Goldfish Care Information

ByMike Magnum

The common goldfish has to be one of the most commonly kept species of fish of all time. The goldfish is a very hardy species and can adapt to a wide range of water parameters. All too often though they are kept in bowls or small tanks that are simply inadequate for their long term survival and these small bowls provide for a very poor quality of life.

To provide a better quality of life for your goldfish consider keeping them in a 20 gallon tank or larger and add 10 gallons to that for each additional goldfish. Don't trust your local pet store employee to provide accurate information. Many times these are just local high school kids or college kids working for gas money. Do your own research on any fish, plant, coral or invert before you purchase them.

Give them a filter that is rated for twice your tank volume. In other words, if you have a hang on type power filter and you have a 20 gallon aquarium for your goldfish, get a power filter rated for 40 gallons or larger. Goldfish eat frequently and get kind of messy so an over-rated filter is a must.

Provide frequent partial water changes on a regular basis. Try to change out 20 percent of their water every week or every couple of days. If you dread having to do water changes look into getting a python aquarium vacuum or a lee's aquarium vacuum. These vacuums are just hoses with an attachment that hooks up to your faucet and makes doing water changes a breeze.

Give your goldfish several small feedings every day. A varied diet is optimal and there are even fish foods made specifically for goldfish. Use them.

Learn about the aquarium nitrogen cycle. This cycle is extremely important for new hobbyists to understand if they want to keep their fish alive for any amount of time. Often times new hobbyists will go out and buy a tank and the fish at the same time. All is well for a couple of days but then their fish start to die... this is primarily due to ammonia poisoning in an un-cycled tank. Learn about the aquarium nitrogen cycle before you buy your first fish to prevent any unnecessary fish deaths and heartache.

Consider joining an online fish forum where you can increase your knowledge with keeping goldfish. There are lots of forums online (Fish Lore has one as well) and you can make really good online friends easily since these are folks that you share in interest with already. They can help get you through your trials and errors while on your aquarium keeping journey.

Fish Lore provides aquarium fish information to freshwater and saltwater aquarium keepers. We have an active, fun and family friendly forum.

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7 Steps to Help You Choose a Healthy Goldfish

A lot of goldfish diseases can be completely prevented if you take the time to pick out healthy stock in the first place. However, that can be a difficult task in itself if you haven't been keeping Goldies for very long - especially if you're trying to sort through a tank that has a couple dozen Oranda Goldfish in it. There's a lot more to check than simply making sure it's swimming!

Here's a quick breakdown of what I look for before I commit to buying any type of Goldfish.

1. Examine the overall appearance of the Goldfish. When I do this I'm looking primarily at the color - is it dull? Does it appear sickly or malnourished? If the color is very pale compared to the rest of the fish the one in question is probably suffering from some kind of stress or illness. You also want to pay very close attention to the belly - a fish with a very sunken appearance to its stomach is likely carrying internal parasites. I also like to take a quick look at the shape of the body - in general, I avoid Goldfish that have a very distorted, deep body because I don't want to deal with buoyancy problems later on.

2. Observe the way the Goldfish is swimming. This should only take you a few minutes - all you are doing is watching the way the Goldfish swims in comparison to the rest of the Goldies in the tank. You should avoid purchasing a Goldfish that is bottom sitting or scratching against objects. Likewise, I don't recommend purchasing a fish that is already showing signs that is has difficulty maintaining buoyancy. For instance, avoid the ones that have an apparent tilt or occasionally stop to float on one side.

3. Examine the fins on the Goldfish and its tank mates. This is a very easy step because there really isn't a lot that you need to look for. However, the condition of the fins can tell you a lot about the health of a fish. For instance, you do not want to purchase a Goldfish that has any red streaking or white cottony growths along the edges of the fin. If the fins have a very shredded appearance or look like they are being eaten away by something do not purchase anything from that tank!

4. Examine the feces if possible. You are ideally looking for a Goldfish that has solid strands of poop, not one that has clear or very stringy poop. However, many Goldfish at the pet store are already suffering from a mild case of constipation because they are only offered flake food, so I would not be terribly concerned with a bubbly or clear strand of poo - instead, I would just fast the fish once I got it home and then offer it organic whole peas for a few days.

While you are observing the feces, make sure you also take a quick look at the vent (where the poo is coming from). You do not want to purchase a Goldfish that has a bloody or very swollen, irritated vent. The vent area of a Goldie should gently slop upwards toward the tail.

5. Look the Goldfish over to see if it is missing any scales. The scales on a Goldfish act like a layer of armor in respect to its immune system - these are the first things that any bacteria or parasite come in contact with. If the barrier is compromised in any way, like a patch of missing scales, the fish is left very vulnerable to infection and disease. Generally, a Goldie that has patches of missing scales will also show other signs of being unhealthy as well. However, occasionally I overlook a missing scale or two because it's very apparent that they are being picked on by the other fish which isn't a rare occurrence in an already overcrowded sales tank.

6. Look for any growths, lesions or fuzzy patches on all of the Goldfish in the tank. This one is pretty self-explanatory - you do not want to purchase a Goldfish that has any open wounds, ulcer-like markings, or fuzzy patches on its body/fins. You should also be on the lookout for fish that look like they have been sprinkled with salt - if any fish have this appearance do not buy anything from the tank.

7. Observe the other Goldfish in the tank. After you have taken the time to examine the Goldie you want to buy, take a couple minutes to look at all of the other fish in the tank. You ideally want to find a tank that doesn't have any dead Goldfish floating around.

However, please keep in mind that it will be almost impossible to find a tank that meets that criterion if you are shopping in a large chain pet store. The tanks at these stores are grossly overstocked which makes dead fish an inevitable reality. Instead, make sure that the other Goldfish do not have any visible external parasites, growths or signs of fish ick.

The goal of the above check list is to help you pick out a healthy Goldfish; however it is not implying that you should be rigorously examining the fish to make sure it fits show quality standards. For instance, if the fish you like has a minor flaw, like a bent fin, but otherwise appears healthy then go for it!

The health of the fish is the most important consideration. Just make sure that the new Goldfish will be compatible with your other Goldies. For more goldfish keeping tips, check out Fish Problems.com, where you'll learn about how to keep your goldfish healthy, happy and growing!

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Feeding Your Freshwater Puffer Goldfish Is a Death Sentence Waiting to Happen

While some puffers are truly piscivorous (fish eaters), the majority of freshwater pufferfish are not. Most of the commonly purchased puffers eat a diet rich in crustaceans, like shrimp, mollusks and snails. All puffers require hard foods so that their beaks don't overgrow - similar to the teeth of a pet hamster. Unfortunately, the soft flesh of a feeder fish is not going to do anything when it comes to filing down such a hard surface. However, the softness of the common feeder goldfish is not where the harm really lies.

Live Feeder Fish Transmit Disease to Freshwater Pufferfish

The live feeders that you see at your local pet store are not ordered or kept so that they can be sold as pets. While some people may purchase the common comet goldfish as a pond fish, most use them as a live feeder for another animal. And as such, they are typically housed in overcrowded, disease-ridden conditions - it's nearly impossible to keep more than a thousand fish healthy in such a small space. This means that without proper quarantine procedures, live feeder fish have the potential to wreak all kinds of fish problems on your puffer fish tank - like fungus and different types of parasites.

Feeder Goldfish aren't Nutritious for Freshwater Pufferfish

Aside from carrying a high risk for disease and parasitic infestation, feeder goldfish do not contain the right mix of fats, proteins, and other essential minerals and vitamins that your puffer needs. In fact, they're primarily composed of fatty tissue, which is definitely not healthy for any type of predatory fish on a long term basis - including Oscar's and other cichlid fish.

Live Alternatives to Feed Freshwater Pufferfish

There are plenty of other live feeders that you can use for your puffer, like crabs, snails, and shrimp. In fact, I even throw in a few feeder insects every once in a while to keep my puffers diet varied and interesting for them - I've found that most of my puffs seem to enjoy the second larval stage of the darkling beetle. However, I would still recommend quarantining any type of live aquarium residents before you offer them to your fish - you never know what kinds of pathogens you could transmit, even with something as innocent as a snail. This is especially important to do with live feeder shrimp because they are often housed with unhealthy feeder fish.

If you do need to buy your feeders from a pet store, then you will need to learn how to quarantine and treat them for parasites properly. One of only a few books specifically about keeping pufferfish, the Beginner's Guide to Keeping Freshwater Puffers, is an excellent resource for any budding hobbyist, and it includes a chapter teaching you about all the ins and outs of feeding puffers the right way.

You can check it out for completely free at http://www.freshwaterpufferfish.org

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What to Do If You See Your Goldfish Floating

It might be a surprise to some that even the smallest of goldfish also suffer from various ailments. Some pet owners might not be aware of this, but one of the illnesses that these fish might suffer from causes them to float. If your pet is currently experiencing this, do not be worried. This is a fairly common occurrence among goldfish. Fortunately, it is also easy to solve.

There are some things you need to be aware of if you see your goldfish floating towards the top of the tank. Fish from the tropical areas are rarely affected by this ailment. If, however, you happen to pass by a pet shop that has at least one goldfish in an aquarium swimming higher than its companions, then chances are its domestic environment is the one to be blamed.

One of the most suggested reasons for this phenomenon involves buoyancy. Different types of fish suffer from various buoyancy problems. In some cases, the fish can also be seen swimming too low. Both cases are curable in a matter of days. In some cases, however, the buoyancy problem can be pinpointed with the fish's swimbladder, a problem that might prove harder to correct. It is therefore important to know the reason why your fish has a swimbladder-related problem:

1. It might be due to the consumption of too much air whenever it eats on the surface.
2. There is probably a build-up of gas within its bladder that causes it to bloat and float to the top of the water.
3. Bacterial infection is possible which can lead to a build-up of toxic fluids within the fish's body.
4. Physical damage resulted from fellow fishes.
5. Genetically incorrect growth process.

Whichever the reason is, rest assured that they are all treatable as long as you have the right knowledge regarding the matter. Here are things you can try if you see your goldfish floating:

1. Avoid feeding it its normal diet for a day and see if it will expel any form of gas. Small peas are helpful once in a while as these serve as aids to allow the fish to eliminate unnecessary gases inside its stomach.

2. Try to increase the temperature of the water by a few degrees. This can help the fish flush away excess gas that might be the cause of the ailment.

3. An old-fashioned cure involves adding salt to the water. There are also certain products available in the pet shops that can help your fish. Try to buy sodium chloride, better known as tonic salts. According to experts, these work wonders on a fish's swimbladder problem.

4. An anti-bacterial medication is oftentimes done by veterinarians. Whenever one sees a goldfish floating, the person must be responsible enough to know if it is severe or not. It may prove a bit expensive compared to some the methods listed above, but this is one of the surest ways the swimbladder problem will be cured. Moreover, the buoyancy of the goldfish will be returned to normal.

For more information on a goldfish floating in your tank, please visit My Goldfish Care: http://MyGoldfishCare.com

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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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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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