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Pets > Choosing The Right Goldfish
CHOOSING THE RIGHT GOLDFISH
Goldfish are a temperate breed that can be found in cool streams, lakes,
and ponds throughout Asia and part of Eastern Europe. However, the ones
you will buy for your tank have been bred in captivity. Once you've decided
that the goldfish is the right fish for you - you will need to find the
right kind of goldfish. Take your time and find out more, rather than
just rush out and buy the first goldfish you find in the first pet store
you come by. Decide on how many you want to buy. If you really want just
a single goldfish, please do a re-think on the issue because it can get
lonely and boring for a lone ranger in a tank! Once you've though it out,
here are some of the things you must keep in mind:
Choose the right pet shop
When you enter the shop, look around at all the tanks. Make sure that
the tanks are not overcrowded with fish. See if all kinds of fish are
thrown together in one tank or care is taken to separate the various species.
Look out for dead floating fish. The dead fish could have spread an infection
to the other fish.
Observe how the fish swims
This is a good gauge to identify healthy fish. A fish should be active,
swimming with ease and style and poking around curiously at nooks and
corners. Choose a goldfish that looks active and doesn't wobble or tilt
to one side or just rest at the bottom. Tap the tank and see how the goldfish
reacts. A fish that is slow in its reaction might be a sick one. Make
sure that it's not opening its mouth too much for air, as it might be
an indication of problems with the gills.
Check out the fins
Make sure that the dorsal fin is straight and stands up. The backs of
the goldfish should be smooth, without unsightly bumps. Also check that
all the fins are healthy, even and are not rotted away or damaged. In
all, a goldfish should have a dorsal fin, pectoral fins that extend out
on each side, two anal fins or one right in the middle. Beware a goldfish
with just one anal fin that's placed kind of off to one side. It could
mean that the other anal fin is growing inwards and that could be fatal
to the goldfish.
Inspect the looks
Make sure that you give the goldfish you are choosing a thorough look
over. See that the fish has a nice symmetrical shape and make sure they
don't have large heads compared to their body. Ensure that the skin is
free of spots and odd bumps and that the gills are red. There should be
no redness in the anal region and definitely nothing sticking out or leaking
out. The outside of the mouth should be free from redness and white strings
and the eyes free from white flecks.
Bag them right
Where you're buying goldfish, you will have to put them in the ubiquitous
plastic bag, but do so with care. Make sure that the dealer leaves enough
space on top for the oxygen and the right amount of water. The right amount
of the water is that which covers the fish. Do not allow the dealer to
add any medicine or drops or anything else. Don't make the bag too tight
and avoid a big bag that might lead to too many folds in which the fish
could get trapped and hurt. The bag should be tied till it is adequately
taut.
“The Goldfish Doctor”
has recently been published by Elaine Rushmore. This new book is a "must
read" for anyone wanting to diagnose, treat or prevent disease in their
goldfish. Click here to find
out more.
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