Breed: Goldfish
Average Size: maximum length of 23 inches (59 cm) and a maximum weight of 9.9 pounds
Appearance: The color of a goldfish is determined by which pigments are in the cells and how much. If a goldfish is kept in the dark it will appear lighter in the morning, and over a long period of time will lose its color. The scales can gradually change color (i.e. black to orange) in different spectrums of light. There are also different body shapes, as well as different fin and eye configurations.
Lifespan: Goldfish kept in bowls generally live only six to eight years. The true lifespan of a well-cared-for goldfish in captivity can extend beyond 10 years.
Habitat: While it is true that goldfish can survive in a fairly wide temperature range, the optimal range for indoor fish is 68 to 75 °F (20 to 23 °C). They live in freshwater with a pH between 6.0-8.0 and a water hardness of 5.0-19.0 dGH. They are considered ill-suited even to live in a heated tropical fish tank, as they are used to the greater amount of oxygen in unheated tanks. Although, goldfish have been observed living for centuries in outdoor ponds in which the temperature often spikes above 86 °F. The bigger fish tank the better, just like any other animal they need room to move. They also like a place to hide whether you provide them with plastic plants or an aquarium accessory that they can swim in.
Food: Goldfish need only be fed as much food as they can consume in one to two minutes, and no more than three times a day. Constant overfeeding can be fatal. Special goldfish food has a lower protein and higher carbohydrate content. It is sold in two consistencies - flakes that float at the top of the water, and pellets that sink slowly to the bottom. Some will supplement this diet with shelled peas, blanched green leaf vegetables, and bloodworms. Young goldfish also benefit from the addition of brine shrimp to their diet. As with all animals, individual goldfish will display varied food preferences.
Temperament: Goldfish are smart and have strong social learning skills. In addition, their great visual acuity allows them to distinguish between different humans. Goldfish may react favorably to their owners by swimming to the front of the glass, swimming rapidly around the tank, and going to the surface mouthing for food while hiding when other people approach the tank. Over time, goldfish should learn to associate their owners and other humans with food, often 'begging' for food whenever their owners approach. When new fish are introduced to the tank, aggressive 'bully-like' social behaviors may sometimes be seen, such as chasing the new fish, or fin nipping. These usually stop within a few days. Fish that have been living together are often seen displaying schooling behavior, as well as displaying the same types of feeding behaviors. Goldfish may display similar behaviors when responding to their reflections in a mirror.
Special Traits: Some doctors have suggested that having a fish can help a stressful person relax and decrease their stress levels.
Other Important Info: The main goldfish varieties are: Black Moor, Bubble eye, Butterfly tail, Calico, Celestial eye, Comet, Common, Fantail, Lionchu, Lionhead, Oranda, Panda Moor, Pearlscale, Pompom, Ranchu, Ryukin, Shubunkin, Telescope eye, and Veiltail
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