Goldfish – the very term works on imagination. It sounds like a dream come true, especially when you are a child. This is probably the reason for unflagging popularity of aquarium fish bred on the basis of goldfish. It is not a naturally occurring species, but a result of many years of selection in Asian countries, mainly China and Japan. In this way many varieties differing in appearance and color have been distinguished. Which of them are the most common and how to take care of them at home?
This is perhaps the most beautiful, recognizable and representative variety. Fantail Goldfish are characterized by golden, changing to orange color of scales and fins. The body is egg shaped, a bit like a balloon, with long fins and a veiled tail. There are also other color variants (e.g. white or red). This fish grows up to 20 cm.
Oranda fish is in some way a variation of Veil fish – only with characteristic spongy thickenings on upper part of the head. It comes in many impressive color variants: orange, red, black, blue and probably the most wanted one: white with red growths (so called “red cap”).
Telescope is one of the first fish bred by selection from the Veil. It differs from Welon by its characteristic disproportionately large, bulging (even exophthalmos) eyes and grey-black-gold body color.
Another artificially bred version of Veil. It is distinguished by elongated, quite slender in comparison to other veils, golden-orange body color (although there are also other color variations).
In the mentality of many people who want to own a goldfish it is strongly inscribed that the right, or even dream tank for it is a sphere – after all, this is how it is depicted in various paintings or cartoons. It is possible that this fashion comes from the Veil’s homeland, China, because at the very beginning of Veil breeding and selection, many centuries ago, it was in good taste to keep a goldfish in a round, richly decorated ball. However, today, when knowledge, technology and approach to the surrounding nature evolves, it seems that this is not an optimal solution. The ball is too small (this fish can reach even 20 cm in length – ed.) and tapered at the top, which significantly reduces the air of the water surface, and thus its oxygenation. It also doesn’t have a proper filter.
Taking into account the size and comfort of the fish, an aqu arium with a capacity of 120-240 liters is recommended, without substrate or with gravel substrate only (then it will be easier to remove impurities resulting from quite a large amount of excrements). Not less important in this case is efficient filtration and regular, at least partial water changes. More ambitious hobbyists may try to create an arrangement with roots, rocks or stones, additionally enriched with easy, resistant and not too demanding plants such as anubias or microsoriums.
When it comes to feeding, veiltails do not cause any problems as they are omnivorous fish. Therefore you can feed them live, frozen and dry food. However, the food should be varied, including plant food.
Photo credit: imsogabriel / Pixabay
