Purchasing Goldfish
There isn't much more exciting than buying a new fish, so it's very easy to get a little carried away and rush out to treat yourself to a beautiful new pet....or two!
Before I start; never let anyone tell you what you should and shouldn't buy. Yes, there are things to avoid but at the end of the day, it's your pet, it should be something you love. Sod everyone else's opinion of how pretty it is, it's you who will love, care for and cherish that fish - not Joe Bloggs on Facebook!
I'm not going to go into show standards in this article (I will go there one day though!) - every society/show has differing standards and ebery persom views beauty in a different way. If you are looking for something to win prizes, check out your local societies standards and follow them as closely as you can. This article is more gesred towards sourcinf healthy fish, than prize winners. Every fish is a show stopper!
There are three main ways of buying new fish - at the Local Fish Store (LFS), online and adoption.
Generally speaking, breeders come under online sellers, however some will sell locally (adoption) and some will sell to LFS.
Before I start; never let anyone tell you what you should and shouldn't buy. Yes, there are things to avoid but at the end of the day, it's your pet, it should be something you love. Sod everyone else's opinion of how pretty it is, it's you who will love, care for and cherish that fish - not Joe Bloggs on Facebook!
I'm not going to go into show standards in this article (I will go there one day though!) - every society/show has differing standards and ebery persom views beauty in a different way. If you are looking for something to win prizes, check out your local societies standards and follow them as closely as you can. This article is more gesred towards sourcinf healthy fish, than prize winners. Every fish is a show stopper!
There are three main ways of buying new fish - at the Local Fish Store (LFS), online and adoption.
Generally speaking, breeders come under online sellers, however some will sell locally (adoption) and some will sell to LFS.
LFS vs. Online vs. Adoption
Depending on where you live, any of these are potentially good options. Every seller will have a reputation, listen to it. I could not tell you the best option as it varies drastically from country to country, town to town.
When buying in the LFS, you have all your choices laid out in front of you - swimming around in plain view for you to admire each fish, watch their behaviour and interaction with other fish, compare them easily... it's all in front of you, which is a major bonus.
Most LFS will not sell quality Goldfish. That does not mean they are ugly or sick, but that if you were to enter a show, the likelihood of winning first place is slim. Unless you plan on showing fish (and LFS fish do win sometimes!), this isn't a problem.
Online sellers vary. Some will sell Goldfish listed under breeds where you choose the breed, size and colour and the seller will select, package and send you your fish. In effect, you are buying blind. You don't know what your fish will look like til you open the box. That can be exciting, but it can also me a major disappointment. I've experienced both emotions buying this way and I would still do it again, those ugly little fish soon soften your heart.
Other sellers will photograph and/or video each individual fish (or a tank of) and allow you to view and choose a specific fish. This will cost more money. The time alone that goes into getting these images is massive. Generally speaking, these fish will be of a higher quality however, with them laid out in front of you, you can pick and chose depending on what you like the look of.
Most of the time; the more expensive the fish, the higher the quality. However, supply and demand will play a huge role. A Panda Moor can be very expensive, even at low quality - so don't go on price alone if you are searching for quality.
Adoption can be very satisfying. Be it a responsible owner looking to rehome or "rescues". Just because you are buying from an individual and not a company doesn't mean that you should just hand over the money and walk away with your new. Don't be afraid to ask questions, the more you know about their current situation the easier it will be for you to adopt them and make their move to your home as smoothly as possible.
I cannot express how important it is to check out the reputation of the seller - read the good stuff and the bad stuff. Just because the bad stuff isn't there, doesn't mean there is no issues but knowing your supplier as best as you can, gives you insight into what you should expect.
When buying in the LFS, you have all your choices laid out in front of you - swimming around in plain view for you to admire each fish, watch their behaviour and interaction with other fish, compare them easily... it's all in front of you, which is a major bonus.
Most LFS will not sell quality Goldfish. That does not mean they are ugly or sick, but that if you were to enter a show, the likelihood of winning first place is slim. Unless you plan on showing fish (and LFS fish do win sometimes!), this isn't a problem.
Online sellers vary. Some will sell Goldfish listed under breeds where you choose the breed, size and colour and the seller will select, package and send you your fish. In effect, you are buying blind. You don't know what your fish will look like til you open the box. That can be exciting, but it can also me a major disappointment. I've experienced both emotions buying this way and I would still do it again, those ugly little fish soon soften your heart.
Other sellers will photograph and/or video each individual fish (or a tank of) and allow you to view and choose a specific fish. This will cost more money. The time alone that goes into getting these images is massive. Generally speaking, these fish will be of a higher quality however, with them laid out in front of you, you can pick and chose depending on what you like the look of.
Most of the time; the more expensive the fish, the higher the quality. However, supply and demand will play a huge role. A Panda Moor can be very expensive, even at low quality - so don't go on price alone if you are searching for quality.
Adoption can be very satisfying. Be it a responsible owner looking to rehome or "rescues". Just because you are buying from an individual and not a company doesn't mean that you should just hand over the money and walk away with your new. Don't be afraid to ask questions, the more you know about their current situation the easier it will be for you to adopt them and make their move to your home as smoothly as possible.
I cannot express how important it is to check out the reputation of the seller - read the good stuff and the bad stuff. Just because the bad stuff isn't there, doesn't mean there is no issues but knowing your supplier as best as you can, gives you insight into what you should expect.
What to look for
The most important thing to look for is a Goldfish that captures your heart. If you are unsure, it doesn't feel right and you can walk away and not keep going back - it's not the fish for you.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - the only opinion that matters is yours.
Aim for a healthy looking fish. We want to observe them swimming happily around the tank for a while and look for a few signs that something could be awry.
Is the fish swimming around upright, stable and in control of their movements? Buoyancy issues are potentially fixable, but they can be life limiting and even fatal. Buoyancy issues this early on can be a sign of things to come.
Are they active? Listlessness, bottom sitting, drifting and floating can be signs of illness and is something to consider.
Are their eyes bright and even? Cloudy or Bulging eyes (forget telescopes and celestials for a second!) can be signs of infection and disease.
Do their fins have neat edges? Uneven edges cam be a symptom of infection or flukes. They may also have had their fins nipped in the tank, which can be a sign that hey have been picked on. Sometimes this bullying happens when the bullying victim is a sick fish.
All body parts present and correct? Disability doesnt necessarily mean they are doomed. For example, a blind fish can live a perfectly happy life however, you should consider the disability and your current stock and your ability to provide them with any special requirements they may have.
Any lesions, sores, ulcers or spots? These are all symptoms of illness and could be life threatening, some incurable.
Are there any sick or dead fish in the tank? Whilst this can be a one off, it can be a sign that there's something wrong in the tank. Ask the employee about their systems - most run all Goldfish tanks off the same system, in this case all tanks should be considered as one, so look into all the tanks for signs of illness, disease and dead fish.
Are the tanks clean? Whilst a little algae isn't going to harm anyone, build ups of debris, sick, dead and dying fish, uneaten food, clogged filters, surface scum and Biofilm could imply the tank you are purchasing from is lacking maintenance. This can potentially have lasting effects on the inhabitants and is something to consider.
Do they have nice form? Goldfish will more than likely change colour, so always go for a shape and form that you appreciate, over colour. A calico is more likely to hold, but may still change and/or lose colour.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - the only opinion that matters is yours.
Aim for a healthy looking fish. We want to observe them swimming happily around the tank for a while and look for a few signs that something could be awry.
Is the fish swimming around upright, stable and in control of their movements? Buoyancy issues are potentially fixable, but they can be life limiting and even fatal. Buoyancy issues this early on can be a sign of things to come.
Are they active? Listlessness, bottom sitting, drifting and floating can be signs of illness and is something to consider.
Are their eyes bright and even? Cloudy or Bulging eyes (forget telescopes and celestials for a second!) can be signs of infection and disease.
Do their fins have neat edges? Uneven edges cam be a symptom of infection or flukes. They may also have had their fins nipped in the tank, which can be a sign that hey have been picked on. Sometimes this bullying happens when the bullying victim is a sick fish.
All body parts present and correct? Disability doesnt necessarily mean they are doomed. For example, a blind fish can live a perfectly happy life however, you should consider the disability and your current stock and your ability to provide them with any special requirements they may have.
Any lesions, sores, ulcers or spots? These are all symptoms of illness and could be life threatening, some incurable.
Are there any sick or dead fish in the tank? Whilst this can be a one off, it can be a sign that there's something wrong in the tank. Ask the employee about their systems - most run all Goldfish tanks off the same system, in this case all tanks should be considered as one, so look into all the tanks for signs of illness, disease and dead fish.
Are the tanks clean? Whilst a little algae isn't going to harm anyone, build ups of debris, sick, dead and dying fish, uneaten food, clogged filters, surface scum and Biofilm could imply the tank you are purchasing from is lacking maintenance. This can potentially have lasting effects on the inhabitants and is something to consider.
Do they have nice form? Goldfish will more than likely change colour, so always go for a shape and form that you appreciate, over colour. A calico is more likely to hold, but may still change and/or lose colour.
"Rescuing" Goldfish
I very often hear people say they have "rescued" Goldfish by buying the from their LFS. I'm sorry to say this but if you handed over money, it is a purchase not a rescue. The store will simply replace the stock and the cycle will continue.
If you are serious about getting the store to take better care of their fish - complain. You have to make noise in order to get heard.
Buying a fish and then complaining to peers about the care they had received is good, but it's not going to fix anything. Don't be surprised if your complaint falls on deaf ears. We have to work together, of we all make a stand against poor care of Goldfish we can make a difference. Your voice isn't one, but thousands. We all stand behind you.
If you are serious about getting the store to take better care of their fish - complain. You have to make noise in order to get heard.
Buying a fish and then complaining to peers about the care they had received is good, but it's not going to fix anything. Don't be surprised if your complaint falls on deaf ears. We have to work together, of we all make a stand against poor care of Goldfish we can make a difference. Your voice isn't one, but thousands. We all stand behind you.
Should I buy a sick Goldfish?
No one can tell you not to, but it would be best to avoid buying sick fish. If that fish pulls on your heartstrings and you have to buy it, go for it. It's your fish. Your tank. Your call.
Buying a Goldfish who is already sick has its obvious issues - you will need to treat them. Some issues are easily fixed, some are permanent and incurable, some are fatal. You have to be prepared.
I would advise against buying a fish if you are unsure what is wrong with it or don't know how to treat it. This will add stress to your situation and can make you feel guilty if treatment options aren't available to you. If you are in contact with knowledgeable people who are willing to help, this transition can work, but remember - this may not be fixable, so don't assume you will be able to resolve issues. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Quarantine is vital with any new fish. Particularly fish you know aren't healthy. Be extra vigilant not to cross contaminate your tanks, keep all equipment separate.
Consider the financial potential of buying a sick Goldfish - can you afford the equipment, medications, treatments, water changes, specific dietry requirements?
Consider the time you have to devote to their care - water changes, treatments, observations, testing, dietry requirements? It is time consuming having healthy Goldfish, sick Goldfish will rip hours from your hands.
Buying a Goldfish who is already sick has its obvious issues - you will need to treat them. Some issues are easily fixed, some are permanent and incurable, some are fatal. You have to be prepared.
I would advise against buying a fish if you are unsure what is wrong with it or don't know how to treat it. This will add stress to your situation and can make you feel guilty if treatment options aren't available to you. If you are in contact with knowledgeable people who are willing to help, this transition can work, but remember - this may not be fixable, so don't assume you will be able to resolve issues. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Quarantine is vital with any new fish. Particularly fish you know aren't healthy. Be extra vigilant not to cross contaminate your tanks, keep all equipment separate.
Consider the financial potential of buying a sick Goldfish - can you afford the equipment, medications, treatments, water changes, specific dietry requirements?
Consider the time you have to devote to their care - water changes, treatments, observations, testing, dietry requirements? It is time consuming having healthy Goldfish, sick Goldfish will rip hours from your hands.
What if the new guy gets sick?
Many suppliers will have a returns policy. If your fish becomes sick soon after purchase, many sellers will allow you to return the fish for a refund.
This does not mean that you must return the fish - contact the seller immediately and look into your options. Some sellers will refund and provide medication, some will only refund if you return the fish.
Proof of purchase is almost always required, so be sure to keep a hold of this.
When you have a sick or dead fish and wish to return it to the LFS, they will usually require a water sample. Take a bottle of water (a good 100ml minimum, to ensure enough for testing) along with you. If you have poor water quality, the store will not refund you.
What you do with your fish at this time is your decision. Only you know what is right for you.
If you return a sick fish, the supplier may treat the fish (successfully or otherwise) and the fish may then be sold on to a new home. Some LFS employees are fish geeks themselves and will adopt the sick fish, take them home and nurture them back to health. If the fish cannot be treated or the supplier does not have means of treating the fish, the fish may be put to sleep.
This may seem cruel, but even in your home, euthanisation is an option for sick fish that will not recover and will live a life of suffering. If they are suffering and there is no chance they will get better, it is the best thing to let them go peacefully. If they are not suffering, that's best for them.
I tell you this not to make you feel guilty, but to make you fully aware of the situation. The decision you make should be informed. The last thing I want is for anyone to regret their decision in finding out that euthanisation is a possibility. In having all the facts, you can work out what is best for you.
This does not mean that you must return the fish - contact the seller immediately and look into your options. Some sellers will refund and provide medication, some will only refund if you return the fish.
Proof of purchase is almost always required, so be sure to keep a hold of this.
When you have a sick or dead fish and wish to return it to the LFS, they will usually require a water sample. Take a bottle of water (a good 100ml minimum, to ensure enough for testing) along with you. If you have poor water quality, the store will not refund you.
What you do with your fish at this time is your decision. Only you know what is right for you.
If you return a sick fish, the supplier may treat the fish (successfully or otherwise) and the fish may then be sold on to a new home. Some LFS employees are fish geeks themselves and will adopt the sick fish, take them home and nurture them back to health. If the fish cannot be treated or the supplier does not have means of treating the fish, the fish may be put to sleep.
This may seem cruel, but even in your home, euthanisation is an option for sick fish that will not recover and will live a life of suffering. If they are suffering and there is no chance they will get better, it is the best thing to let them go peacefully. If they are not suffering, that's best for them.
I tell you this not to make you feel guilty, but to make you fully aware of the situation. The decision you make should be informed. The last thing I want is for anyone to regret their decision in finding out that euthanisation is a possibility. In having all the facts, you can work out what is best for you.
Unboxing Goldfish
When you buy a Goldfish online, your fish will usually be sent to you in the post. Some suppliers will deliver or courier your fish to you directly, but the majority of the time your fish will arrive via a third party.
Your fish will arrive boxed and bagged. Sign for your delivery and carefully carry your precious parcel to a quiet room and place on a stable surface (a floor or table, something you trust not to wobble or fall!) and ensure there isn't any bright lighting, which can add to the stress of the fish. Try to make this quiet place slap bang next to the tank in question - setting up an area for unboxing is a great idea!
Carefully open the box and lift out the bag, being careful not to bump or shake it too much. At this moment, a ogle and a coo are appropriate actions.
Your fish will arrive boxed and bagged. Sign for your delivery and carefully carry your precious parcel to a quiet room and place on a stable surface (a floor or table, something you trust not to wobble or fall!) and ensure there isn't any bright lighting, which can add to the stress of the fish. Try to make this quiet place slap bang next to the tank in question - setting up an area for unboxing is a great idea!
Carefully open the box and lift out the bag, being careful not to bump or shake it too much. At this moment, a ogle and a coo are appropriate actions.
Acclimation
However you purchase your fish, you will more than likely have a Goldfish in a bag. If you are adopting and are required to bring your own items to transport the fish, I would recommend popping into an LFS and asking if they'd give/sell (they won't cost much) a bag. It will make the acclimation process easier than using a bucket.
Place the bag into the tank to allow the temperature of the bag to slowly adjust to that of the tank.
After around 30minutes, remove the bag from the tank and place back into the box/bucket and untie it - test the pH - if the pH in the bag and the pH in the bag differ by more than 0.5, you will need to drip acclimate.
To drip acclimate, empty some bag water into a bucket with a cup of tank water - move the fish and add the rest of the bag water. Add a cup of tank water to the bucket every 10 minutes until the bucket is full.
Gently lift your fish out of the bag/bucket and straight into the quarantine tank making sure not to get any bag water in the tank.
Place the bag into the tank to allow the temperature of the bag to slowly adjust to that of the tank.
After around 30minutes, remove the bag from the tank and place back into the box/bucket and untie it - test the pH - if the pH in the bag and the pH in the bag differ by more than 0.5, you will need to drip acclimate.
To drip acclimate, empty some bag water into a bucket with a cup of tank water - move the fish and add the rest of the bag water. Add a cup of tank water to the bucket every 10 minutes until the bucket is full.
Gently lift your fish out of the bag/bucket and straight into the quarantine tank making sure not to get any bag water in the tank.
Settling in
Leave the tank lights off for 2-3hours to enable your fish to settle in.
Do not feed stressed fish. Once your fish is in their new home, do not feed for a minimum 24hours. It may be necessary to prolong this period if the fish is still stressed. It's not uncommon for new fish to bottom sit and poop castings for a couple of days, allow the fish to a dust to their new home before feeding and gradually build up the amount fed.
Try and keep the room they are in as quiet as possible. New Goldfish are easily spooked, so keeping the tank in a low traffic area makes settling in much easier on them.
Do not feed stressed fish. Once your fish is in their new home, do not feed for a minimum 24hours. It may be necessary to prolong this period if the fish is still stressed. It's not uncommon for new fish to bottom sit and poop castings for a couple of days, allow the fish to a dust to their new home before feeding and gradually build up the amount fed.
Try and keep the room they are in as quiet as possible. New Goldfish are easily spooked, so keeping the tank in a low traffic area makes settling in much easier on them.
Quarantine
The most important thing you will do when buying new fish is to quarantine them. A separate tank for a period of 4-8weeks is required.
See our article on Quarantine for more in depth information.
See our article on Quarantine for more in depth information.
Common issues with newbies
During the first few days bottom sitting, loss of appetite, hiding and skittish behaviour are common. Moving house is a very stressful time, so give your fish peace and quiet (I know, easier said than done when you just want to stare at them all day long!) and allow them to get used to their new surroundings.
Ammonia burn is a common ailment with new fish. The symptoms may only appear after purchase. Black smudge marks can be a symptom of ammonia burn, but the black marks are an indication of healing so try not to be alarmed - it's getting better if you see these signs. Make sure the water is super clean and monitor closely.
Ich is another common issue with new fish. Don't panic, it's easily fixed if caught early. Start treatment and observe closely. Remember, not all white spots are Ich so be sure you are dealing with ich before diving into treatment.
It is recommended that all Goldfish are treated for Flukes. Generally speaking, all Goldfish have Flukes so preventative treatment is a good course of action. It also reduces the risk of transferring high numbers of Flukes to your display tank. Your fish may be showing symptoms of Flukes - shredded fins, white lumps, swollen and red joints, lethargy, gasping and yawning are all symptoms. These symptoms may not be present, but treatment is recommended to avoid issues further down the line.
Cycle bumps are common with new fish as your tank adapts to the new bioload. If your quarantine has been cycled fishless, it should be sturdy enough to withstand a new addition however, if it is seeded you will need to be more aware. However your quarantine is running (it is common to run quarantines without and manage on water changes and Prime with an airstone for aeration) it is vital that you watch parameters closely and monitor for any issues.
Ammonia burn is a common ailment with new fish. The symptoms may only appear after purchase. Black smudge marks can be a symptom of ammonia burn, but the black marks are an indication of healing so try not to be alarmed - it's getting better if you see these signs. Make sure the water is super clean and monitor closely.
Ich is another common issue with new fish. Don't panic, it's easily fixed if caught early. Start treatment and observe closely. Remember, not all white spots are Ich so be sure you are dealing with ich before diving into treatment.
It is recommended that all Goldfish are treated for Flukes. Generally speaking, all Goldfish have Flukes so preventative treatment is a good course of action. It also reduces the risk of transferring high numbers of Flukes to your display tank. Your fish may be showing symptoms of Flukes - shredded fins, white lumps, swollen and red joints, lethargy, gasping and yawning are all symptoms. These symptoms may not be present, but treatment is recommended to avoid issues further down the line.
Cycle bumps are common with new fish as your tank adapts to the new bioload. If your quarantine has been cycled fishless, it should be sturdy enough to withstand a new addition however, if it is seeded you will need to be more aware. However your quarantine is running (it is common to run quarantines without and manage on water changes and Prime with an airstone for aeration) it is vital that you watch parameters closely and monitor for any issues.