Goldfish

Goldfish are freshwater fish belonging to the carp family. This species, which is also kept as a pet in the aquarium, is originally from China. As far as is known, this species, which dominated gray and silver colors 1000 years ago, started to produce yellowish and orange colors reminiscent of gold after natural mutation. The goldfish is also called Goldfish in English and bears the name of the golden root.

Curiosities About Goldfish

They can come in different colors such as golden yellow, red, white, black and orange. While they can grow up to 30-40 cm in the natural environment, in aquariums they usually stay between 15-20 cm. With proper care, they can live for 10-15 years. In good conditions, they are known to live up to 20 years. They live in freshwater aquariums, garden ponds and natural ponds.

How to Care for Goldfish in the Aquarium?

Goldfish are peaceful and are known for their harmonious nature. They are not aggressive by nature and do not harm other fish in the aquarium environment. However, they can exhibit aggressive behavior if they are under space constraints, malnutrition or stress. They can be especially active during competition for food. Although goldfish are hardy creatures, suitable conditions must be provided for them to live long and healthy lives. To list the suitable conditions;

1. Aquarium Size: Goldfish are fast growing and require a large volume. A minimum of 40 liters is recommended for a single goldfish. For this reason, aquariums with a large volume and a large swimming area should be preferred.
2. Water Temperature: Water temperature between 18-22°C is ideal. They do not like very hot water.
3. Filtration: Goldfish produce a lot of waste. Therefore, a powerful filtration system should be preferred.
4. Nutrition: Flake or granular feeds containing protein, vegetables and herbs can be preferred. Boiled vegetables (such as zucchini, peas) should be given several times a week.
5. Water Change: At least 25% water change should be done weekly and water cleaning should be ensured.
6. Aquarium Decor: Sharp-edged ornaments should be avoided and natural plants and stones should be preferred.
7. Peaceful species of the same size should be preferred and aggressive species should be avoided.

Compatible Species:

Goldfish can easily coexist with calm and harmonious fish species with similar living conditions.

• Zebra Danio (Danio rerio): A hardy, fast and adaptable species. They get along well with goldfish.
• White Cloud Mountain Minnow: Resistant to cold water and a peaceful species.
• Corydoras Species: Since they are bottom fish, their habitat does not conflict with goldfish.
• Bristlenose Pleco: Contributes to the cleanliness of the aquarium and is a compatible bottom fish.
• Snail (Apple Snail): Cleans plant waste in the aquarium, lives well with goldfish.
• Dojo Loach: It can live in similar temperatures to goldfish and is calm.

Incompatible Species:

Goldfish should not be kept in the same aquarium with some species. Here are the species to avoid:

• Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish): Risky for goldfish because of its aggressive nature.
• Guppy, Molly, Platy: They need warmer water, so they are incompatible.
• Bubblegum Species (Cichlid): They can be aggressive with the instinct to protect their territory.
• Tetra Species: They are fast and small and can bite the fins of goldfish.
• Neon Tetra: Not compatible as it needs warmer water.

How to Feed Goldfish?

Since goldfish are both herbivorous and carnivorous, they can be fed a variety of foods. In general, they can be fed flake and granular feeds. In addition to this. Vegetables such as boiled peas, spinach, zucchini or high protein feeds such as artemia, bloodworms, water fleas.

How Do Goldfish Reproduce?

The breeding period usually starts in spring. Males approach females and encourage them to lay eggs. The females lay their sticky eggs on the plants. The eggs hatch in 4-7 days. The breeding tank should be separate to prevent them from eating the eggs and fry.

What to Consider When Buying Goldfish?

They should be active and lively, with smooth and spotless fins. Make sure that a healthy environment is provided in the aquarium.

If the fish is constantly at the surface of the water and breathes frequently, the aquarium may lack oxygen. If it breathes rapidly at the surface, it may have gill infections or parasites. If it stagnates at the surface, the water quality may be poor or the fish may be under stress. If the fish is lying motionless on the bottom and its breathing is slow, there may be disease. Swim bladder problems or digestive system problems are particularly common. In a new aquarium it may be normal for a fish to sink to the bottom for a while due to stress, but care should be taken if it remains motionless all the time. Older fish move less and may sink to the bottom to rest.

Where to Buy Goldfish in Istanbul?

There are many options for buying goldfish in Istanbul. Especially large aquarium stores, pet shops and online sales platforms are the most reliable sources. Aquarium shops in areas such as Ataşehir, Kadıköy, Ümraniye, Beşiktaş and Bakırköy offer healthy and diverse goldfish species. Before buying, make sure the fish is healthy, active and has the right fins. You can also visit large aquarium centers such as Emaar Aquarium to observe these creatures and get professional advice to choose healthy fish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Goldfish

1. How many years do goldfish live?

Under the right care conditions, they can live for 10-15 years.

2. How big do goldfish grow in the aquarium?

With proper care, they can grow up to 15-20 cm. In larger aquariums, this size may increase.

3. Why do goldfish die?

Polluted water, low oxygen, poor nutrition and sudden changes in temperature can cause death.

4. At what temperature do goldfish live?

A temperature range of 18-22°C is ideal. Sudden temperature changes can cause stress.

5. How are goldfish bred?

In the spring, male and female fish are placed together in the production tank to lay eggs. The eggs stick to the plants and fry hatch in a few days.

6. How often should goldfish be fed?

They should be fed twice a day, as much as they can consume in a few minutes. Too much feed will contaminate the water.

7. Do goldfish sleep?

Yes, goldfish rest at night. Their movements slow down and they stay on the bottom.

8. Do goldfish get stressed?

Poor water quality, small aquariums or sudden changes can cause stress.

9. Can goldfish live with other fish?

They are peaceful and can live together with other freshwater fish of similar size. However, aggressive species should be avoided.

10. What don’t goldfish like?

Sudden water changes, overfeeding, small and dirty aquarium environments have a negative impact on the health of goldfish.

11. How to Clean a Goldfish Aquarium?

• Since goldfish produce more waste than other fish species, aquarium cleaning should be done more frequently. The most critical recommendations are as follows;
• A 25-30% water change should be done once a week in the goldfish aquarium. You can make this change with the help of a ladle.
• Goldfish produce a lot of waste. Bottom cleaning is therefore important. Clean the filter once a month. Do not use tap water, because the chlorine in tap water can kill beneficial bacteria.
• Limit the lighting time to 8-10 hours a day. Too much light increases algae growth.
• Make sure the heater is working correctly and the water temperature is between 18-22°C.
• Do not remove the fish from the aquarium during cleaning, only do water changes and bottom cleaning. Test the water parameters after cleaning:
  • pH value 7.0-7.5 range.
  • Ammonia and nitrite: 0 ppm.
  • Nitrate Should be below 20 ppm.
  • Check these values regularly using water test kits.
• Glass and plant decor should also be cleaned regularly, no soap or chemical cleaners should be used, they should be cleaned by hand and then rinsed with hot water.

Visit Emaar Aquarium and discover dozens of goldfish species in different colors and patterns.