How To Look After A Goldfish

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: The aquarium

Although goldfish look very attractive in a round fishbowl, this is generally not the best container to keep them in. A bowl may be easy to carry and clean, but the surface area of the water is usually too small to absorb enough oxygen for the fish. It's better for your fish to keep them in a flat-sided tank. For more information watch VideoJug's film called "How to set up a coldwater fish tank.” And Goldfish are not just indoor pets. They can also be kept very successfully in a fishpond in the garden.

Step 3: The fish

There are two types of goldfish, the first being the long-bodied types such as the Common Goldfish and the Comet.

The second type are the round-bodied Fancy goldfish. The Fancy varieties are very popular because they often have long flowing tails, bulging eyes and unusual head growths. Fancy goldfish include Moors, Orandas, Ranchus, Bubble-eyes, Celestials, Lionheads and Fantails.

Long-bodied goldfish and round-bodied Fancy goldfish should not be kept together in the same tank. This is because the long-bodied types are fast swimmers, while the round-bodied ones are slow, and so they will compete for food and tank space.

Step 4: Feeding

Goldfish food is available in various forms such as pellets and flakes. Slow-sinking pellets are a good way to feed fish, because it gives the fish at the bottom and the top of the tank the opportunity to eat. Only give your goldfish as much food as they can eat in about 3 minutes. Feed young and growing goldfish 2-3 times a day, and feed older goldfish just once a day. You can also supplement your fish's diet with treats like live worms and shrimp, also available from pet shops.

Step 5: Tank maintenance

Goldfish thrive on clean and healthy water conditions. You should clean your tank and change the water regularly. To see how to do this watch VideoJug's film called "How to clean and maintain a fish tank."

Step 6: Illness

Like any pet, goldfish are susceptible to various illnesses. Observe your goldfish regularly to spot any changes in how they look or behave, as these could be the signs of diseases like white-spot disease and fin rot. Most goldfish illnesses can be treated with medication. When adding medication to your tank, mix it into a jug of water first, and then slowly pour it into the tank. Sometimes sick goldfish have to be kept in a quarantine tank away from other fish while they recover.

Although goldfish are a relatively low-maintenance pet, they do need to be looked after with care and attention in order to flourish. Consult your local fish retailer, books and experienced aquarists for advice. And enjoy your new hobby!