Fairgoers often take home goldfish in plastic bags from fairs, but it is their responsibility to ensure its long life. Proper housing consists of providing it with an aquarium large enough for it to survive; in general a goldfish requires more space than what can be offered by bowls alone.
Consistent and oxygenated water must also be provided, along with a filtration system and regular tank maintenance. Finally, small portions should be fed periodically in order to avoid overeating or digestive problems like constipation.
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Lettuce
Unfortunately, goldfish won at carnivals or pet stores are often treated like disposable prizes. Kept in filthy conditions before being distributed to people unequipped to give them proper care; many die within days after arriving home.
Feed your goldfish species-appropriate foods that will keep them happy and healthy. Avoid feeding bread, crackers, or cereal as this will bloat them; instead give them flakes or pellets specifically made for goldfish instead. It is also good to incorporate some boiled spinach or lettuce into their diet as goldfish are known to love these dishes!
Change about 10% of the water in your tank each week and make sure you have a water test kit ready to check levels of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Also invest in slow-releasing fish food when traveling; these blocks allow goldfish to feed slowly without coming up to the surface to inhale air which can lead to bloat.
Peas
Goldfish fish love peas and they provide them with essential dietary fiber, helping reduce constipation and other health problems such as swim bladder disorder. You can feed your Goldfish garden peas, snow/snap peas (provided that they’re unseasoned), frozen peas or any combination thereof.
If you choose to feed your fish frozen peas, please ensure they have been fully defrosted or run under hot water before feeding them to them, otherwise they can cause illness in their fish.
Boil your peas before adding them to the aquarium – this is the optimal method, since you can cook until they’re soft before allowing them to cool before feeding them to Goldfish. Make sure that you remove their skin prior to dropping them into your aquarium to prevent younger Goldfish from choking on them, and gently squash or squeeze them between your fingers before dropping into their tank. Only feed Goldfish one pea at a time at the most appropriate time.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes make an excellent snack for goldfish. Packed full of vitamins such as Vitamin C and potassium, sweet potatoes contain low levels of fat. However, as too much can cause digestive issues in their fish. For optimal results only give sweet potato snacks once or twice weekly as too much may lead to digestion issues in your pet.
Carrots make an irresistibly tasty treat for Goldfish that’s full of fiber and Vitamin C, yet too many carrots may cause them to experience bloat. Therefore, it is advised that you only feed them carrots occasionally so they don’t become obese.
As for greens, kale is an excellent choice for goldfish as it provides them with plenty of calcium, potassium, folate, vitamins A and C. You can add shredded or chunked kale into their existing flake or pellet food or just drop some chunks for them to snack on – just be sure to take note to remove any un-eaten pieces after twenty minutes as otherwise it will cloud their tank!
Zucchini
Children may be drawn to win goldfish at carnivals and fairs as it offers them the chance to learn responsibility, yet many fish do not survive past their ride home due to improper care.
There are a number of steps you can take to help your new pet thrive. Avoid feeding bread as this causes digestive issues such as urinary tract infections; use gel food specifically formulated for goldfish instead.
Cucumbers are another delicious source of potassium, vitamin C and beta-carotene. While you can boil or peel cucumbers before eating them raw for optimal nutrition, for best results they should be eaten raw as too much can clog your tank’s filter system. Another vegetable option you could include in your meal is zucchini which offers water-soluble fiber, vitamin K folate potassium – without making a mess in the tank! You could even create a delicious raw cucumber zucchini salad drizzled with lemon basil vinaigrette for a fresh culinary treat!