It makes sense that the Goldfish is the favorite pet of children and adults, since they are small fish with an attractive color that are very easy to care for. Likewise, it is a very common species in aquariums around the world, since they are very calm and peaceful, thus making them the ideal companion for other fish. In this article we will tell you about its characteristics, its diet and its care.
What is a Goldfish?
In general, fish are one of the best alternatives when it comes to having pets, and even more so when they are for the little ones in the house. These tiny animals can be of great help in learning to care for and enjoy the company of another living being and, in the same way, take seriously the responsibility that comes with having a pet. The goldfish is no exception, due to its many virtues.
The origin of Carassius auratus, as its scientific name is, dates back to China, since they were raised there in small aquariums for human consumption and to become pets. The ancestors of goldfish, in ancient China they were an easy target to capture and then be bred in captivity. Since then, in other areas of the region, the tendency to create ponds to reproduce fish and cross them between species has been expanding, resulting in fish with that particular golden coloration that today is so common in all homes.
Because of this, goldfish or also called goldfish, became one of the pioneer species for domestication. Although the type of fish will also be an influencing factor, the golden crucian carp has even changed its weight and size as a result of its change in habitat. Its size will depend on its genetics and care, this little fish can measure 10, 60 or even 90 centimeters in length. On the other hand, their weight will vary depending on whether they were raised in their natural habitat or not, in captivity they weigh approximately 1,5 kilograms and in the sea up to three.
Similarly, their average lifespan will also be influenced by care and where they are raised, that is, in captivity or in their natural habitat, but they usually live around 15 years. These animals are not violent at all, on the contrary, they are quite sociable, so they can be kept in an aquarium with other fish and absolutely nothing will happen. Goldfish are yellow in color, which at first glance can be seen as gold thanks to the orange tones on the tail and fins, which are very useful when feeding.
Features
One of the most outstanding characteristics of this fish is its peculiar color, highlighting the bright yellow and orange tones throughout its body, giving it a golden appearance. Despite this, sometimes there are some cases of goldfish with small white spots. These have a particular way of swimming because they are very skillful and fast, and even more so when it comes to looking for their food. In addition, golden carps usually stay in a group so as not to feel threatened by any predator and, in the same way, to protect each other.
The size of this fish is around 60 cm in length. However, depending on the care given to them, coupled with their genetics, there are specimens that have reached 90 centimeters. On the other hand, weight is another aspect that can vary in goldfish, since it will depend on many factors, such as whether it was raised in captivity or in its natural habitat. If the fish has lived its entire life in the open sea, it can weigh up to 30 kilos, but if it has been bred in captivity its weight is less than half, because it did not have enough space to grow and develop properly.
Goldfish are very long-lived, which makes them the most suitable pets to have, since you won't have to replace them as often. The life expectancy of a goldfish is quite high, it can live between 15 and 40 years. As with size and weight, this average will depend on the care provided, such as proper nutrition and adequate living space.
Also, these fish are very nice and friendly, qualities that have made them one of the favorite pets around the world. It is calm and peaceful with other species, so they can coexist peacefully with other fish in the same area. However, keep in mind that they cannot share a habitat with fish that are smaller than them, because they can easily become their food.
It is best to group it with specimens of the same species. Being sociable animals, it is common to see them in colonies of up to 7 seven fish. In addition, they have another virtue, they are very curious and are always looking for new things to explore and entertain themselves. If you chose a goldfish as your life partner, you only have to take care of it and love it, the best way to show affection to another living being is to be aware of it.
Food
The diet of goldfish in their natural habitat consists of seaweed, insects, bacteria, earthworms, plankton and even the eggs of other species. In other words, they are omnivorous fish, since they have physical characteristics that allow them to adapt to any type of food, whether of animal or plant origin. However, in captivity, in large aquariums, they are usually fed larvae and dried vegetables.
If you have a goldfish as a pet, there is nothing to worry about, its diet can be based on the food that is sold for fish in pet stores or also with the aforementioned. Do not forget that a combined diet of plant and animal nutrients can be of great help for the proper development of this species. Likewise, there are supplements that are indicated by veterinary professionals that can be very beneficial for the fish's body.
For this reason, we can supplement their diet with live food such as worms, sea fleas or bacteria, or with vegetables such as lettuce and cauliflower. Also, if you want to pamper him, from time to time you can give him shrimp. At first he may be a little reluctant about the new diet, but this will be simply due to sheer distrust, as the days go by he will begin to like it and will eat everything you give him.
The predatory aspect of this fish can also emerge in captivity. It had already been mentioned that sometimes it devours the eggs of other species, even eating its young on occasions. Therefore, we must be very careful that it does not eat its own young, much less those of others. In the breeding season we must have control of the situation so that this does not happen, since the environment can become somewhat hostile among the fish in the aquarium.
Finally, a very important aspect to highlight is that these little fish must be fed three times a day and in very small quantities. That's because goldfish only eat the food for the first two or three minutes, the rest they throw away. By avoiding this practice, you will prevent the tank from getting dirty very quickly and you will not have to clean it as often. In addition, you will preserve the health of your pet.
Reproduction
Goldfish are oviparous animals, that is, animals that are born from an egg left by their mother. When it comes to reproducing this fish is a bit complicated, since reproduction is only successful if it is in the most suitable conditions, either in its natural habitat or in an aquarium. In a pond, for example, reproduction is much easier. This is because temperatures can be artificially modified, making the most optimal environment for the reproductive process to take place.
Goldfish like this process to be carried out at high temperatures, and they also wait for spring to expand their family. However, not only the environmental conditions must be rigorous, but a correct diet will also be a determining factor, because it influences the growth of the fish. Golden carps reach their sexual maturity between 1 and 3 years of age.
Contrary to the above, there is no difference between courtship in its natural habitat or outside it. The male goldfish is the one that insists and looks for the female. Once she gets it, she pushes it several times against the rocks or seaweed around her, until she manages to spawn the eggs. After that, the male fertilizes them by placing his sperm on the eggs, so that they then stick to the algae until they hatch.
The hatching of these small eggs takes approximately three days, depending on the temperature of the water. However, only a few fry survive. Since they are small, these minnows are totally independent, they feed on other bacteria until they finally grow a little more. After a year, the golden carps are already considered adult fish.
Care
For goldfish to have a full and long life, they require certain care that we as their owners must provide. For this reason, you must have a general knowledge of all the care they need, such as the size of the fish tank, accessories, cleaning, maintenance and many more. The first thing to consider is that a large space is essential for a goldfish to develop in captivity. For this you will need a large aquarium, at least 100 liters or more.
Also, this space should be decorated with coarse sand and small stones. Remember that this fish is characterized by being a bit slow and constantly swimming, so it can be injured by a stone if it has sharp areas. Similarly, when it comes to aquarium plants, they should not deprive the pet of movement. The plantation should be made up of a group of resistant hard leaves, because these fish have a tendency to nibble on the vegetation.
On the other hand, the temperature of the water is another very important factor, since it can cause them to get sick. The ideal temperature is between 15 and 22 degrees, if these limits are exceeded the fish become more prone to diseases. Also, keep in mind that although its care can be quite easy, you must be patient and thorough when cleaning your aquarium.
Poor cleaning of the space where they live is one of the most frequent mistakes made by the owners of these pets. Because sometimes various cleaning products are used that leave residues inside the aquarium, harming the health of the fish and even causing their death. Also, remember that any decoration that you want to include in the animal's habitat must be previously disinfected, since the bacteria that are outside the water are not the same as those inside it, they can cause the water to be contaminated immediately. .
Goldfish are more delicate than other species of fish, which is why they require special care. In addition to the good cleaning of the aquarium, we must also provide a correct diet and high levels of oxygen so that they live fully. Similarly, it is essential that you do not exceed the population number in the aquarium. Although this type of fish is quite peaceful with the rest of its species, if the appropriate amount of fish is exceeded, none will be able to comfortably move around the tank, causing them to be aggressive towards each other.
Finally, try to observe them constantly, because any irregularity that appears in them can be a symptom of a problem or condition. Keep in mind that goldfish are pets that do not need to invest large sums of money in their care, since they are quite simple, but they do require you to be very rigorous with cleaning and feeding habits. If you provide them with the most optimal care, they can live for many years.
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