Goldfish - Characteristics, how to raise and meaning in feng shui

Goldfish (Carassius auratus), a beautiful, easy-to-raise ornamental fish with feng shui significance, let's learn in detail about its origin, classification, and care guide from A to Z.

When it comes to ornamental fish, most people will think of goldfish , right? This is the oldest and most popular ornamental fish in the world. Goldfish are not only beautiful ornamental fish, bringing a relaxing feeling when looking at and caring for them, but they also have a lucky feng shui meaning.

To learn more about goldfish, please follow the article below of Nice Fish!

Information about goldfish :

Where do goldfish come from?

Goldfish originated in China.

Goldfish, scientifically known as Carassius auratus, has a history dating back more than 1000 years to ancient China. Specifically as follows:

• Goldfish originated from wild crucian carp. Ancient Chinese people selected crucian carp with outstanding colors such as yellow, orange or red to raise and breed.
• During the Song Dynasty around the 10th century, goldfish were popularly kept in the Royal Palace and among the nobility and were considered a symbol of good luck.
• During the Ming and Qing dynasties, goldfish were crossbred into many lines with different colors and shapes.
• Around the 16th century, goldfish were introduced to Japan and created many special breeds such as Ranchu , Oranda,...
• By the 17th and 18th centuries, goldfish were introduced to Europe and then spread globally.
• Today, goldfish have become a national ornamental fish with 200 different breeds. They are not only entertaining but also have cultural, spiritual and mental elements.

Physical characteristics of goldfish

A brightly colored goldfish.

Although there are many types of goldfish, they all have the following basic physical characteristics:

• Body shape : Diamond or round, long or round body.
• Size : Average 10 - 20 cm, some individuals up to 30 - 35 cm long.
• Caudal fin : Various, can be single tail, flared tail, comet tail and curled tail.
• Dorsal fin : Most have a high, soft dorsal fin, except for some species that do not have a dorsal fin, such as the Ranchu fish.
• Color : Diverse color palette from single colors such as orange, red, white, black, to double colors or combined patterns... Especially, color can change according to age or diet.
• Eyes : Most have small, round eyes, except for some species that have bulging, bubble eyes.
• Mouth : Small, upward.
• Head : Smooth or with fleshy lumps.

Goldfish behavior

Goldfish are very greedy and swim slowly.

Goldfish are gentle, easy to raise and have many interesting habits. Let's find out below to better understand this breed of fish.

gentle, friendly

Goldfish are the most peaceful fish, they live in harmony with all other goldfish species and some gentle aquarium fish. This fish is not territorial and likes to move, living in groups of 2-5 to feel secure.

Swim slowly and gracefully

Most goldfish swim very slowly and gently, so it is always relaxing to watch them.

Very gluttonous

Goldfish are a very hungry fish, they can eat continuously if fed without control so they are very prone to obesity. They tend to come to the surface of the water when they see people coming, as if they are "demanding food" from their owner.

Good memory, trainable

Contrary to the rumor that "a goldfish's brain can only remember for 3 seconds", goldfish can actually remember events, times, or recognize acquaintances for up to several months.

And especially, if you patiently teach them, goldfish can learn conditioned reflexes or complete the challenge of swimming through a hoop....

Reproductive behavior of goldfish

Goldfish are egg-laying fish, they usually breed in spring or summer, when the temperature is around 20 - 23 degrees Celsius. Female fish lay eggs, then the male fish will release sperm onto the eggs to fertilize, after 5 - 6 days the eggs hatch into baby fish.

However, goldfish do not know how to care for their fry and eggs, and they can even eat their own eggs if not separated in time.

Goldfish Raising Guide from A to Z

Goldfish need constant oxygenation.

Right below, we have compiled complete knowledge of raising goldfish from basic to advanced, if you want to take good care of this fish, follow along now.

Prepare the goldfish tank

A suitable aquarium for raising goldfish needs to meet the following conditions:

• Size : Minimum 30 - 40 liters for 1 goldfish.
• Filter : Use membrane or external filter to limit strong flow.
• Oxygen aeration : Goldfish need a lot of oxygen so it is necessary to run the aerator continuously.
• Aquatic plants : Grow soft aquatic plants for both decoration and to help fish feel safe.

Water parameters suitable for raising goldfish

For goldfish farming, water quality is a vital factor that directly affects the growth and development of this fish. Here are some ideal parameters for goldfish:

• Temperature : Stable between 22 - 26 degrees Celsius.
• pH : 6.5 - 7.5
• Ammonia/Nitrite : Always at 0 ppm.
• Dissolved oxygen : > 5 mg/liter, need to aerate regularly.

What do goldfish eat?

Goldfish are very gluttonous fish. If you want them to grow healthy and have beautiful colors, please refer to the following foods:

• Prepared food : Floating and sinking pellets, can use color enhancing tablets specifically for adult fish to help create beautiful red - orange color.
• Live food : Bloodworms, shrimp, small shrimp, water eggs,...
• Boiled vegetables : Peas, spinach, carrots,...

Note :

• Balanced combination of alternating bran, vegetables, and fresh food
• Feed only once a day, give just enough food to avoid obesity.

Common diseases in goldfish and how to treat them

During the raising process, goldfish can get some diseases related to food, water source,... Here are some common diseases in this fish species, let's find out together.

Goldfish price list (reference)

As shared above, there are many types of goldfish so each type will have a different price, please refer to the following price list:

Tips for raising feng shui goldfish

Many people choose to raise goldfish to attract wealth and luck.

In Eastern culture, goldfish is a fish that has a great influence on feng shui. The color of goldfish often symbolizes luck, fortune and wealth and also brings harmony and unity.

Especially when raising feng shui goldfish, you need to pay attention to the following:

• Number of fish : Should be raised in odd numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9; best is number 9 which means great luck.
• Aquarium location : Southeast - Wealth, East - Family. Avoid the South direction. Aquarium should not be placed in the bedroom.
• Always keep the water clean : Because dirty water carries bad energy.

Beautiful and popular goldfish species

Currently, there are more than 200 different types of goldfish, but here are the 10 most popular and favorite types of goldfish in the aquarium industry, let's learn more.

Common goldfish

A common goldfish.

The common goldfish (Hibuna) is the species of fish that most closely resembles wild goldfish.

• Characteristics : Elongated, strong shape.
• Size : Average 5 - 8cm
• Personality : Lively, easy to raise
• Popular colors : Red, orange, yellow, white,...

Ranchu Goldfish - Longevity Goldfish

Ranchu goldfish.

Ranchu fish, also known as longevity goldfish, is a special breed of Japanese goldfish and is loved in the aquarium world.

• Characteristics : No dorsal fin, round, plump body, curved back, large head with developed fleshy bumps.
• Size : 12 - 20 cm.
• Personality : Gentle, slow swimmer, gluttonous.
• Popular colors : Red, white, orange, black, red - white, streaked,...

Goldfish - Humpback Goldfish

Ryukin goldfish.

A breed of ornamental goldfish with beautiful and unique appearance, originating from Japan.

• Characteristics : Round body, high humpback right behind the head, large, branched tail, scales with sparkling metallic shine.
• Size : 15 - 20 cm
• Personality : Easy to raise, adaptable, slow swimmer due to short body, curved back.
• Popular colors : Orange red, white, red - white....

Oranda Goldfish

A goldfish with a unicorn head.

The Lionhead goldfish is a cross between the Ranchu and the Japanese goldfish. It is the most popular ornamental goldfish today thanks to its special appearance.

• Characteristics : Head has a large fleshy bump like a unicorn's hat, round body, long tail fin, and dorsal fin.
• Size : 10 - 20 cm
• Personality : Gentle, friendly, a bit slow.
• Popular colors : Red, orange, white, black, gradient,...

Butterfly Tail Goldfish

Butterfly tail goldfish top view.

This is a goldfish breed with the most beautiful tail, sought after in the ornamental fish village.

• Characteristics : Round body, wide, symmetrical tail, looks like butterfly wings when viewed from above, may or may not have a head bump.
• Size : 10 - 20 cm
• Personality : Gentle, friendly, slow swimmer.
• Popular colors : Red, white, orange, black, or a mix of orange - white, black - red,...

Oranda Goldfish - Oranda Goldfish

Pink-crowned crane goldfish.

Oranda goldfish is a goldfish breed with good feng shui meaning and a unique, luxurious appearance.

• Characteristics : Round body, dorsal fin, head with characteristic red fleshy mass.
• Size : 15 - 20 cm
• Personality : Gentle, slow swimmer.
• Common colors : White with red cap on head, or orange, black, yellow.

Ping Pong Goldfish

A school of adorable Ping Pong goldfish.

One of the most adorable and beloved goldfish species because of its round, ball-like appearance.

• Characteristics : Body is round like a marble, no dorsal fin, short body.
• Size : 4 - 6 cm
• Personality : Gentle, friendly, slow swimmer.
• Color : Orange, white, red, mixed color.

Thus, through the above article of nicefish.net we can see that goldfish is not simply a beautiful ornamental fish, with many colors and species, but it also has feng shui meaning. If you want to raise beautiful, small, affordable ornamental fish, goldfish is a perfect choice.

Goodbye and see you soon in other articles of the Blog section to update more knowledge and experience in raising beautiful ornamental fish.