goldfish and koi care sheet These were the first fish species successfully bred in captivity on a large scale. Goldfish and koi can grow quite large and their beauty is impressive. Despite popular belief, goldfish do not “grow to the size of their tank.” facts average adult size: 5 inches to 3 feet long, depending on species average life span: up to 60+ years with proper care diet: omnivore minimum aquarium size: 20+ gallons, depending on species water temperature: koi 36 to 90˚F goldfish 65 to 75˚F Note: The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional information, refer to the Sources section or contact your veterinarian as appropriate. Developed with and approved by a qualified veterinarian. Developed with and approved goldfish and koi care sheet by a qualified veterinarian. diet housing habitat compatibility A well-balanced goldfish or n Keep in an maintenance n Compatible with cold koi diet consists of: appropriately sized water community fish Daily: Check filter, water n Flakes, pellets, frozen or aquarium or pond; that can tolerate lower temperature and other goldfish or koi are not temperatures. Can be freeze-dried foods. equipment. recommended for kept singly or in schools n Goldfish and koi need tropical aquariums. Weekly: Check water if tank or pond is large more carbohydrates quality at least once a enough. than other freshwater n Stable water quality week. n Check Petco’s Freshwater fish; feed them foods and parameters are Compatibility Care Sheet specifically formulated critical to the health of Monthly: Change 10 to for species specific for goldfish and koi. aquatic life. If you are 25% of the total volume of unsure of your water water every 2 to 4 weeks information. feeding quality, Petco provides or as needed. signs of a Things to remember when free water testing. Introduce new inhabitants healthy fish feeding your goldfish or koi: characteristics to the aquarium gradually. n Feed small amounts n Clear eyes n Create more waste 1 to 2 times a day, n Healthy appetite than other fish of only as much as they n Active swimming can consume in 1 to 2 comparable size, and n minutes. require better filtration. Regular breathing Avoid overcrowded n n Color patterns on Thaw frozen food before conditions, which are feeding. multi-colored goldfish or koi may change a major cause of stress throughout their and disease. Maintain lifetime. Will often lose good water quality with black markings as they regular water changes and grow. adequate filtration. common health issues Health Issue Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action red flags Fin rot Frayed or disintegrating fins; Improve water the base of the fins usually quality; consult your reddens. aquatic veterinarian n Loss of color or n Cloudy eyes for treatment. appetite n Weight loss Fungus White cottony growth and/or Quarantine fish; discoloration of the eyes. use a commercial n Spots or fungus on n Bloating antifungal remedy as body or mouth directed. n Pop eye Bacterial Cloudy eyes, open sores, Improve water n Erratic swimming infections and/or reddening of the skin. quality; use a n Frayed fins n commercial Labored respiration antibacterial remedy n External parasites as directed. Ich White spots appear on fins Quarantine fish and body; fish rubs against immediately; use hard objects or swims a commercial ich If you notice any of these signs, test water quality and awkwardly. remedy as directed. improve as necessary. Rapid respiration. shopping list for needed supplies q Appropriately sized aquarium q Appropriate food, dry and frozen q Décor q Water conditioner q Filter q Water test kit q Full spectrum lighting q Net q Thermometer q Freshwater substrate q Airline tubing q Airstone q Air pump q Book about goldfish or koi sources Ask a store partner about Petco’s selection of books on goldfish and koi and the variety of private brand products available for the care and happiness of your new pet. All private brand products carry a 100% money-back guarantee. Because all aquatic life are potential carriers of infectious diseases, such as Atypical Mycobacterium and Salmonella, always wash your hands before and after handling your aquatic life or habitat contents to help prevent the potential spread of disease. Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physician before purchasing or caring for aquatic life and should consider not having aquatic life as a pet. Go to cdc.gov/healthypets and petco.com/caresheet for more information about aquatic life and disease. This care sheet can cover the needs of other species. Go to petco.com for more information. © 2016, Petco Animal Supplies Stores, Inc. All rights reserved. (06/2016).