goldfish myths undone

Goldfish are one of the most popular fish we sell at the Windsor Fish Hatchery, all over the world in fact, there are many studies and facts about Goldfish , yet there are still a huge number of myths that directly affect the longevity of the goldfish.   

Myth 1 Goldfish have a three-second memory

This is probably one of the most commonly quoted goldfish myths, and is often used as an excuse to keep goldfish in a small ,tank or bowl, In fact, goldfish can recognize other fish, their environment and even the times that they are fed and who feeds them and retain memories for at least three months. So you need to give them a stimulating environment, one thing i have found at the hatchery is goldfish love to play in bubbles, so add a bubblier ornament or air stone.

Myth 2 Goldfish only live for a few years

Goldfish kept in poor conditions will not thrive and will die very young, where as, Goldfish kept in good conditions can live up to 10 years in a fish tank and longer in a pond. If you only have room for a smaller tank, around 40ltrs then only keep two goldfish in the tank, make sure you have live plants, a bubblier and rock caves but keep at least half the area for swimming , this can be at the top half of the tank. Caves are great so they can get out of the light if they wish to, you may find they sleep in the their own caves as well. Terracotta Pots broken in half make great caves.

Myth 3 Goldfish are vegetarian

Goldfish are omnivores, they eat both plant and protein. Goldfish like to scavenge, and as well as eating live plants, they will eat food that they find on the bottom of their tanks or in their pond. At the Windsor fish hatchery we sell foods that contain both plant matter and protein. Variety is the spice of life and fish should be fed a good variety of foods, including pellet, flake, frozen and live. At the hatchery each of our tanks has live plants for the goldfish, these are a great source of food, shelter and make the environment more natural. 

Myth 4 Goldfish only need a small bowl with no filter

As we gain more knowledge about Goldfish needs we change our practices at the Windsor fish hatchery. Ten years ago, it was common to see one or two small goldfish kept in a small round bowl with no aeration or filtration and only physical tank cleaning and water changes used to keep the bowl clean and oxygenated.

We now no goldfish produce a lot of waste, much more than the average bowl can handle, and goldfish kept in these conditions will certainly not thrive.

Goldfish require a large enough body of water as their home to be able to go about their natural behaviors, A must have in all goldfish tanks are filters and aeration to keep the water clean and healthy for them. A small, still water tank is not appropriate for even a tiny goldfish. At least 40ltrs for two goldfish, remembering you need to add rocks, ornament, bubblier, plants and still have plenty of swimming area so they will develop well., 

Myth 5 Goldfish Grow only to the size of their tank

Goldfish will continue to grow in a small tank, regardless of the size, if the potential of the goldfish is to grow to 20cms then that is how big it will grow, if you keep this goldfish in a small environment as the goldfish grows it will pollute the environment and as the water quality gets poorer the fish will show signs of the cramped environment, 
We have seen misshaped heads, curved in fins, stubby bodies and often what could have been a healthy thriving goldfish is just surviving. 

The best type of goldfish to keep in a fish tank are fancy goldfish as all of these are smaller at full growth, than the comet or shubunkin. Although the fantail is not considered a fancy gold fish he is little enough and this sturdy little fish will do well in a fish tank or a pond. 

 We love it at the Windsor fish hatchery when customers come in and tell us how big their goldfish have grown since they bought it from us.

Windsor fish hatchery

At Windsor fish hatchery we are all about providing the best possible conditions for the fish we sell, the blog is designed to help you better understand, their needs so they thrive in your Aquariums and Ponds.

At the hatchery we sell a very diverse range of goldfish and we are always looking for unique Goldie’s, for you our customers to add to your tanks and ponds, we love the fancy goldfish, which are best kept apart from the standard Goldie such as shubunkins, comets and fantails.

When you buy a goldfish from Windsor fish hatchery you get expert advice on how to setup the tank and look after your new pets, remembering goldfish like any other pet are a long term commitment. They will give you hours of pleasure watching their antics.