The Care of Goldfish.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue II, 12 July 1902, Page 125

The Care of Goldfish.

It is remarkable how seldom people are able to keep goldfish more than a month, and all because they neglect a few first principles. Goldfish can be kept almost any length of time, accidents apart, if kept scrupulously clean. The air in the water is soon exhausted, and they should have fresh water every day; if possible often in summer, though once will do if the globe is fairly large. One ean usually tell when the fish require fresh water. They stand up on their tails with their mouths to the surface of the water, and move slowly in that position, generally making a bubbling sound. When you put the fresh water into the globe let it dash in from a height, so that plenty of air gets in; and let your fish have a handful of shells or small stones. People frequently make the mistake of thinking the fish get enough food out of the water. That is not so; they need feeding when in captivity. Packets of fishes’ food, chiefly consisting of dried ants’ eggs, can be procured from any seed or naturalist's shop. It is said that goldfish should never be handled. This is no doubt true if they are kept for breeding purposes. Otherwise, it does them no harm—if due care is exercised—and you may pick them up one by one in your hand, and pop them into their globe of fresh water. Never buy a fish unless the fins arc erect and fully spread. Directly the fish is out of health the fins close more and more until it dies, when they are quite shut up against the body.