By Jamie Boyle
I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all goldfish lovers who have visited my blog. I hope that I have been able to help everyone with all their goldfish questions and problems this year.
Wishing each and everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe holiday season as we spend time with family and friends.
Sincerely,
Jamie Boyle
The Goldfish Guy
P.S Have a safe and Happy New Year and best wishes in 2009
By Jamie Boyle
Well this goldfish question “How Long Do Goldfish Live” is one I’ve been asked many many times. The lifespan of a goldfish differs greatly as it all depends on how well people take care of their goldfish. If people provide proper goldfish care they should live a long healthy life.
The true fact of the matter is that we are the ones truly responsible for how long goldfish live for. What we feed our goldfish, how big their aquarium is, having proper equipment such as filters and air pumps and not overcrowding their tank can increase how long goldfish live. 
By doing the following can drastically reduce the chance of goldfish diseases occurring as well as increase the years that your goldfish live.
Goldfish can live up to be 20 years old or older but the above mentioned goldfish tips need to be carried out if you want your pet to live a good life. Most goldfish I would say don’t live to be 20 years old as they are just too many factors to consider. The lifespan of a goldfish reduces drastically when one attempts to keep fish in a goldfish bowl. Taking care of goldfish in a bowl is not recommended and people shouldn’t expect their goldfish to live for years and years in such a small environment with usually no filter or air. If people want their goldfish to live long lives provide the essential care required for healthy goldfish.
So how long have your goldfish lived for you? Lets here some comments and ages and type of some of your goldfish. How old are your goldfish?
By Jamie Boyle
Well it’s that’s time of year again fall is here, winter is fast approaching and many people often ask should I be feeding my goldfish in the pond in the fall? The answer really depends on the temperature of the water and where you live. Feeding goldfish for fall is different then feeding goldfish in the summer.
You see a goldfish metabolism is fast in the summer and they are able to eat several times a day with no worries. If there is a waterfall and fast moving current enables them to work off their food, gain muscle and stay healthy. 
Well when fall approaches goldfish begin getting ready for hibernation just like bears do. They build up some fat which enables them to hibernate over the winter. Well with goldfish it is much the same. As soon as fall approaches their system begins to slow down and they are not as active due to the water getting colder as they normally would be in the summer.
What people should do in the fall is switch their feeding habits and feed their goldfish a lighter food which a goldfish can easily digest. Feeding goldfish fall food is highly recommended to make sure your pond fish stay healthy. A good fish food to feed to your goldfish is PondCare Spring and Autumn Floating Food Sticks. This type of fish food is specifically formulated to feed to your goldfish down to 42 degrees Fahrenheit. I know I just took the water temperature of my large pond yesterday and it was 44 degrees. So for some of you, you may still be feeding your goldfish in your pond, others may still be lucky to have some good warm weather. I know I’m a little late writing this article so my rule of thumb is that if the water temperature is 50 degrees Fahrenheit or below stop feeding your fish. If the fish wants to eat then its up to them and there is plenty of food in the pond for them to nibble on. So stop feeding your fish when the water drops below 50 degrees as fish have a hard time to digest food at this temperature and may cause health risks and possibly death. If your goldfish look hungry and seem like they want to eat don’t give in. You could end up killing your goldfish just from feeding them. Wait till spring and enjoy feeding your goldfish then 🙂
Sincerely,
Jamie Boyle
The Goldfish Guy
Other Related Goldfish Articles:
Can Goldfish Die From Over Feeding Them?
Do Pond Goldfish Need To Be Fed
How Fast Do Goldfish Grow
How Much Do I Feed Goldfish
What To Feed Your Goldfish
By Jamie Boyle
Many pond owners today often face the problem of pond predators visiting their water garden and they need to learn how to protect goldfish from pond predators before becoming their next meal. A lot of people don’t even realize they even have a problem until it’s too late. People should always try and count their fish come feeding time to make sure all fish are accounted for. It also makes a great time to observe your fish for any signs of goldfish diseases or parasites.
If you notice your fish scared or frightened or any goldfish missing then you may very well of had a tall-feathery creature stop by for a meal or two. 
Herons, kingfishers, raccoons, snakes, cats and even frogs are pond predators. Yes! Even frogs! I have seen many frogs shoot out there tongue and catch small fish when they dash up to the surface. You see a frogs tongue is shot out based on movement and we have seen many goldfish eaten at an early age. The good news about pond predators is that there are many ways you can protect your goldfish from wildlife and I’m going to show you how.
How To Protect Your Goldfish From Pond Predators?
The first step in protecting your goldfish from predators is to go out to your local hardware store, pet store and often even garden nurseries today who stock pond supplies and equipment and purchase a heron decoy. A heron decoy will stop other herons from dropping by as they are very much territorial. They automatically assume that there is already a heron there so there must not be too many fish left. In turn the heron continues flying on in search of a free water source to fish. I know many people who have had pond predator problems and they have used them and they haven’t had any problems since.
Another way to protect your goldfish from pond predators is to buy a scarecrow sprinkler system. These work great! Why you may ask? Is because they have a built in motion sensor so when anything comes even remotely close to your pond a blast of water shoots out scaring off anything near. This is a sure way to defend your goldfish and give them a fighting chance. It’s also a great laugh in the scare you put the pond predator through with a blast of water right at its butt! 🙂 It will make that heron or other animal think twice about coming back 😉
Another suggestion pond owners can do is to protect your goldfish pond from predators using a pond netting. Again you should be able to buy pond netting at any local hardware store and also you can buy it online as well. Using pond netting will protect pond fish but it takes away the beauty and look of a pond. I know I hate using pond netting but hey, if it protects your pond fish then you did solve your problem. It also stops leaves from going into the pond and falling to the pond bottom messing up the water. It works, but what you decide to choose is up to you.
I hope these above mentioned ways at learning how to protect your goldfish pond from pond predators has helped. Pond predators are annoying but at least there are things we can do to help protect our pond fish.
Have you ever had pond predators drop by your pond? What did you do to protect your pond fish from being eaten? Lets here your stories on the problem that faces many pond owners – pond predators. How to protect your fish from pond predators? A question most pond owners will have one-time or another.
Sincerely,
Jamie Boyle
The Goldfish Guy
“Helping Goldfish Owners With Advice, Fish Care and Fish Medication Treatments for Goldfish Diseases, Illnesses and Parasites”
By Jamie Boyle
Lets just put it this way, there is no humane way to kill a goldfish. I have read on the Internet some pretty wild ideas on to supposedly to relieve the goldfish from pain and suffering. I know there are sometimes that you feel like you want to intervene and save your goldfish from more pain, but to kill your goldfish yourself, hmmmmm I don’t know about that. I will talk here about different ways on how to kill a goldfish humanely but call it humane I don’t know.
First off if you are looking at getting rid of your goldfish or other types of fish do not kill them because you don’t want to be in the aquarium hobby anymore or looking to get rid of your goldfish pond. I repeat don’t try and kill your goldfish humanely. The most humane thing one can do is find another home for your goldfish. There are tons of people out there who are eager to take your goldfish off your hands. Think of friends, neighbours and best yet people who have a goldfish pond. I’m sure they would like to add to their goldfish collection. If you can’t find someone you can always contact your local pet store, they will take them off your hands for sure. You could always try calling a local landscaper who specializes in installing ponds, I’m sure he will know people who would. Try and find someone to take care of your goldfish. Never kill goldfish because you don’t want them anymore! That’s just cruel.
Now if you have sick goldfish and have tried treating them but nothing seems to work, then people may consider this alternative. I myself, cannot do it, I would much rather have life take its course and if it’s the goldfish’s time, then it’s his time to go. There is no humane way to kill a goldfish, if it’s gonna die then let it die of natural causes. I know if it was me I would want to fight right to the end, right to my last breath. Give your goldfish a chance.
You’ve all heard and seen on the Internet that the best way on how to kill a sick goldfish humanely is to flush them down the toilet. I repeat no it’s not. This is the worse way that a goldfish can die. It ends up being a long, pain full death. The ammonia will cause irritation to gills and cause the goldfish to suffocate. Never kill a goldfish by flushing them down the toilet, there is no humane way in that.
Now on to the next one, putting your goldfish in the freezer to die. Think about it, you know how much that would hurt. That would be a long pain full death yet again. When I hear people talk about freezing goldfish in a freezer is the best way to humanely kill a goldfish I think of the Deadliest Catch, the show on TV about Alaska crab fishing. There was a man who talked about how he and his friend survived after his boat went down in the extremely cold water. They had a suit on and the water was so cold that one of the guys tried to drown himself cause the cold hurt so much. His friend said hold on someone will come and luckily he did as they were saved moments later as a nearby crab fishing boat spotted them. It was luck or a miracle as the auto pilot steered to the left for some reason and that’s when the captain spotted the men in the water after coming up from getting a bite to eat. You see freezing your goldfish to death would yet be another long pain full death. Putting your goldfish in the freezer to die, there is no humane way in that. Think of the man, he couldn’t stand it anymore that he even tried drowning himself it was that cold.
Now on to the last and final way. It is reported that on how to kill a goldfish humanely is to place your goldfish in a large bag and bang the head of the goldfish sharply against a edge of a table, rock or anything hard and sharp that can cause instant death. Now again, do not kill your goldfish because you don’t want them anymore, this is only to be considered if you cannot stand to watch your goldfish suffer anymore. If there is nothing wrong with your goldfish try and find new parents for them that will take care of your goldfish. So to sum it up the best way to kill a goldfish humanely is to strike the head of the goldfish on a sharp or hard surface causing instant death. Now I know that sounds cruel but that is what many believe is the most humane way to kill a goldfish. You won’t catch me doing it. I have to much of a heart for the little goldfish.
What do you think? What’s the most humane way to kill a sick goldfish? Are there any other methods you’ve heard about on the Internet that may be considered a humane way to kill goldfish? Do you think you could do it? I know I couldn’t. Share your thoughts and stories on this one as it’s a much debated issue about humane ways to kill a goldfish.
Sincerely,
Jamie Boyle
The Goldfish Guy
By Jamie Boyle
Before you learn how to treat fin and tail rot on goldfish you first need to make sure you have properly diagnosed your goldfish illness. So what is fin and tail rot you may ask? Fin and tail rot is a goldfish disease that you can see that affects the fins and tail that appears to be rotting away. If left untreated the fin and tail will rot right to the body itself. You will know its fin and tail rot as you will see ragged, ripped,frayed and torn fins whith a white-pinkish layer at the edges and often red streaks as well. The good news about fin and tail rot on goldfish is that it’s easily treatable.
What Causes Fin and Tail Rot On Goldfish?
The cause of fin and tail rot beginning on goldfish is a bacterial infection has set in. Bacterial infections are mainly caused by poor water quality. As I’ve said it many times and I will say it again, the #1 reason fish get sich is because of water quality. They become stressed, there immune system lowers and goldfish parasites attack or bacterial infections arise. Another cause for fin and tail rot developing on goldfish is sometimes a result of an injury your goldfish have suffered. The most common cause of fin and tail rot is usually poor water quality.
How Do I Treat Fin And Tail Rot On Goldfish?
You can treat fin and tail rot on goldfish with several medications. The ones I like to use are Melachite Green and Melafix. Melachite Green works very well but it’s more harsh then Melafix but it works. With Melafix it’s an all natural medication that won’t disturb your biological filter. Melafix also work well at healing goldfish and rejuvenating tissue. The PondCare melafix I beleive is one cap full for every 50 gallons. Please read manufacturers label for recommended dosage. You can also buy Melafix for aquariums as well.
Just the other day I was reading an interesting article about treating fin and tail rot with peroxide. I myself have never tried that myself but I have used iodine to treat fin and tail rot. Sometimes there are household products that can work but medication specifically for fin and tail rot for goldfish is much better.
Is there anything I can do to prevent fin and tail rot from happening in the first place?
The best way to prevent fin and tail rot from happening on your goldfish would be to make sure you maintain your water quality. Do water tests on a regular basis to make sure fish don’t become stressed and living in poor water quality. A proper maintenance shedule that you stick to will help prevent many goldfish diseases from happening in the first place. Don’t want fin and tail rot to happen to your goldfish? Then proper goldfish care is essential to have healthy goldfish.
Sincerely,
Jamie Boyle
The Goldfish Guy
“Helping Goldfish Owners With Advice, Fish Care and Fish Medication Treatments for Goldfish Diseases, Illnesses and Parasites”
Jamie:
I stumbled upon your goldfish blog while looking for assistance to determine what, if anything, is wrong with one of our goldfish, which live in an outdoor pond. After going outside to feed them this afternoon, I noticed the right eye on the smaller fish was a blue-ish-cream color, almost a cloud-like color. I did not see any noticeable sign of swelling or
evidence the eye was protruding outward, both of which I have seen mentioned elsewhere concerning infection/disease. Though by no means am I a goldfish expert, I knew this condition was a new development and likely an abnormal one indicating an infection or disease or what have you.
I have done some research into it, but having limited knowledge about goldfish, and therefore am a bit reluctant to read a description of an ailment and decide, “That must be it.”
That said, I came across your goldfish blog and decided to snap a few photos of said eye with the hopes that you could ascertain what, if anything, is causing this and how to treat it. Attached are three photos of the aforementioned eye. Photos are not as clear as they could be owing to having the auto focus on, which can be thrown off by the water…so if need be, I can snap additional photos (I have a Canon EOS 20D, so taking clearer photos is not a problem if need be.).
Thank you for your help,
Joseph
Sick goldfish and sick goldfish video from one of my readers:
Hi,
I am not sure you can help us but we were looking for information as to what is wrong with our goldfish and came across your Blog and noticed you have a lot of information there and know a great deal more about goldfish than we do :). Please take a look at the small video clip we made of our fish attached.
2 weeks ago we went to the pet store and read some of the many products there to help and have been treating the water with Disease safe which apparently treats against, cloudy eye, white spot, ragged or bloody streaked fins cotton wool like growths, slimy white skin or fins and unusual swimming.
We have had both of our goldfish for 8 years and have never seen any of them get as sick as this. before treatment he was sitting down the bottom of the tank hardly moving not eating etc and after the first week of treatment he seemed to perk up and was swimming up mid to top tank again. Although the redness did not leave his back. we are now on the second week of treatment going by the instructions which are 7day treatment. He seems to be back down the bottom of the tank again and the redness looks worse than it did before.
As I said we have had them for 8 years now and would hate to lose either of them and would like to know if you can help us if you know what is wrong with him from the small clip? Perhaps we are treating him for the wrong disease. Any info you may be able to give would be greatly appreciated
Regards,
Helen & Brian
By Jamie Boyle
Over feeding goldfish not only can kill your goldfish and cause them to die but it totally messes up your water quality at the same time. What happens when you feed your goldfish too much it causes health issues to happen much like in humans today. Obesity in humans causes major health issues that leads to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chest pains and other symptoms caused by being overweight. Well with goldfish what happens is that they develop fatty liver and can cause swim bladder disease issues to arise. Your goldfish health will be directly affected by the feeding habits you do. You should try and feed them a wide variety of different fish foods with different nutrient contents.
You have a higher chance of killing your goldfish by poor water quality caused by over feeding them then actually feeding goldfish till they die. Both are possible but poor water quality is the number one reason that goldfish die or goldfish diseases and parasite outbreaks happen. 
When feeding your fish people should always try feeding them enough food that they can consume in 2 minutes. After 2 minutes if there are any uneaten food discard it so water won’t foul. If left there water quality will deteriorate and may cause your goldfish to die from ammonia spikes.
Over feeding goldfish not only can kill your fish but creates a lot more maintenance for you to do as well. Feed them right with the proper food and quantities and your fish will live a long healthy life with a little goldfish care.
You don’t really want to be the cause of your goldfish dying now do you?
Sincerely,
Jamie Boyle
The Goldfish Guy
By Jamie Boyle
Goldfish in a pond, do you really need to feed them? Well yes and no. When people build a garden pond in their backyard they want to enjoy it, add some pond plants, water lilies and most importantly some fish. The best part about having a water garden feature in your pond is feeding them. Feeding your goldfish is just one of the joys of having a pond. You can relax, observe your fish swimming so gracefully in the water and watch them feed and perhaps even feed them by hand. Kids and adults all enjoy this part of taking care of the pond and fish.
But do you really need to feed goldfish in a pond? Technically no as depending on the size of your pond there is plenty of food in the pond itself. 
You see goldfish will pick and feed on just about anything, they will eat the mosquito larvae, water fleas, worms and just about any insect that will come close to your goldfish. Goldfish are basically a scavenger and very similar to the koi in that aspect. On top of all the microscopic animals in the water that your goldfish can eat and consume there are always plants that they will nibble on such as duckweed ( which is very good for fish )and your fish will also eat the algae that is in your pond as well. Any green vegetation such as duckweed or algae they will eat.
So when people ask themselves do you really need to feed your goldfish in a pond the answer is yes and no. If you want to enjoy your fish come feeding time then go ahead by all means and feed them, other then that your fish will just be fine with all the available things it contains in your pond. So it really depends on you and what kind of enjoyment you want out of your goldfish pond.
In my opinion you should feed them as this is a great way to observe your goldfish come feeding time to see for any signs of injuries or diseases. Plus feeding them is the best part of having a garden pond other then the looks and sounds that a water garden can bring to your backyard. So go ahead feed them and see the beauty that your fish bring to your water garden.
Do you feed your goldfish in your pond? If so, what type of goldfish pond food do you feed your fish?
Sincerely,
Jamie Boyle
The Goldfish Guy
Other Related Posts
Why Are My Goldfish Not Eating?
How Much Fish Food Should I Feed Goldfish?
What To Feed Your Goldfish?