Those tiny cute goldfish you buy at the carnivals seem like a very good prize, but most of them will die within a week. This blog post gives an insight into carnival goldfish, focusing on carnival goldfish lifespan and the most likely causes of why carnival goldfish die. We’ll answer questions like: But is it necessary to filter it? How to keep carnival goldfish alive and healthy? Discover how your carnival success can be turned into a more permanent pet!
Carnival goldfish
Carnival Goldfish
Carnival Goldfish is not a breed of goldfish, but a general term for the goldfish that are usually found in fairs and carnivals. These goldfish may well be common goldfish or feeder goldfish, which are young goldfish that pet stores feed to other fish.
Here are some characteristics of carnival goldfish:
| Species: | Most likely Common goldfish (Carassius auratus) | Lifespan: | 10–20 years with proper care |
| Size: | Can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long | Color: | Can be orange, red, white, black, yellow, or a combination of these colors |
| Body shape: | Elongated, with a single anal fin and a dorsal fin located in the middle of the back | Fins: | Short and rounded fins |
| Care: | Requires a large tank (at least 20 gallons for one goldfish) with good filtration, clean water, and a proper diet. | ||
How Long Do Carnival Goldfish Live
The carnival goldfish lifespan, which is usually the common goldfish, depends on the care given to them.
Average lifespan: In the best of worlds, carnival goldfish also referred to as common goldfish have a lifespan of 5–10 years.
Factors affecting carnival goldfish lifespan: However, the stressful conditions created at carnivals and inadequate treatment after they are won can drastically decrease the fish’s life span. If proper care is not offered to them, they can only live a few days up to a few weeks.
Here are some growth features of Carnival Goldfish:
- Growth rate: In some instances, they can enormously grow up to reach a measurement of about 12 inches in size to 30 cm.
- Limited growth in small environments: One of the biggest myths that people have is that a goldfish will only become as large as its aquarium. On the contrary, stunted growth is an indication of a poor environment. If the tank is too small, it will grow poorly and will die earlier than it is needed.
Why do carnival goldfish die
Why Do Carnival Goldfish Die So Fast
Carnival goldfish can die fast for the following reasons: First, the crowded and stressful conditions prevailing at carnivals tend to lower their immune status. Second, they are usually packed in small bags with little water, which results in ammonia accumulation and oxygen depletion. Last but not least, some people who end up winning them are ill-equipped to handle them. Goldfish require a big tank, proper water circulation, and water change, which a goldfish bowl lacks. When such proper living conditions are not fully provided, the fish are very vulnerable to water stresses and pollution.
Can I keep Carnival Goldfish Without a Filter?
No, it is impossible to maintain healthy carnival goldfish (or any goldfish at all) without a filter in the tank. Here’s why a filter is essential:
Goldfish are messy: They discharge a lot of waste, such as ammonia from the gills and fecal matter. Ammonia is toxic to the fish and if you have no filter in the tank, it will accumulate fast and harm your Goldfish.
The filter keeps the water clean, a good filter has three key functions.
| Mechanical filtration | This eliminates large particles like fish food remains or fish droppings. |
| Biological filtration | This makes use of the beneficial bacteria that form within the filter and feast on ammonia thus producing harmless compounds known as nitrates. |
| Chemical filtration | This reduces most dissolved solids and can to some extent enhance water clarity. |
If left unchecked, ammonia accumulates and surpasses your goldfish’s capability of filtering it out through their gills. This can lead to health problems, including:
| Fin rot | Eye problems | Ultimately, death |
| Swim bladder disease | Stress |
A Carnival Goldfish requires a filter that is rated high for at least 3–5 times the size of your aquarium, even if you have a very small tank with only one goldfish and a few accessories. This guarantees that the filter can handle waste produced by the goldfish and maintain water clarity.
Keep carnival goldfish alive
How to Keep Carnival Goldfish Alive
Here’s a guide to help your carnival goldfish thrive for years to come:
Proper Tank Setup
- Tank size: Ditch the goldfish bowl! Goldfish are surprisingly active swimmers and need a spacious tank. Aim for at least 20 gallons for a single goldfish, with an additional 10 gallons for each additional fish.
- Filtration: A filter is essential. Choose one rated for a tank size 3–5 times your actual tank volume to handle goldfish waste.
- Water: Tap water contains chlorine and chloramines, harmful to fish. Treat your tap water with a water conditioner to remove these chemicals.
- Substrate (optional): While not strictly necessary, goldfish enjoy sifting through smooth gravel. Avoid sharp rocks or anything they can choke on.
- Decorations: Live plants or decoration tree trunks can provide hiding spots and improve water quality. Opt for smooth decorations to avoid injuring the fish.
Water Care
- Water changes: Perform partial water changes (25-50%) weekly. This removes built-up ammonia and nitrates and keeps the water fresh.
- Water temperature: Maintain a water temperature between 68-72°F (20-22°C).
Feeding
- Diet: Feed your goldfish a high-quality flake or pellet food formulated for goldfish. Supplement their diet with occasional treats like brine shrimp or bloodworms.
- Feeding frequency: Feed them 2-3 small pinches of food 1–2 times a day. Avoid overfeeding, which can foul the water.
Additional Tips
- Avoid overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd your tank. Too many goldfish leads to increased waste and stress.
- Monitor water quality: Invest in a liquid test kit to monitor water parameters like ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.
- Quarantine new fish: If you add new fish to your tank, quarantine them first to prevent them from introducing diseases to your carnival goldfish.
Carnival goldfish lifespan
Summary
In conclusion, carnival goldfish, though seemingly low-maintenance prizes, can die quickly due to poor pre-adoption conditions and inadequate care. By understanding their needs for spacious tanks, filtration, and proper water care, you can ensure your carnival goldfish thrives for many years. So, skip the goldfish bowl and invest in the right setup to give your aquarium friend a happy and healthy home.
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