Poisson Rouge

Goldfish are native to rivers, lakes and ponds of China where their domestication is already mentioned in 970 BC. Before the 16th century, only nobles raised them. Goldfish were particularly venerated under the Song Dynasty (960-1279). They were first kept in rich porcelain bowls then in crystal spheres.

This freshwater fish is an adaptable species that lives in schools. It is omnivorous with a tendency towards insectivory and detritivory. Outdoors it generally finds sufficient living food (mainly insects falling into the water) and plant material without contribution from humans and reproduces freely. It is a very hardy species that easily adapts to environmental conditions. The lifespan of a goldfish is thirty years, at least as long as it is maintained in good conditions. Longevity records of nearly 50 years have even been recorded. However, goldfish have natural predators such as fishing birds (corvids, herons, etc.), aquatic snakes (grass snakes) or large frogs, and even in aquariums where domestic cats readily dip their paws.

In ponds, pools and mixed tanks (water and plants) that are not too crowded, it generally finds sufficient living and plant food. In an overpopulated pond, in a fish tank and in an aquarium, it will be given, as a supplement or as the main menu, commercial food adapted to it. The goldfish is said to be "greedy" since it can, when fed by humans, eat much more than necessary, at the risk of becoming ill. To know what quantity to give them, you must follow the "only feed what can be eaten in 3 minutes" rule. It is generally recommended to feed goldfish a maximum of twice a day. You can adapt the ration according to the fish, their size, number, appetite, temperature, etc. Prefer submerged pellets for goldfish, which also prevent fish from gulping air at the surface, which sometimes causes bladder disorders in ovoid-shaped goldfish. Avoid dried daphnia, they have no nutritional value, and bread, which swells in their intestines and can cause serious digestive problems. If their space is not sufficiently planted, it is advisable to supplement the diet with vegetables (poached lettuce, spinach, zucchini, etc.) and, if it is not located outdoors, with live and/or frozen food (artemia, red bloodworms, mosquito larvae, etc.).

Due to their adult size, at least 15 cm in length for selected varieties, and up to 47 cm for the classic goldfish, these animals need enormous swimming space. Classic goldfish are adapted to large bodies of water but, with appropriate care and equipment, they can live in small ponds, fish tanks or large aquariums. Goldfish live in cold water, between temperatures of 1°C to 28°C. For derived varieties, such as telescope-eyed, orandas, lionheads, bubble-eyes... which are more delicate, the temperature should be between 22°C and 28°C with the ideal being 26°C. The water should have a rather neutral to alkaline pH (basic) between 7.0 and 8.0, and a hardness of 5°d GH to 15°d GH. In aquarium keeping, large volume tanks are recommended, with a minimum of 100 L for one fish to which are added 50 L per additional fish for selected varieties. You should therefore plan for a volume of at least 150 L for a couple of selected variety. On the other hand, for the common goldfish, which reaches a larger adult size, you need a 100 L tank for one fish and 100 liters per additional fish. The aquarium must also be equipped with powerful filtration because they are large detritivores.