There are many different types of goldfish. Each breed is different in their own individual way and this article will discuss everything there is to know about the type of goldfish available so that when the time comes for you to go down to the local pet store, you will know what you are looking for.

The Fantail

The first type of goldfish that we are going to discuss is the fantail and these are among the most popular breeds of goldfish in the world. They are recognized as having a large fan like tail that is split in two sections. This type of goldfish is classified as being a doubled-tailed goldfish. Goldfish have been split into two different groups, double tailed and single tailed. The fantail is a type of goldfish that spends most of its time stagnant or with little movement inside the tank.

Due to their overly large tails, they don’t have the ability to make sudden, fast movements. Most people choose to have fantails because of their grace and elegance. They really do make the tank look great and their slow steady movements offer an environment that is calm and peaceful.

The Comet

The comet on the other hand is a type of goldfish that spends a lot of it’s time moving up and down and around the tank. They are highly energetic goldfish that need a lot of space to move and it’s a great idea if you have to chance to build a pond to keep this breed of fish in. They are in the single tailed group of goldfish and have a very short, strong tail that enables them to make sudden and very fast movements when they have to. They are one of the most popular goldfish and a very safe breed to go with if you are just starting out.

If you are just starting out, then it’s a good idea to start off with having just one breed of goldfish, due to the fact that putting different breeds together can sometimes cause problems. There are many cases where fantails have been mauled by comets when living in the same tank, due to the fact that fantails are easily one of the slowest types of goldfish available.

There are of course many other varieties of goldfish available, however it would take too long to explain them all, so this is information is more for the beginners who are wondering what type of goldfish they should choose. Both of these breeds would make a good choice.

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So what’s the most common goldfish illness that can harm these majestic creatures? Well there are of course many illnesses that goldfish are prone. This article will discuss only the two most common as it’s likely that someday in the future you are going to come across them. They are Ichtyopthirius and ‘Dropsy’

Ichtyopthirius

Simply named Ick, this is the most goldfish illness that strikes down goldfish. Ick is a parasite that attaches to the goldfish body.

Causes: This happens when the undue stress is put on the goldfish due to bad water conditions, fluctuations in the temperature and an overall poor quality of maintenance.

Symptoms: Look for small white spots that look like salt grain on the goldfish’s skin, fins and gills.

What happens: This parasite attached to the goldfish when it is stressed out due to bad conditions and feed off the body of the fish. The conditions worsen when the Ick begins to lay its eggs and reproduces at a very fast pace.

Treatment: If your goldfish is a victim of Ick, treat him or her with an anti-parasite medication. Also you might have to raise the water temperature to make this medication more effective. Ask an expert and follow instructions. How can you prevent it: You can prevent Ick from growing by making sure that you maintain the tank well with the weekly changes and keep the water fresh and pollution-free.

Dropsy

Dropsy is another bacterial infection that infects the fish within its body causing the scales to stick out. It is dangerous and often the fish die.

Causes: Dropsy is brought on by, again, water quality that has a very high ammonia and nitrite content.

Symptoms: Be alert for signs of body swelling and scales that seem to poke out. Sometimes even the eyes seem to bulge out.

What happens: Dropsy causes the fish to retain fluid and swell up. Swelling of the body cavity due to a build-up of fluid. Scales become raised giving a pinecone-like appearance. One or both of the eyes may be protruded.

Treatment: Dropsy is pretty fatal and hard to cure. Your best bet is a broad-spectrum anti- bacteria treatment. You could add salt to prevent salt loss.

How to prevent it: You must make sure that the water in your tank is of good quality. Test the water from time to time.

So now that you know the two most common goldfish illnesses that plague the wonderful fish, you will have the right information at hand now so when the day should come that you’ll have to treat on of these goldfish illnesses, you’ll be confident enough to know what to do.

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