Gold Crucian Carp: A Detailed Guide to Suitable Water Temperature, Food, and Water Change Frequency
The gold crucian carp, also known as the grass goldfish, grows relatively fast when food is plentiful, reaching a body weight of over 500 grams and a body length of about 30 cm at three years of age, with a maximum length of up to 50 cm. So, what water temperature does the gold crucian carp adapt to? What food does it eat? How often should the water be changed?
1. What water temperature does the gold crucian carp adapt to?
Goldfish can survive in water bodies with temperatures of 0-39°C, but within this temperature range, if the water temperature changes abruptly by more than 7-8°C, the goldfish becomes prone to illness, and if the change is even greater, it can cause the goldfish to die.
The most suitable water temperature for goldfish is 20-28°C. Within this temperature range, the higher the water temperature, the more active the goldfish's metabolism and the faster its growth and development.
2. What food does the gold crucian carp eat?
Gold crucian carp are fed nutritious animal-based foods and white sesame seeds, among other things. Animal-based foods include water fleas, earthworms, yellow mealworms, green worms, and leather worms. The main foods given are earthworms and white sesame seeds. Both red and black earthworms can be fed. Do not feed inferior goldfish food bought from stores. This kind of food contains too much starch, has poor nutrition, is difficult to digest, and easily pollutes the water quality; after eating it, goldfish suffer from malnutrition, grow relatively slowly, and are also prone to illness. Goldfish will not overeat to death as long as what they eat is easily digestible food. Feeding is generally done once in the morning and once in the afternoon each day. Do not overfeed; feed only until the food is finished. Otherwise, it will pollute the water quality.
3. How often should the water be changed for the gold crucian carp?
The time for which the water quality of ornamental fish remains stable is closely related to the water temperature. In spring and autumn, when the water temperature is suitable, the water color is bright green, and algae in the water grow at a moderate rate, the water quality stays fresh for a relatively long time. At this time, the method of topping up the water is mostly used, generally topping up once every 2-3 days, with a full water change about every 15 days or so. In midsummer, the water temperature is relatively high and algae grow vigorously, so the water color usually turns green in about 3 days. The green water of midsummer easily causes goldfish to suffer from tail burn, so a full water change is mostly used for goldfish water, with a water change interval of 3-5 days. In winter, the water temperature is relatively low, algae in the water grow slowly, and it takes longer for the water color to turn green, so the method of topping up the water is mostly used at this time. A full water change is done about once every 1-2 months; during a full water change, part of the green water is added into the new water to keep the water quality stable. For keeping goldfish at home, aquariums are generally equipped with water circulation filters; running them for 5-6 hours a day can keep the water quality clear permanently. In seasons with suitable water temperatures, the method of topping up the water can also be used, which can keep the water quality stable and fresh while also achieving the goal of stimulating the fish's appetite.