Black & Gold Dragon Eye Goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus)
| Black & Gold Dragon Eye Goldfish Carassius auratus auratus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Black & Gold Dragon Eye Goldfish |
| Name Lat. | Carassius auratus auratus |
| Family | Carps |
| Family lat. | Cyprinidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Asia (breeding variety) |
| Habitat | Aquarium |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 8-15 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 10-15 cm |
| Temperature | 10-24 °C |
| Hardness | 10-30 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 200 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 4"-6" |
| Temperature | 50-75 °F |
| Hardness | 178-534 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 50 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Already in the 11th century in China from red-gold color morphs of the silver crucian carp, according to other sources from the gable, the goldfish was bred out. Veil tails, goldfish with a squat body shape and split tail fin, have existed in China since the 15th century. Via Japan, the veiltail, bred in many different varieties, spread worldwide.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have hardy plants, a decoration of roots and stones, sufficient swimming space and a substrate of round-grained gravel and sand.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals
Diet
They are easy to feed. The food supply consists mainly of commercial special dry food for goldfish, such as flakes, sticks or granules with low protein content (below 30%). In addition, they require plant food, such as aquatic plants (Elodea densa, Cabomba caroliniana, Rizzia flutians, etc.) or scalded leaves (spinach, dandelion) or dry food with high plant content (Spirulina). Occasionally live food such as daphnia, cyclops, tubifex and mosquito larvae should be offered, which is also accepted without problems in frozen form.
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day, which are eaten within a few minutes. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
Veiltails are calm and peaceful fish that do not exhibit any aggressive or incompatible behaviors. These sociable fish should be kept together in a group of at least 5 animals.
In principle, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. Males are slightly more slender and have a concave (indented) anal opening
Reproduction and breeding
After a pronounced courtship behavior, up to 1,000 and often even more eggs are laid. The larvae hatch after five days.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food. In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
Veil tails were bred in China for supervisory ponds and show their special beauty in the view from above. They require warmth and are therefore not suitable for year-round keeping in the garden pond.
The enlarged and laterally protruding eyes are called dragon or telescopic eyes and are prone to injury if not handled properly. Careful maintenance and appropriate aquarium setup (e.g. no sharp stones, no strong filter current) must be ensured.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH-value, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the pollutant load has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: petdata
Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische; Harri Deutsch Verlag
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF