Mike’s Fish Tank – Comet Goldfish

The comet goldfish is the most common variety of fancy goldfish in the United States. It is similar to the common goldfish, except slightly smaller and slimmer, and is mainly distinguished by its long deeply forked tail. Under optimum conditions, the tails can grow up to 12 inches in length. Comets with yellow, orange, red, white, and red-and-white coloration are common. The red coloration mainly appears on the tailfin and dorsal fin, but can also appear on the pelvic fin. The Comet is more active than most other goldfish breeds. It is not unusual to see a Comet dashing back and forth in his tank, racing around in a playful manner. Due to the comet’s hardy and active nature, and the relative ease in caring for them, they are the breed best suited to ponds and outdoor pools. They are often kept with koi in outdoor ponds. Comet goldfish have a natural lifespan of 7 to 14 years and may live even longer in optimum conditions. Sarasa comets are characterized by their red-and-white coloration and resemble the Kohaku color pattern in koi. Sarasa Comets have long flowing fins and are very hardy fish. Although the Sarasa Comet is originally from China, the word ‘sarasa’ is of Japanese origin.

Goldfish are commonly bred on fish farms in many parts of the world. In most instances, the fish produced are offered for sale to aquarists.  However, in North America, there is a demand for goldfish used as bait or “feeder fish” to other fish by anglers. Due to the relatively inexpensive prices of comet goldfish, they may also be used as prizes in carnivals or other places of entertainment. The use of goldfish as bait feeder fish and carnival prizes is controversial, and animal rights activists have attempted to make the practice illegal, albeit unsuccessfully.

Comet goldfish are quite hardy and will do well in an outdoor pond, as well as in indoor cool-water aquariums; however, they should not be kept in “goldfish bowls”, as they grow much too large and require frequent water changes and/or filtration.

Shubunkins are similar to the common goldfish and comet goldfish in appearance however, the shubunkins are calico goldfish. Shubunkins are excellent pond fish because they reach a length of 9 to 18 inches.  A shubunkin goldfish is considered an adult at 2 to 3 years of age.

Pets A Plenty is located in the Blockbuster Video Plaza, Rte 281 Cortland, 753-9213. Open 7 days a week. We now have a website. www.petsaplety.biz. check it out. I post care sheets, coupons, new animal arrivals, contests and more. Any questions, email me at friskyy@hotmail.com

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