Ick (also known as ich) is short for ichthyophthiriasis and is caused by a parasite called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. This organism is a protozoan, which is a general term for single-celled animals. Although it is only made up of a single cell, it has many features that make it extremely good at what is does. In fact, ick is so successful it has become the most common disease of captive goldfish, and is responsible for more goldfish deaths than any other disease.
A Closer Look at Goldfish Ick - Part 1 (The Life Cycle)
June 8th, 2008Goldfish Compatible Fish
June 1st, 2008Putting other coldwater fish in with goldfish is not just a matter of going to the petshop, buying anything that can survive in coldwater and putting it in with goldfish. A whole world of problems is just around the corner for those who think it’s anything other than advanced goldfish keeping.
Choosing An Aquarium Filter
May 25th, 2008Crystal clear water that looks like it has been polished can be achieved with proper filtration. Getting it wrong, on the other hand, can lead to cloudy, dirty, smelly water that will only do harm to your goldfish.
With so many different types of filter available - each with very persuasive marketing all over the packaging - it is hard to know which is the right one for any given goldfish tank.
Why Has My Goldfish Lost Its Appetite?
May 19th, 2008Every now and again goldfish will go off their food. To get them eating again, it’s important to know the reasons goldfish lose their appetite in the first place. If the correct cause of the loss of appetite is known, the necessary adjustments or treatments can be applied.
Goldfish in Chinese Culture
May 11th, 2008Over 1,000 years ago during the Tang Dynasty, the Chinese started to selectively breed crucian carp that had a genetic mutation which produced golden fish. Ever since, the goldfish has played a major role in Chinese culture and art. Read the rest of this entry »
Goldfish Aquarium Water Testing
May 4th, 2008Testing water quality in a goldfish aquarium or pond is an essential element of routine maintenance. It provides advanced warning of problems, reassurance that problems are less likely, and elimination of possibilities when diagnosing a problem.
The Comet Goldfish
April 27th, 2008The comet goldfish is an ideal tank-mate for common goldfish, adding a little bit of the exotic without the drawbacks of other fancy goldfish.
Preparing a Goldfish Pond for Winter
April 20th, 2008Winter can be hard on a goldfish pond, and it is essential to start preparing for its onset a couple of months beforehand. Use the following checklist to ensure a goldfish pond is ready for what Winter can throw at it.
Goldfish Fins
April 14th, 2008Goldfish have at least 7 fins, and each of them is there for a reason. So what does each fin, or pair of fins do to help goldfish swim?
Goldfish Diet and Nutrition
April 7th, 2008Goldfish are natural omnivores, so a varied diet is an important factor in keeping goldfish healthy and disease free.