What kind of fish are these?

[lahlumdi]

OK, I answered an ad in the paper for a free fish tank with 2 goldfish add in the paper. Here are the two fish. Never saw goldfish like this. If they are goldfish, what kind are they? Their big puppy-dog eyes are sweet and follow me around. Their tails are wierd. They go mostly around the bottom. I am tempted to nickname them jumbo shrimp and prawn. It took me a day to put my finger on what their tail reminded me of and it is the tail of a shrimp. To be honest I took the aquarium for the aquarium and thought initially I might give the fish to some kids down the block. Hmmmm.

Sorry the photos aren't better.

[Tooch]

I dunno... They just look like feeders to me! Suprisingly enough, some of the feeders can actually turn out quite pretty. We gave the last feeder we had when we took our fish off of them to my daughter for her tank. It's while and gold! I'm not a goldfish keeper though (other than when I had feeders) so I couldn't be too specific about what type it is, myself...

[gem]

They look like just everyday comets with their fins clamped. If that's the case then they are in poor health. If there's really something different about fin shape, then I don't know.

[goleafs]

Im pretty sure they're just feeders. They will get pretty big ( 7-12 inches) and you can't really mix them with any tropical fish because they are a cold water fish.

[Tolley]

im guessing jus regular goldfish, The clamped fins, gasping for breath and the non swimming shows that they are not doing good. Were they liek this when you got them?

[angelcakes]

goldfish,how high is your temp in tank i noticed the bottom of a heater? in the 3rd pic? i think

[Sasquatch]

Those are two sad looking goldfish, probably a good thing the other person was getting rid of them.

Goldfish are pretty tough though, keep the water clean, at the right temperature (low 20's) and feed them well, they should perk up. Keep in mind you'll eventually need at least a 25g+ tank just for those two fish.

Good luck.

[Tooch]

Keep in mind you'll eventually need at least a 25g+ tank just for those two fish.

Good luck.


If those fish reach full size, they will need a much bigger tank. Like Goleafs previously noted, they can get pretty large.

[shalafi04]

they look like common goldfish, just in rather poor health. Hopefully now that they are in your care they will improve. Keep their water cool and clean it often, they can be rather dirty little buggers. I have 6 of my own, messy little fish. With some care they should perk up and will definately be a joy to have.
Do not fall for the puppy dog eyes, they'll beg for food til they eat themselves to death! Just a small amount of flakes or sinking pellets once or twice a day, depending on how you like to feed. I am sure with some special attention, maybe so stresscoat and some love, they'll be okay. GOod Luck!

[cocoa_pleco]

theyre feeder comet goldfish

[lahlumdi]

Thanks! When I got them, they apologized for what they called a very dirty tank, though it had been drained and the fish were in a baggie for me to transport. I had an hour drive. So if the poor little critters looked stressed... I think they are quite hardy if you ask me! Also, my thought is that goldfish don't even need a heater but they told me to be sure to keep the heater to the indicated level (which is for a tropical aquarium). So I shall assess the situation, bring them up to health and consider what to do with the poor little critters. Thanks so much! At this point what is a recommendation for how often to clean the aquarium. I'm not certain, but I'd say it is about a 15 gallon aquarium, and they are about 3" long each.

[Levi]

don't use a heater, goldfish are not tropical

the light alone will probably make the water slightly too warm anyway

edit: you will also need a larger tank, 18 gallons isn't quite enough for those whoppers

[NickFish]

Yes, take the heater out.
Room temperature is fine for comets.
Water changes should at a minimum 25% twice a week or, 50% once a week. But 25% twice a week is much easier on the fish and nitrates don't build up as much between water changes.

Also, if you really like those fish you should consider getting a much bigger tank. Goldfish get a lot bigger than most people think. The ideal thing would be to dig a pond, but if you can't a 150, or even better, a 200 gallon would be the minimum for the two of them. Comets can grow past a foot in a properly sized tank.

[Bobo the Clown Loach]

Yes, take the heater out.
Room temperature is fine for comets.
Water changes should at a minimum 25% twice a week or, 50% once a week. But 25% twice a week is much easier on the fish and nitrates don't build up as much between water changes.

Also, if you really like those fish you should consider getting a much bigger tank. Goldfish get a lot bigger than most people think. The ideal thing would be to dig a pond, but if you can't a 150, or even better, a 200 gallon would be the minimum for the two of them. Comets can grow past a foot in a properly sized tank.


And you thought you were getting 2 little innocent fish! Good luck with those little guys.

[lahlumdi]

My two "innocent" fish are perking up now and swimming top to bottom, and all over the aquarium. For almost 2 days they hovered at the bottom behind plants. Bad tank- trama-new water from a move - who knows? Anyhow, they are becoming quite happy.

I have decided to give them to a friend who has a very large tank with no fish and 3 small children. They have been wanting, of all things, goldfish. They want something hardy. Sounds like a good fit. I am starting to daydream about what I'd like to put in my new tank.

You know when I first joined this forum, and they asked me about my second and tank and third tank, I thought - "What, are they nuts... these people have way too much time on their hands."

However, this is an addicting hobby. It is relaxing and enjoyable to plan, set up and care for the fish. And here I am now with a second tank myself. What is the most surprising is that my husband was the one who encouraged me to look for a second one. Guess he figures if I'm content with my hobby he doesn't need to feel guilty about spending money and time on his hobbies of stamps, coins and guns.

[Collin1104]

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
i won him at the fair 4 years ago lol

[lahlumdi]

WoW! How many inches long is he now?

[Collin1104]

hes about 7 inchs lol he started out in a bowl, then a ten gallon, and now a 30 gallon lol im sure he would never stop growing if his tanks never stopped getting bigger lol