Buying Goldfish
When purchasing your first goldfish you really need to shop around. In the United States goldfish are not as popular as they are in Asia and Europe. Most U.S. fish stores and pet stores keep a few goldfish tanks. In my experience the number of goldfish tanks seems to be in direct proportion with level of goldfish expertise and the quality of the goldfish in a given shop.
When you shop for goldfish. Look in all the fish tanks, not just the goldfish tanks. If you see a lot of dead or dying fish this is not a good place for you to be buying fish.
Healthy goldfish are very active and constantly searching for food. When looking for potential goldfish look at all the fish in the tank. Avoid buying a fish from a tank where any of the fish are sitting on the bottom or hanging at the top. Also, avoid any tanks where any fish are rubbing themselves on objects in the tank, have open sores, have white spots, fungus on any part of their body, ragged fins, have rapid respiration, or have cloudy eyes.
Now you're ready to examine the specific fish you want. Spend some time doing this. After all with good care and good luck your new goldfish will be with you for the next 5 to 10, maybe 20 years. When observing the fish watch how he swims. Look for equilibrium problems. When he stops swimming does he float or sink? Avoid fish with obvious swimming problems. Check out the fins. Are they all present? Any bent fins? Eyes nice and clear and of equal size? No sign of disease or parasite? Be sure you watch until you see both sides of the fish.
The final check is to watch how he acts. A healthy goldfish will constantly be searching for food. Goldfish have a lot of personality so pick one that is lively and you enjoy watching.
Before bringing home your new fish please check out my article “Quarantining Goldfish”
If you can't find any decent fish at your local dealers or you're looking for something special then check out my friend Rick Hess's goldfish at the Goldfish Connection.
Copyright 2002 Rick G. Copeland