5. All about Arowanas (Part 2)

Photo 5.17 : This fish seems so sick, luckily he just a cartoon

Now we meet again in the next chapter of ‘All about Arowana’. This chapter will focused mainly on Arowana sickness and some of them may also be apply to other types of fish too. In the chapter of ‘All about Barbs’, I have include a glimpse on Fish Stresses. So…what is exactly Fish Stresses?? And how we can determine whether the fish is currently in stress?? Wanna know?? Hmmm?? Sure…(“just say ‘ELHAM IS GREAT’ will you…just kidding”- Elham).


Lets say you have a family and a child, and to make you and your working wife’s life easier, you decided to leave your child in a nursery to be watched and take care by those fully trained babysitters. Now, you can imagine how your child will react and behave. He / She will certainly won’t let you go, will cry and shout for you, or maybe change into a quiet person, doesn’t want to eat, drinks and maybe can go sick, have a bad fever etc. The same situation may also be applied to the fish that we bought. When the fish were caught and put inside a plastic bag, their stress is actually started to build up. As soon as they were put inside their new ‘home’, their stress sometimes can be worse. They will….

1. Become more timid
2. Not active, sometimes they will stay on the edge of your tank for quite a long time
3. Swim back and forth so fast, in a short distance
4. Doesn’t want to eat
5. Go sick and maybe…DIE afterwards!!!

Precaution steps must be taken when transferring your newly bought fish into your tank. Fish is a Cold-Blooded animal. What is Cold-Blooded animal?? Cold-Blooded animal is an animal that can change their body temperature to suit to their environment. Fish can suit their body temperature to their changing environment, but NOT IMMEDIATELY!!! Their body temperature should be regulate to their new environment GRADUALLY. You don’t have to buy a thermometer for this. As soon as you got home with your fish, do not open it yet. Leave it inside your tank for about half an hour to 1 hour. The water temperature inside the plastic bag will change to the temperature of your water inside your tank (“that is called ‘Heat Transfer’”- Elham). After that, you can scoop your fish and put inside your tank. Another way is to pour 2/3 of water inside the plastic bag and fill it with 2/3 of your tank water. Leave it for an hour and scoop your fish to be put inside your tank afterwards. If the fish were put inside your tank immediately, they will encounter ‘Temperature Shock’!!! Sometimes it may lead to immediate DEATH!!!


When a fish is put inside their new environment, they also will experience ‘Culture Shock’. But don’t worry, most fish have short memory. Even an adult Goldfish have memories for 3 seconds only. Just make sure you avoid the ‘Temperature Shock’.


Another thing to be remember is, when you want to transfer your fish, please make sure you only transferring the fish, not the water inside the plastic bag. This is the way to prevent bacteria, fungus and virus from the pet shop transferred to your tank.


Okay, now we will go through common disease that will your Arowana will or have encounter and the ways to cure it. The diseases are…


1. Curled Gills :
This disease may caused by Fouled Water from rotting food and their own dung. Another cause is due to lack of space for the fish to swim, another one may be due to sudden changes in water temperature. The first stage happens when you see your Arowana’s gill covers move irregularly and their breathing seems faster. Their gill covers will gradually curl upwards thus exposing their sensitive gills in the water. If not cured quickly, the fish will have to suck the air from the water surface for breathing, and because of too busy with their breathing, they will forgot to eat or lose in appetite. At this moment, their gills maybe have been infected with bacteria and can lead to DEATH!!!


When you discover your Arowana’s behavior similar to the above, don’t panic. Be cool…and quickly go change the water. Change all the water for the first day, the next second and third day, just change 1/5 of the water. At the same time, pump more Oxygen inside by increasing your air pump power or quantity. Rotting food and dung will increase the content of Ammonia and nitride inside your tank. These 2 chemical substance will reduce the quantity of oxygen inside your tank. That’s why a lot of Oxygen is needed. Then, change your filter media, go get a new one or change their type to coral sand filter.


When its all done…create a strong water current inside your tank, Today’s water pump sometimes equipped with wave generator, so…put it on immediately. Chances of curing using all the method mentioned above is about 50%. Final stage is to do minor operation on your Arowana’s gill covers. You may find the way on how to do the operation inside others website. I don’t have the guts to share something that I have not done it before. Besides, it seems so risky and must be done using various types of tools and anesthetic.


2. Cloudy Eyes :
Cloudy eyes may caused by injuries from bad handling of the fish or maybe from your sharp décor inside your tank. When buying a tank décor, please make sure its all ergonomic, means…no sharp edges. Contaminated water may also causing cloudy eyes. Your Arowana or other types of fish that experience this disease will have their eyes appears cloudy. After a short period of time, their eyes may swell and looks like it were filled with liquid matters.

Photo 5.18 : Swollen eyes that filled with fluid matter will looks like this

If they are not treated quickly, they may lose their sight and can lead to DEATH!!! As soon as you encounter changes on your Arowana’s or other of your fish eyes as mentioned above, don’t go to the optometrist, just change the 1/3 of your tank’s water. Then increase 1°C to 2°C of the water temperature. On the third day, change ¼ of the water again. Saltbath may also helps to improve recovery. After that, find the most trusted brand of fish medicine that specialize on cloudy eyes disease. After 3 to 5 months with continuous cares, the eyes should be cured, but may appear smaller. Don’t know why…


3. Parasites :
There are 2 common parasites that usually strike on Arowana’s and other fish too. It usually comes from the food we used to feed them. So…don’t take your fish diet so lightly. Its often to know what nutrients that your fish needed rather than buying expensive fish food, by looking at the ingredients you can imagine the nutrients that your fish might get. Also, please watch those live food especially for your Arowana. Live frogs, crickets, centipede or Goldfish fry may also packed with parasites. You should wash the live food before you feed them to your fish.

Photo 5.19 : Those are not passengers, they are PARASITES!!!

The 2 common parasites are the Fish Lice and the Anchor Worm. The Fish Lice is about 3 mm to 5 mm long and can be seen with naked eye. Their body is flat and their mouth have a needle-like structures to suck the nutrients inside your fish body. The Anchor Worm found mainly around the fins or inside your fish body. The length is about 1 cm and their head have fork-like structures to suck the fish nutrients. After being infected, your fish might appear rubbing and scrapping against the side of your tank and will lose appetite. The parasites can be killed using Copper Sulfate solutions and saltbath. After your fish is recover, change all of the water inside your tank.


4. White Spot :

Photo 5.20 : Those are not pimples, no need Tea Tree oil. The white spot is called.....errrr....White Spot...disease

This is definitely the most common disease for fish. It comes from bacteria and this bacteria can multiply so fast within an hour. During the first stage, the white spot might strike the fins of the fish. The bacteria will suck up the body fluid inside the fish. The affected region will looks like white powder. Some says, white spot may lead to Fin Rot disease. The fish will also appear rubbing on the side of your tank. As soon as the bacteria attacks he gills, DEATH is conformed!!!. The fish can be cured using available medicine from the pet shop, just buy the trusted brand to avoid harmful chemical that might affect your fish. Normally, those medicine were added with Formalin or Quinine or Iodine. That’s why it comes in colors, normally dark green and purple. Don’t panic when your water change its color when you pour this substance. This chemical is harmless to the fish but make sure you put it as per the directions. Saltbath is also useful to help recovery. Then, increase the water temperature for 1°C to 2°C and increase the amount of Oxygen. When you fish is fully cured, change all the water inside your tank.

On the next chapter, I will tell you other common fish disease. Until then...Love Your Fish like you Love Yourself.

5. All about Arowanas

5.1 : Arowana / Dragon Fish / Kelisa

For most, this fish is the King of freshwater fish and of course, the King of the aquariums. Its huge size, large scales, bold expression and elegant moves makes it a hot favorite among fish lovers, hobbyist and aquarist all over the world. The King is categorized in the family of ‘bony fish’ or sometimes called ‘bony tongue’. What is this ‘bony’ thing is really about?? Here’s the explanation…in this family of fishes, Arowana’s head is ‘bony’ and their body is covered by large heavy scales, something that looks like a mosaic patterns. Still don’t understand?? (“just get a cup of coffee will you??”- Elham). Okay, let make things simple, have you ever seen a tortoise?? That creature is also called ‘bony’. Almost 80% of their body is composed by their growing backbone thus creating the shell. Scales, just like shell were composed with elements that also can be found inside the bones. So, that’s why the Arowana is called ‘bony’. For Arowana, the name ‘bony tongue’ comes from their toothed bone on the floor of the mouth. The tongue is equipped with teeth that crossed with the teeth on their upper jaw.

This fish are one of the primitive freshwater fish species that still exist until today. Based from research, another types of primitive freshwater fish includes the Arapaima Gigas and the Snakehead. There are 10 species lived until today that have been recorded. 3 species comes from America, 1 from Africa, 4 from Asia and the remaining 2 from Australia. This fish have evolved through millions of years means indeed this fish is so hardy. Due to the high demand VS low supply from river sources, the Asian Arowana once have been considered closed to extinction!!! On 1st July 1975, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) have listed that the Asian Arowana as a highest class protected fish and have been agreed by 72 countries all over the world.

The keeping of Arowana in tanks or aquariums in Malaysia have been started since early 70’s and pulled lots and lots of attention and demand in the 80’s. This interest then spread quickly to Thailand, Taiwan, China and Japan, (“as quick as butter spread onto the bread”– Elham). The Arowana in South East Asia, is popular and expensive. Malaysia for example gave the Gold Arowana and Green Arowana while Indonesia has Red Arowana and Red Tailed Arowana. In Malaysia, Arowana is also called Kelisa. Have been recorded to sold for about RM 35,000 to RM 40,000!!! Equals to USD 9000 to USD 10,500!!! 4 peoples can get inside it and could reach the speed of 140 km/h!!!

Seriously, I’m not joking. Malaysia’s 2nd national car manufacturer (PERODUA) have build a car named from this fish, The PERODUA KELISA (“hehehehehehehe”– Elham). Don’t believe me?? Here is the picture of the car. (“what and honour…”- Elham).

Photo 5.2 : Malaysia’s compact car, PERODUA KELISA (AROWANA)

The Arowana scales and barbells resembles that of the Dragon hence, they are called the Dragon fish. In Chinese culture, the Dragon represents good luck, strength and power. In the Southern China, people believes that a Dragon can ward off evil and brings good luck. Dragon is also an icon in Asian culture, and sometimes become an icon for certain triad gang!!! Besides Tiger, the gangs usually use the Dragon figure to be carved onto their body. However, never have been seen the triad gang especially their leaders carve an Arowana figure. Businessman started keeping Arowana mostly Asian Arowana to maintain prosperous and growing business. Geomancer also recommend their clients to keep a Blood Red Arowana to bring good luck and ward off evil spirit. Keeping Arowana also believed can bring good health, happiness and uphold family togetherness.

Photo 5.3 : This spirit seems quite evil, forget the Ghostbusters, just get an Arowana


Photo 5.4 : Looking at the aging Dragon tattoo on his back, I bet this man is a retired gangster

Photo 5.5 : Keeping Arowana is believed to improve family togetherness, and


Photo 5.6 : can maintain and improve business


Arowana is a highly prized fish, so make sure you get the very best when buying it. Here’s a tip on how to choose the best of the best Arowanas…

1. Color – According to species, must be bright and lustrous
2. Body Shape – Broad and long, with complete fin and in place
3. Scales – Neatly arranged, shiny, big and evenly shaped
4. Fins – Big and wide. Each fin must have smooth hard-fin rays
5. Eyes – Big, evenly shaped, not droopy, not protruding, not misty and must be clear looking
6. Mouth – Close tightly, and no protruding jaws
7. Teeth – Neatly arranged, in-line with jaw line
8. Gill covers – Compact and close to the head and body. Must be shiny and not scarred
9. Swimming Style- Graceful and usually swims in the upper part of the aquarium.
10. Whiskers (Mandibular) – Long and straight, equal in length and match the body coloration.


Color
The most important criteria is the color of the fish because it is often the color that first attracts the hobbyist. Hence, if the body shape is attractive but the color is not, it cannot be considered perfect. According to the different types of Dragon Fish, the standard colors differ. BEWARE OF FAKE RED AND BLOOD AROWANAS IN THE MARKET!!! One way of preventing this is to get your fish from a CITES registered farm and make sure that the farm has a good sales record.

Body Shape
The ideal shape is one that is proportionate, neither too fat nor too thin. Essential to look after its environment and the food that it takes. The space of the tank directly affects the growth and progress of the body. A limited space may result in its stunted size, or rounded, hunched shape. Basically the length of the tank should be 3 times the average length Arowana during the growing stage. Food should be nutritious. Besides fish and prawns, other types of food may be fed. Do not allow the Arowana to be inclined to one type or eat too much. Feeding should be well controlled.

Scales
Scales are the Arowana's distinctive feature. Neatly layered and slippery scales are comparable to the good complexion of a person. The scales should be even and radiant. They should not have dark spots, although red spots are welcome as they are considered auspicious. Many people have a misconception about the scales. They think that when the scales drop off, they may not be replaced naturally. The only point to note is in replacement, it has an itchy sensation causing it to rub its body against the side of the aquarium. This may cause the fish to be damaged. To prevent this, it is advisable to remove anything that may cause injury in the aquarium. If there is loss of scales, they can grow back after 3 to 5 weeks. While they are being replaced, the water condition should be noted so as to prevent harmful bacteria from proliferating. If any scale is out of shape, it could be removed by anesthetize the fish during the operation. A new scale will eventually grow in its place.

Mandibular Barbels (Whiskers)
Many fish lovers have high regard for the Arowana's whiskers because they resemble the Dragon's horns - a sign of blessing. Mandibular barbels must be equally long, straight and the color similar to its body-color. These act as an extension of the Arowana's power. Any broken, shortened or bent whiskers may mean a reduction to its majestic appearance. How then can these whiskers be preserved and maintained??

First of all, one must prepare ample space for free activity and to prevent the whiskers from getting damaged. Without this ample space, the Arowana’s whiskers cannot grow properly and the tips may rub against the sides of the aquarium thus getting damaged. Then…

1. Do not decorate aquarium with furnishings such as rocks and other decorations
2. Do not drop food in a corner. They should be put in the centre of the aquarium.
3. Do not knock against the aquarium to cause the Arowana to be shocked or frightened.
4. Cover the aquarium with a thick glass, the edges of which should be smoothened and rounded. These can help to prevent the Arowana's whiskers from getting damaged in its excitement or when it is frightened.

Should the whiskers be broken or damaged, the recovery period varies according to the age of the Dragon Fish. Normally a young Dragon Fish recovers faster than an older Dragon Fish. Whiskers may be damaged in 2 ways…

1. At the root : When this occurs, recovery may be difficult even for a young Arowana. It is necessary to decide whether to leave it to grow the root back naturally, or to use a needle to help speed the growth. Even if the whisker is bent but not broken, it is best to cut it off so that it will not be out of shape when regrown.
2. Fins : The fins of the Arowana are like its limbs. Any damaged fin can affect the Arowana's graceful movement and ultimately the beauty of the whole fish.

A beautiful fin should be smooth and outstretched, with all its hard rays straight and smooth. There should be no tear. Care should begin with the baby Arowana. At this stage, it should not be given too much space. The fish is easily frightened as it feels insecure in a spacious environment. In dashing about at every slightest disturbance, often suffers injuries.

A smaller space which gives the fish a feeling of security will also enable the fish to be more active, thereby strengthening its fins. When it is at the adolescent stage and more stable, it can then be transferred into a larger aquarium. To avoid hurting the fins, these points should be noted…

1. Do not install ornamental displays such as rocks and other decorations
2. Do not rear with other fishes in the same tank.
3. To lift the young, fine net should be used. When it reaches 15 cm, net should not be used. Hold in plastic bag instead.

If a piece of the hard ray of the fin is injured, it could be gently removed at the base and a new ray will grow in its place. In case of more rays, then the Arowana needs to be given anesthesia before operation to remove the broken rays with a pair of scissors.
When fin-rays are broken, they need to be treated immediately, especially tail fins, as the Arowana depends largely on its tail fin to move about. Although fins may recover by themselves, they may be disfigured when they do. After surgery, a replaced fin can be almost perfect, except it may be a little wavy. However, it is best to get a specialist to perform the operation.

Eyes
In the natural environment, the eyes are focused above water-level to search for live food. However, when the fish is reared in a fish tank which is transparent all round, the eyes tend to focus downwards due to distractions around and as food is readily found around and at the bottom of the tank. The hobbyist need not be unduly worried about the fish's health although the value of the fish is affected by this phenomena. This is only a natural adaptation to its environment.

A good quality fish's eyes must be centralized, compact and focused, not droopy or protruding. They must revolve naturally and be shaped evenly, sparkle brightly and clear. In the aquarium, the Arowana's eyes tend to focus downwards sometimes because…

1. When it is kept in an aquarium, its feeding habit changes because its prey are no longer floating above but are at the bottom of the aquarium
2. It gets distracted by movement outside the glass panels of its aquarium
3. It does not exercise enough, so fat is accumulated to bulge or protrude within the socket of the eyes causing the eyes to protrude or droop

Mouth
When close the upper and lower lips must not protrude. The lower jaw should not be loose. In the fish tank, the fish often rubs against the glass wall resulting in the loosening of the jaw muscles. To avoid this, the space must be increased or install a water jet to increase the speed flow of the water.

Teeth
Generally, fish hobbyists do not pay much attention to its teeth. However, its teeth are quite important. If the teeth of the fish are not healthy, they will affect the fish's health.

Gill Covers
Normal gill covers should be smooth and flat with no scratches or wrinkles. The following points should be noted…
1. Do not install ornamental displays in the aquarium
2. Maintain the right temperature. Gill covers and head tissues may wrinkle if temperature is too high. A vast change in temperature may cause the fish to suffer tilted gill covers
3. Change water regularly and maintain cleanliness and the best water condition
Raise oxygen content in the water.

If there is any injury in the gill region, fish-treatment medication should be put into the water to prevent bacteria infecting wound.

Swimming Style
The style of movement is important in enhancing its beauty. An Arowana that does not swim gracefully can affect its aesthetic value. Correct posture is to swim vertically in water, spreading out all its fins. The mandibular barbels must be straight. It must be able to turn swiftly. Moving up and down or diagonally is not ideal.


Types of Arowanas :

Photo 5.7 : Golden Arowana


Photo 5.8 : Malay Arowana


Photo 5.9 : Panda Gold Arowana


Photo 5.10 : Red Arowana


Photo 5.11 : Red Tailed Golden Arowana


Photo 5.12 : Another nice pose from the Red Tailed Golden Arowana


Photo 5.13 : Super Red Arowana


Photo 5.14 : Blood Red Arowana


Photo 5.15 : Another Blood Red Arowana who think he’s better than his friend above


Photo 5.16 : Blue Crossback Golden Arowana

On the next chapter, we will go through on Arowana’s Diets and Common Disease.

T.T.T (Tips / Tricks / Trivia)

Hi... Just wanna share with you all some facts about fish. I bet you wouldn't have know it until today ("hehehehehe"- Elham). Well...Did you know that....

1. One in ten pet owners keep fish.


2. Shrimps' hearts are in their heads.


3. The most common name for a Goldfish is Jaws.


4. Climbing Perch can 'walk' on dry land and even climb trees.


5. Prize winning Koi have sold for tens of thousands of dollars - for a single fish.


6. Discus feed their babies on mucus they excrete from their bodies.


7. Female Guppies can have up to five litters of babies from mating only one time.


8. Tennessee's 130,000 square foot public freshwater aquarium is the largest in the world.


9. The finest Caviar comes from a freshwater fish - the Beluga Sturgeon.


10. Babies of the carnivorous Arowana live in their father's mouth until they are big enough be on their own.


11. The bright stripe on Cardinal Tetras makes it hard for predators to single out one fish in the school.


12. Well cared for Goldfish can live for 70 years.


13. The smallest fish is 1/3 inch long Freshwater Goby.


14. Scientists use ear growth rings to determine a fish's age.


15. Climbing Perch can 'walk' on dry land and even climb trees.


16. Most freshwater Eels migrate to saltwater to spawn.


17. Sturgeons live in saltwater but migrate to freshwater to spawn.


18. Lobsters and Crayfish eat their own shell after molting.


19. Only 1 in 100 Salmon eggs will survive it to adulthood.


20. Goldfish lose their color if kept in dim light.


21. A 400 million year old prehistoric fish species once thought extinct is still living today.


22. Fish sleep with their eyes open.


23. Flapping their fins, Hachetfish can fly out of the water for several feet.


24. In 1984, live fish fell on a London neighborhood after being sucked up in a waterspout.


25. In 1999 a Heron dropped a live Goldfish down the chimney of a London family.


26. Goldfish have a memory for just 3 seconds.It may be applied to almost all fish!!!

Any other facts to shares?? You're mostly welcomed. Well...That's all for now. Till we meet again...Please take a good care of your fish.

Thanks and bye for now...

3. All about Goldfish (Part 2)

Photo 3.14 : Schools of Bubble Eye Goldfish. I wonder how they avoid damaging their bubble sack

The Bubble Eye Goldfish, just like the other Goldfish, is quite hardy. Its bright, large and can easily pull attention. This type of Goldfish is another excellent choice for newbies. For your information, this species were found in China in 1908!!!


Photo 3.15 : The Bubble Eye Goldfish, hope he's know what his doing. The gravel might injures his bubbles. Avoid sharp decor please...

Photo 3.16 : Ooowww...Isn't he cute. Their bubbles seems giving them a hard time. Look at his face...

This fish is very peaceful, love to live in community even with other variants and do very well in schools. The fish will happily lived inside tank with plenty of BLUNT décor as well as plenty of swimming space. Due to its unique physical condition, especially on the eyes, care should be taken to avoid any sharp or rough edges and naughty fish that will make fun from the eyes by pecking at them.

Photo 3.17 : Poor thing...the left fish have its bubble punctured and the right fish have its bubbles infected with disease

Photo 3.18 : Avoid handling the Bubble Eye using bare hand. Always remember, your hand have full of bacteria. This applies to all fish

The Bubble Eye is so stunning yet so fragile. It can reach the size of 10cm to 16cm at maturity. Beside the bubble eye, the fish also have thick body with hump on their shoulder. They have long fins and have yellow to orange body coloration, and sometimes with white spots. The most interesting features of this fish is none other than their bubble eye. These bubbles is actually their folded skin filled with fluid and located under their eyes. While their actual eyes are pointing upwards.

The fish should live at the temperature of 20°C to 26°C with the water hardness around natural (pH 7- 7.5). This fish is omnivores, so they will devour vegetables, blood worms, brine shrimp and their own special pellet. Please bear in mind that their bubbles is super sensitive, so when removing the fish, use bowl and avoid fish net.

Wanna see other variation of Goldfish??Here they are...Enjoy...

Photo 3.19 : Common Lionhead Goldfish

Photo 3.20 : Lionhead Ranchu Goldfish

Photo 3.21 : Red and White Lionhead Goldfish

Photo 3.22 : Ryukins Goldfish, special bred from Japan

Photo 3.23 : A large Telescope Goldfish, their eyes isn't that clear as a telescope

Photo 3.24 : A Broadtail Telescope Goldfish couple. Usually used as bait fish or fish feeder

Photo 3.25 : Small Common Telescope Goldfish. Don't stare at the eyes or you will be hypnotized!!!

After these 2 session, we can conclude that Goldfish is another great fish to begins with. Due to its hardiness behavior and its outlook with many type of color variation, its popularity is hard to be deny. This fish also requires low cost maintenance but can live for a long time. Just don't overfeed and always keep your water clean and clear. Goldfish is the another man's best friend that could keep you accompany from young till you have your own family. Any comments or experience to share?? Don't be shy, just share it together with the communities, here at aFish Tank Forum.

Well...That's all for now. Till we meet again...Please take a good care of your fish.

Thanks and bye for now...

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...