are in the right levels.

This goldfish do require that the water in their tanks are well-oxygenated, so keeping them in a fishbowl with a small opening at the top is not really advisable. A tank that has a wide opening at the top will be a better suited Black Moor goldfish environment, you could also add in a good water filtration system in the tank to keep the water clean and circulating so that it gets oxygenated.

Black Moor goldfish is really one of the most suitable pets for beginners; it is beautiful and very low maintenance, what more can you ask for?

For more information on Moor goldfish, please visit My Goldfish Care: http://MyGoldfishCare.com

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How to Breed Goldfish the Right Way

Have you ever considered multiplying your aquarium's goldfish population? Instead of buying new ones, you can always opt to breed your existing fish. Not only is it a practical way to increase their number, it is also fun and worth your time. Be wary, though, as beginners are most likely going to have a difficult time doing this. Here are some helpful tips on how to breed goldfish.

First, make sure that each of your fish is at least one year old, although most breeding experts would suggest them to be more than two to three years old. A huge factor to consider before breeding is the ideal season which runs from May to August.

Of course, breeding will not be possible without a male and a female. You must first determine the genders of your goldfish. Take note that females are usually stouter when viewed from the top, while mature males have tubercles on their heads or small bumps that resemble a star.

The next step on how to breed goldfish involves isolating them in separate tanks. In case you have more than two, separate them into dual tanks depending on gender. Make sure you regularly feed them with equal amount of food such as live worms and brine shrimp.

The aquarium must be taken care of. You will need to set up a tank fit for breeding. It should have fresh water and proper ventilation tools. Plants are also necessary additions as these will be the place the fish will lay its eggs. The temperature should be adjusted at about sixty-four degrees Fahrenheit to support proper breeding.

Once you have placed the goldfish in the breeding tank you will then have to wait for the females to lay eggs, which will be fertilized by the males. You need to partially change the water every day. Remove twenty percent of water from the tank and replace it with fresher water from the tap. This stimulates the spawning process. Be as strict with the amount as possible because a slight change will stress the goldfish, rendering them unable to reproduce.

A strong sign that your goldfish is beginning to spawn is color change. Their skin hues begin to intensify once the female and the male begins the fertilization process. You might notice that some males will break away from the group and chase a female energetically. You will know if they are mating when the male begins to push the female to a point where they begin to revolve around each other. This process allows the female to push out her eggs which will most likely land on the plants you have provided.

The eggs will hatch after a few days, with colors beginning to appear after a month. The right way on how to breed goldfish does not stop here, though, as you will still need to feed your baby goldfish with nutritious food four to six times a day. It might test your patience, but at least the aquarium will soon be filled with enough goldfish for you to sell or take care of.

For more information on how to breed goldfish, please visit My Goldfish Care: http://MyGoldfishCare.com

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