3. All about Goldfish

Photo 3.1 : Due to its popularity, people would know what kind of fish is that...of course, Goldfish

Goldfish is one of a kind species that have been so popular and well known throughout the whole planet. It is the most commonly kept fish and one of the favorites for the beginners. Even an 8 year old kid have the guts to keep this fish since Goldfish is quite a hardy fish and can do well even without a complete tank setup or equipment. It can be put inside almost anything that can hold water. I could still remember, a long time ago when I was 7, the most popular types of tank is simply an unused TV set!!! Unlike nowadays, the old version set of TV consists of the CRT installed inside a glass wall in a wooden cabinet. If the CRT is removed...there you have it, a new set of fish tank. (just like The Transformers isn’t it?? A TV transform into a fish tank!!! You should be proud of yourself, right??”- Elham). However, do consult the experts when doing it, since the CRT still contain some harmful VOLTS!!! A simple fish bowl with some gravel and a Goldfish is already enough to live up and give some environment to any empty spaces. Just name the places, its all seem suitable for the fish to be displayed. Inside a toilet?? Sure!!! Outside your home?? Too common already!!! On your bookshelves?? Why Not!!! Inside your car boot filled with dish size speakers, tweeters and woofers?? Done!!! People have try it already.

Photo 3.2 : TV BOTS!!! Transform!!!

The Goldfish were born in the continents of Asia mainly in China and Japan since the year 1000!!! The most popular version of the Goldfish includes, the Common Goldfish, the Black Moor Goldfish, the Bubble Eye Goldfish and the Oranda Goldfish. The Common Goldfish were so popular as pet and also as feeder fish to other types of fish and reptiles.


Photo 3.3 : Common Goldfish in orange coloration


Photo 3.4 : Common Goldfish in yellow coloration

There are 2 most important things that all the types of Goldfish have in common. They are generally non-aggressive and very hardy. With proper care, certain type of Goldfish may live longer than we people!!! It has been reported that some Goldfish may live up to 30 years!!!. However, Goldfish is just like other fish too. They also have some issues including, Goldfish are messy, so without proper filtration, your water quality will drop drastically. The Goldfish also have a large appetite. 3 meals per day seems not enough for them, and it has also been reported that Goldfish will die either from hunger or from eating to much.

Goldfish is a cold water fish, so the temperature should be between 0°C to 18°C. The Goldfish can tolerate slight acidic, neutral and slight alkaline water condition ranging from pH 6.0 to 9.0. The most common species of Goldfish is orange. Some of the may have dull orange color and some of them have shiny orange on their scales. Most of the time, the average lifespan of a Goldfish is just between 5 to 7 years depending how the owner take care for them.


Another famous variant of Goldfish is the Black Moor. Also known as the Dragon Eye Goldfish, the Black Peony or Demekin in Japan, the Black Moor covers with velvet like black color and some of them have red and white spots coloration. Something that makes this fish is so unique located on its head. The Black Moor have large-round-protrude-almost explode eyes. They also have thick short body and a hump on the shoulder. The Black Moor is easy to take care and a peaceful fish. They also do very well in schools. They should have plenty of swimming space with secured décor since this fish will dig and uproot décor inside your tank. At maturity, the Black Moor could reach up to 10 inches in length and will live almost 25 years!!! The Black Moor is simply so stunning and great at catching attention. They were one of the most beautiful gentle giant of the aquarium world.


Photo 3.5 : The Black Moor Goldfish

Photo 3.6 : This Black Moor seems quite lonely...hmmm...


Photo 3.7 : Look!!! The Black Moor do very well in schools of 2 or more of the same kind

Next, is the Oranda Goldfish. This is another unique type of Goldfish. They have fleshy outgrowth on the top of its head. The fleshy thing on its head is called ‘wen’ since they were originated from China. The fish is sometimes called the Red Cap Goldfish. Their behaviors were another thing that makes this fish unique. They are quite peaceful, live nicely with other types of fish, exhibit schooling behavior and never hold grudge even their fin were nipped (“such a ‘Mr. nice guy’ in a tank”- Elham). Things will be seem so perfect when keeping this fish at their young. However, things will get pretty nasty when they grow up, why?? Their ‘wen’ appears to grow by stage and will burst during spring and fall season (“I have no idea when if we keep it here in Malaysia, no spring + no fall season here”- Elham). When it burst, bacteria can easily sneak inside the ‘wen’ causing pimples. The ‘wen’ also keeps growing and unfortunately on most cases, the ‘wen’ will covers their eyes thus limiting their sight. Don’t kill the fish if the ‘wen’ is overgrow!!! Just send it to nearby barber to get it trim (“NOT!!!”- Elham). The ‘wen’ is actually can be trimmed but must be done by professionals. If not, just let they live their on way like nature suppose to do. My research haven’t found what is the function of the ‘wen’.

But, I think it certainly not to be used during fighting for mate. Just like the old reptiles below (“no wonder their extinct!!!”- Elham). Oranda Goldfish can live at 20°C to 26°C or slightly warmer with the water hardness from pH 7 to 8. The Oranda Goldfish can grow to 30 cm long!!! and consumes peas, spinach, lettuce, tiny bits of beef heart, blood worms, tubifex worms and brine shrimp to reach that size. The tank should have less air turbulence, some hiding spot should be added, partial water changing and the owner that can be consider professional feeders. Yes, this fish can be killed by overfeeding, so just give their meals 2 times a day to avoid the death of your fish. Another interesting variants of the Oranda Goldfish is the Oranda Calico, Oranda Black and Oranda Red and Black.

Photo 3.8 : The Oranda Goldfish, the 'wen' on their head is not to be use like those reptiles


Photo 3.9 : Its the Oranda Red Goldfish. Isn't it cute little tutsy-wutsy-futsy...


Photo 3.10 : Above is the Oranda Calico Goldfish. Some of us maybe would not prefer such coloration. Well...It still cute!!! Isn't it??

Photo 3.11 : The Oranda Black with red 'wen' on its head. Unique and elegant

Photo 3.12 : The Red and Black Oranda. May seem like having disease, but it just only their colors

Photo 3.13 : The Red and White Oranda

Next session, we will continue with the Bubble Eye Goldfish some info about worms. Until then, hope we can share our knowledge or experience together. Any comments are warmly welcomed. Take a good care of your fish.

Bye for now...