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RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Punch1 — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:08:17 GMT

in ref. to GlitterGuppy2008 and the feeder fish wanted for a goldfish bowl -- What I feel a some humor intertwined with truth and fact - If the woman were in Italy and attempted to place the goldfish in a goldfish bowl; she would be exposing herself to arrest and criminal charges with fines and up to 1 year in prison - Italy had a state law making it illegal to place goldfish into goldfish bowls - it is considered as inhumane treatment of the animal - people have been charged and convicted under this law - just a blink of some trivia fact to add to your story LOL

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

princessotfu — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:49:02 GMT

It really depends on the plants, and the setup, whether the betta can breathe or not. There should be a little space somewhere for them, or things like duckweed will work, where the betta can just push the tiny plants aside.

I actually like the idea that "feeder" goldfish are only sold by the dozen. It discourages exactly the scenario described. I like the petstore near school. They have that policy on one tank of feeders, and then they have a separate tank of "pond fish", sold individually, that are already too big for a bowl, so even if it occurs to you, you couldn't do it.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

GlitterGuppy2008 — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:48:43 GMT

Oh, right. I mentioned this in a former post somewhere else, but at a certain petstore (for mostly fish) they sold tanks for bettas that had a light you were to connect to the tank and keep on.... all the time. I lost several fish before we realized it was the light. It was cooking them. I stopped using the lighted tank, and my current betta has been with me for several years. He has a thermometer so we can moniter his temperature, too.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

GlitterGuppy2008 — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:45:53 GMT

The other day I was in a good lfs, and the owner was in a heated argument with a customer. The store's policy is that they do not sell "feeder" goldfish for anything other than feeding to other fish, and therefore they only price them by the dozen. The customer wanted one for a bowl, and the store owner said that they wouldn't do well in a bowl, that they were produced and sold as live food for fish. The customer even went so far as to say "OK -- give me a dozen, but I want to give you back ten of them before you bag them up".

In reference to this, at our petstore there is a tank of goldfish that are feederfish. I think they are called "tuffies...?" Anway, they are priced at 10 cents apeice. Ok. If you want a specific fish, however, they cold 99 cents. Hah. As for the betta fish matter... oohh. I think it's so unfair the way bettas are put in ttteeeennnyyy tiny cups in the petstore. When people put them in vases with plants on top, can they breathe?

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

MtnFishBoy — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:31:08 GMT

I agree with you. I think that lots of the "cheap" fish are underrated,such as the goldfish. However, I also think that the other feeder fish deserve a little more respect. For example, if given half a chance, feeder guppies can really make a spectaucular display. The males sport their neon colors while chasing the females, and the females don't look that much different from the fancy guppies except for the tail. Another underrated fish is the rosy red. I had a tank of them for a long time, but then we gave them to a friend who wanted hardy fish for her classroom. They are very interesting to watch, and they are extremely hardy.

That's all I have to say about that!

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

goldfishkid — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 13:44:25 GMT

i've own goldfish all my life sience i was 1 years old & now i'm 14,my first goldfish was 8 years old it was a common one it was a deep red nice color

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Genga — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:47:13 GMT

They also try and swallow bettas. I saw a really nice looking betta go down a a-holes hatch on Youtube. Poor thing.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Lumberjack — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 07:52:09 GMT

They didnt use to cough them up. They tried to see who could keep the most down. I heard of records around 30 or so..... I guess I just dated myself a bit.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

princessotfu — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:10:41 GMT

I got mine at petsmart. Should be over with all the betta bowls.

The live fish eating this is mainly a fratboy party trick. They swallow a live goldfish, then try and cough it back up still alive. I've seen some do it. I don't know if it's worse when they live or die. It'd be a crappy way to die, dissolved in stomach acid, but if they live, they often succumb to infections because their slime coat is severely damaged from the stomach acids.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Maraqua — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:28:07 GMT

Lumberjack (1/23/2008)

I remember when swallowing goldfish was a common frat party game.... sad

Lumberjack I totally forgot about that, I remember seeing or hearing about that as a dare or hazing type thing. Haven't heard about it in a long time so hopefully it died out as being a stupid thing to do!!

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Maraqua — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:24:25 GMT

Genga (1/23/2008)

what about the current craze of eating live fish? Do they think this is right?

I heard of raw fish (yes I do love sushi, sorry) but alive that's disgusting and unnessecary!! I've seen in japan they eat live octupus by squeezing it till it's unconciuos and then wrapping it tightly around chop sticks and swallowing it whole It's hard to eat because the octopus tries to crawl back up your throat with it's tentacles It's mainly a male ego thing it's so stupid!! I've seen it on Anthony Bourdains travel/food show (which is a really good show ) but this was sad & gross to watch!

What is this eating fish alive thing never heard about it

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Maraqua — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:55:48 GMT

Genga I was thinking of getting one of those in that link they are cool and not that expensive. Princess the one your describing sounds neat too where did you get yours. I was thinking of getting one for a species only tank for shrimp and plants or something for my night table

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

princessotfu — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:03:49 GMT

I thought that's what you were referring to. There's a lot of different versions of the same size plastic/acrylic aquarium. I like those ones. I have a 1 gallon as a betta hospital tank.

The ones I was referring to aren't on the website. They look exactly like a plain 10g glass tank, except 1/4 the size. I have one of those as well.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Genga — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:09:08 GMT

princessotfu (1/25/2008)

or you can get the 2.5g glass ones for 9.99 at petsmart. They aren't as colorful and interesting as some of the other ones like Genga's talking about, but they're cheaper and slightly bigger. just depends on what you're looking for. I've had bettas in both kinds, and they're a good balance between small enough to keep on a shelf somewhere (perfect for dorms!) and big enough for the betta to be comfy.

Actually no, I am talking about this:

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752291&cp=2767036.2769119&view=all&fbn=Taxonomy%7CAquariums&fbc=1&clickid=topnav_dropdown4_link1&parentPage=family&keepsr=1

It is really good quality, had it for five years now. Which ones are you talking about?

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

princessotfu — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:15:18 GMT

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Genga — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:16:46 GMT

Rob (1/25/2008)

Yes I agree I know where bettas are found and that was why I asked. I think bettas are great fishes to have and were the first fish to start my hobby. His name was Buddy. He died I think from stress. We had to move him all over the house because his tank was only a gallon and the cats would nock him over. That happened 4 times. He died after the last one. But he wasn't eat'n by the cats. I was so sad.

Get a two gallon. A common make is $20 at PetSmart. Tanks have a lid to keep the kittys out and a two weights 20 lbs, a little too much for a cat to tip.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Rob — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:03:51 GMT

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Genga — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:42:56 GMT

I feel that bettas need two gallons, dosen't matter if it is a bowl or a mini tank. My Grandpa grew rice in his younger years and still owns his farm, A rice field may be only a few inches deep, but it is very long. So I question the 'fact' "Bettas come from tiny puddles/rice fields in asia" The owner of my LFS thinks bettas don't need tons of room. She finds 1/2 gallon fine. I disagree. They will be active if you give them room to turn around.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

princessotfu — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:33:02 GMT

I think bettas are just fine in bowls, in fact, some of the happiest ones I've seen have been in planted 2 gallon bowls. The bowls just need to big enough, 1 gallon bare minimum, and there needs to be proper attention to maintenance. I have one betta in a planted 2.5 gallon tank, and he's been there for 1.5 years now, happy as can be chasing his snail buddies around.

THe other thing about bettas, and I was guilty of thinking this once, is that they aren't from puddles and creeks in Asia. It's a common misconception. They come from rice paddies which, though shallow, are huge. They really do do better with more water.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Rob — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:21:29 GMT

Not to change the subject to much but how do you all fell about betta's in bowls. I know they don't get large but whats your ground on that? I know that they live in creeks in asia but, still I think they'd like a tank even a 1.5 gallon some times. The peole I have seen have'em in small bowls.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Bubbleboy — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:18:27 GMT

Actually, I think goldfish are great starter fish for beginners! Especially fancier variaties. This is because they will not grow too big, and by the time they are big enough, the fishkeeper will most likely be ready to upgrade to a larger fishtank. I started with a goldfish in a 10 gallon tank and I must say, it has been a complete joy having it! She now resides in her 29 gallon tank and is growing well. Also, if you are dedicated to keeping fish and know their needs, goldfish can be no messier than other fish. Just get a slightly higher powered filter than you need, and do weekly water changes. Simple as that.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

nautilus29 — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:03:26 GMT

honestly I dont think any goldfish is a good fish for a begginer. they are messy and they get bigger then what a typical begginers tank size is going to handle. I think goldfish are alot of the reason alot of begginers quite the hobby. They go and buy a tank set it up put a goldfish in their and then the tank is always dirty and they are constanly cleaning it. Finally they get sick of it and sell their tank for 15 dollars in the paper.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

David Lass — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:57:41 GMT

Not to go on another one of my rants -- but --

One of the things that drives me absolute NUTS is when a customer asks a person at their lfs, who presumably knows what they are talking about, a question. "Can I put this nice little arowana in a five gallon tank?" The lfs guy says "no -- it needs a much larger tank". The customer goes away -- only to go to another lfs, where hopefully they get the answer they want. It's like the customer is shopping around until he/she hears what they want. I don't know how the lfs folks stand it.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Genga — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:44:28 GMT

David Lass (1/24/2008)

There are, in fact, many lfs's out there who try to do the right thing -- and it is very difficult some of the time.

I always have wondered why people: (a)Fail to care when an experienced fishkeeper says that won't work and/or it is cruel and (b)Are so obsessed with putting them in bowls. Bowls may be pretty, but they are not cruelty free.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

princessotfu — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:29:10 GMT

I'm glad. I know it can be a huge hassle, because it is such a deeply ingrained image in people to keep a goldfish in a bowl. But policies like the one you mentioned are a very good way to start changing attitudes.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

David Lass — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:15:06 GMT

There are, in fact, many lfs's out there who try to do the right thing -- and it is very difficult some of the time.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

princessotfu — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:36:46 GMT

I think as far as the abuse of things like goldfish, pet shops are the ones that would have the most bearing on people's attitudes. Almost every pet shop employee has the right to refuse to sell a fish to a customer if they feel they won't be taken care of. If employees learned more about the needs of goldfish and exercised that right all the time, we'd see a large increase in responsible goldfish owners. Some employees are very good about this, but a lot of them, even if they are knowledgeable in other varieties of fish, don't care about goldfish.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Rob — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:27:22 GMT

I wish I had a twenty gallon for my goldfish. I hope my common goldfish will grow very large. But for the time being the 10 gallon will have to do. I understand poeple's and you're views on feeder fish. My views are different but I have no need to feed feeder fish to anything any way. I think all goldfish and fish in general should be kept and taken care of according to their needs. I really enjoy the goldfish I own. And thats because I took the time to research their origins and find out what their best needs are, and still I am doing my best to make the tank a great home for them. The problem with abuse of goldfish is their so easy to obtain that, I think people who buy them don't buy them to start getting involved in a hobby. But to have a fish just for fun and not take the correct care and responsiblilty of having the fish. That bothers me because I know poeple who have done that. I usually end up taking care their fish too. I am very aware of the abuse, but just a question, what do think people or shops that sell fish should do to stop it?

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

jfish13 — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:48:06 GMT

In my fish field guide they include "common goldfish" for u.s.a! its sad people release them in the wild!

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Bubbleboy — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:40:50 GMT

That goes double for me!! I feel very sorry for common goldfish, as they can often grow up to 16 inches long! Not nearly as big as the fancy varieties. Also, It makes me sad to see so many people buying their big fish little goldfish as a means of food. That's animal cruelty just like dog or **** fighting! Common goldfish are also mistreated in other ways such as being placed in a tiny bowl, or being given away at fairs. All in all, I believe that a common goldfish is only for those keepers who know what they are doing, and are able to meet the needs of the fish thoroughly. A fancy variety in a 20 gallon tank such as a fantail will do the beginning goldfish keeper just fine!

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

princessotfu — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:41:54 GMT

I believe fancy goldfish are relatively good beginner fish. They have all the personality that commons do, and need a lot less room. Common goldfish types (single-tailed) really need to be in big tanks. I know a guy with two shubunkins that are slowly but surely outgrowing their 90 gallon tank.

I think that tank size is misconception #1. People don't understand that it is actually the cheaper kind of goldfish that needs the BIGGER tank. That 10gallons per goldfish rule is thrown around a lot for the common types. It sounds really good, because usually they're kept in bowls. But it's not even close to what they really need.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Rob — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:04:30 GMT

I don't know when the fish eating crave went on but thats just kinda wierd. I can understand if your asian but just for fun is odd. I believe common goldfish (usually sold for like cents each) are good for beguinners and are good if you feel like it's alright to feed your predatory fish live food ( which is fine). But it bothers me when people get common goldfish for pets but do not treat them right. I know poeple who don't take good care of their's but luck for them they got me. Any way I do think goldfish are under cared for mostly because they only cost cents and people buy them not to get started in the aquarium hobby but just to have a fish with out the responsibilities. I have a common goldfish, and it was my first fish. I have a ten gallon aquarium and take the best care I can with my fish.

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Lumberjack — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:23:29 GMT

I remember when swallowing goldfish was a common frat party game.... sad

RE: Goldfish-A common misconception

Genga — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:10:34 GMT

And some videos to get the chat started:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=NF2Ie8knyY4
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1qmdQyeI9KU&feature=related
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8cmWSdlKYX4&feature=related
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mvM1OJM4sDg&feature=related
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7ZzqEEWaRAU

Goldfish-A common misconception

Genga — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:05:27 GMT

Goldfish are notoriously abused. People think 'it is just a fish', and not a living animal. I know everyone here has different views on the size of tank, care, ect. People should treat goldfish with respect, but why don't they? So, chat about goldfish care, abuse and how they should be treated. I know most of the time the abuse is done innocently. But what about the current craze of eating live fish? Do they think this is right? I know everyone makes mistakes, and I myself have made TONS, but why make them again and again?