Freshwater

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Part II: Fish and How to Care for Them
Goldfish
Goldfish are one of the oldest aquarium fish known. These fish were specifically
bred from carp for their beauty and have no known natural varieties. All
goldfish variations are grouped into the same species, Carassius auratus.
There are four main types of goldfish:
Egg goldfish: Egg goldfish have no dorsal fin, are egg shaped, and have
double tails.
Wen goldfish: The Wen goldfish have a fancy style tail and a dorsal fin.
Dragon-eye goldfish: Dragon-eye goldfish have eyes that protrude in the
form of telescoping or bubbles.
Common goldfish: These fish are similar in appearance to the carp from
which they were bred, but have more color variations.
Fancy goldfish have been bred for many physical characteristics including
bubble eyes, split tales, long fins, and unusual head coverings (growth).
These species can be kept in either a coldwater aquarium or a pond. Either
way, these omnivorous fish need a good filtration system and plenty of
foliage.
Black moor goldfish (Carassius auratus)
The black moor is a cool-looking goldfish that really isn’t gold at all. It is
black. The body is slightly hunched, and the caudal fin fans downward like a
lace veil draped over the top of a glass. Like many goldfish, Black Moors tend
to wobble as they swim, which is quite amusing to watch, and have protruding,
velvety black eyes.
Because they belong to the carp family, goldfish are very hardy. Black moors
should be kept in tanks of 20 gallons or larger that is outfitted with either artificial
or thick-leafed coldwater plant species. Goldfish tend to dig around in
the gravel and will destroy dainty plants. Toss some smooth river rocks into
the goldfish tank and watch them flip them all over the place. Keep the water
temperature between 65–70 degrees.
Due to their physical makeup, goldfish should have their protein intake limited
to no more than 25–30 percent of their nutritional intake. The best thing
to feed them is manufactured goldfish food.
Good tankmates for almost all goldfish species include scavenging catfish,
such as the pleco, and other goldfish.