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The average lifespan of the common goldfish is over 20 years and some have been known to live 32 years."
Common goldfish are a type of goldfish with no other modifications from their ancestors other than their color. Most varieties of fancy goldfish were derived from this simple breed. Common goldfish come in a variety of colours including red, orange/gold, white, black and yellow or 'lemon' goldfish.
The common goldfish became a popular pet around the world due to their hardy nature. They are hardier than fancy goldfish and are able to live in a variety of conditions ranging from indoor aquariums to outdoor ponds. Common golfish can withstand fluctuations in water quality and temperature. They are also easy to breed. If well cared for, common goldfish can live up to 20 or more years in captivity.
Common goldfish are social animals who prefer living in groups. They are able to interact with any fish belonging to the same species. With provision of adequate care and attention, common goldfish can become tame. Once familiar with the face of its owner, swimming towards the fishkeeper during feeding time can be observed and hand-feeding becomes possible. Small goldfish will normally avoid any form of human contact. However, this fear ceases in a middle-sized and mature goldfish. A full-grown goldfish is more likely to eat directly from the hands of its owner without evident hesitation. Mature goldfish will also explore their surroundings through nibbling or grazing behavior.
If transferred into a tank of other goldfishes, a common goldfish would normally try to communicate and familiarize itself with its new tankmates by rubbing up against the body of other fish. The most common introductory gesture would be by swimming side by side with another goldfish with its head facing forward, or by swimming side by side with another goldfish with its head facing the opposite directon, or even by swimming above another goldfish in a perpendicular fashion. Schooling is a common behavior when there is a new fish in the tank. After some time, this schooling behavior eventually ceases, and soon every individual fish will again be swimming and exploring the aquarium on its own. Aggressive behavior is uncommon when a new specimen is introduced into a settled school of goldfish.
Hierarchy during feeding is commonly observed in which the larger goldfish receives most of the food. However, a small goldfish may also become aggressive or competitive feeders despite the presence of larger fish which is, in general terms, considered as a good sign since a willingness to feed is a good sign of a healthy goldfish.
It is a common practice to keep common goldfish in a small bowl but this allows waste in the water to build-up to toxic levels and does not provide enough oxygen. They should be kept in an aquarium of at least 20 gallons with a good filter. Actual recommendations range from this up to 100 gallons, but it is possible to enjoy goldfish even in smaller tanks. They will not notice the difference if you keep the water clean enough. If you are concerned about the fish not getting enough oxygen, you may get an air pump with an air stone or bubble strip.
Goldfish are curious fish that will quickly become bored without items or other fish to interact with. If placed in an aquarium or other small container without gravel, goldfish will settle to the bottom and only move when fed or frightened by sudden jolts. However, if put in a tank with sufficient gravel, aquarium accessories or plants (real or fake) they will make themselves at home. Adding a few companion fish will also help, but make sure each fish has plenty of personal space.
When adding goldfish to a new tank it is important to place no more than two at a time. This allows helpful bacteria (which turns ammonia to nitrite and finally to nitrate) to grow. If introduced in too great a number before these bacteria grow, the goldfish will die from breathing in too much of their own untreated excrement. Even after the development of the biological filter, it is necessary to change about 30% of the water at least four times a month (or as necessary to prevent a build-up of harmful nitrate). The addition of live aquatic plants may reduce the number of times per month you will have to perform water changes, but only if the plants are growing (they will uptake nitrate as a source of nitrogen).
Common goldfish can be kept in outdoor ponds throughout the year with similar care but they may become sluggish and stop feeding in the winter. This does not mean they are sick, but rather that their metabolism has slowed.
Breeding common goldfish is relatively easy. In breeding condition the males will develop small white spots on his gill covers and the female will become plump. The male will chase the female until she releases her eggs, then the male will release sperm and they will become fertilized. The eggs will then stick to any available surface. It is then best to remove the eggs to a separate aquarium as the adults are likely to eat them. When the eggs hatch into fry they will need to be fed very small food such as hatched brineshrimp or a ready made fry food. As they grow bigger they can eat finely crumbled fishfood eventually the pieces getting bigger.
Common goldfish are usually hardy but can also contract diseases. These can be caused by poor water quality, overfeeding and overstocking. In small aquariums, illnesses in common goldfish can quickly become fatal requiring quick and prompt treatment. Several symptoms can indicate sick fish such cuts on any of the fins, a change in scale or eye coloration, excretions from the nostrils, scales are falling off or the fish frequently rises towards the water surface. Many specialty treatments are available in the market to manage specific diseases.
Common goldfish are often used as live prey for predatory fishes such as oscars and piranhas. They are also fed to larger crayfish, turtles, and frogs. Sold at only about one inch long, they cna be easily consumed by other animals. Relatively inexpensive, they are often bought in large numbers for this purpose. However, some animal symphatizers find it unacceptable to feed live goldfish to other predatory fish or animals.
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