Pet Fish Guide
Pet Fish Article
Goldfish As Pets
from: PetSpectacle.comThe goldfish is an ornamental fish often kept as a pet. The goldfish is a freshwater fish and can be kept in an aquarium or an outdoor freshwater pool. The goldfish was one of the first types of domesticated fish. The modern goldfish was developed by selective breeding from the Prussian carp, which is native to Asia. The goldfish was first bred in China approximately 1000 years ago. The fish was bred for color and attractiveness. Selective breeding has continued over the years, and goldfish now come in many color variations. Breeding programs have produced rare forms with unique coloring and elaborate fins. As a result, goldfish range in price from inexpensive to extremely expensive, depending on the variety.
Goldfish are popular pets as they are easy to keep and attractive. If they are cared for properly, goldfish can live for over ten years and can grow to be up to 12 inches in length. Although they can tolerate changes on water temperature, goldfish need clean non-chlorinated water. The tank must be large enough to contain sufficient oxygen. The tank must also be large enough that the goldfish can swim around freely. For one to two fish, a 10 to 20 gallon tank is appropriate. A standard fishbowl is not large enough to keep a goldfish for any length of time. In addition to being too small, these bowls do not provide enough oxygen.
The water must be prepared before the goldfish is introduced into the tank. The water must be de-chlorinated either through the use of a de-chlorinating product or by letting the water sit in the tank for 24 to 48 hours. De-chlorinating drops are available from many stores that sell pet supplies. The temperature of the water should be checked before the goldfish is put into the tank. The water should be room temperature. Although they can survive in a wide range of temperatures, sudden changes in water temperature can kill goldfish. For every gallon of water, two teaspoons of uniodized crystal salt should be added to the water.
The tank should be kept out of direct sunlight so that the water doesn't overheat. A goldfish tank should contain plants and objects that provide the fish with shelter. Although it is not necessary for the health of the fish, sand, gravel, or glass beads are often used as a substrate. Although a colorful substrate is attractive, it creates work as the material making up the substrate must be kept clean. If the water is changed every second day, a filter and air pump are not necessary. If a filter and air pump are used, cleaning does not have to be done so often. In this case, one-quarter of the water in the tank can be removed and replaced on a regular basis, usually at intervals of 7 to 10 days. Full cleaning is done as needed. Depending on the tank and equipment, this may only be necessary every two to three months. Strong chemicals should not be used to clean the tank. These substances are toxic to fish.
Commercial flaked goldfish food is available at most pet stores. Goldfish should be fed a pinch of food once or twice daily. Overfeeding can kill goldfish and make the water murky. A shell feeder can be used if the fish is to be left alone for more than a day. A healthy fish will go for the food eagerly when it is dropped into the tank