Nymph Goldfish 5cm

Nymph Goldfish

 

Nymph goldfish have easily got to be one of the worlds most popular goldfish, these fish are often one of the first fish species people keep when entering the aquarium hobby. Often nymphs are just kept in a tank of assorted goldfish but these fish are special in their own regard. These round almost comical fish truly capture the attention of everyone, aquarist or not and whilst they are not the best beginner fish, they will make for a great pet in a well maintained environment.

 

Nymph goldfish are essentially just common goldfish with a shortened, compact body which is achieved through genetics. These fish can be differentiated from something like a fantail as nymphs often just have a standard tail but the genetics are so wild that sometimes they can have a three or even four pronged tail. These are a very affordable, colourful and lively option to a dedicated display aquarium. Nymphs also come in an assortment of colours but for the most part these fish range in orange, whites, blacks and reds but can also sport a range of patterns. These will be a fantastic strain to selectively breed to isolate certain favourable colour and pattern designs.

 

Whilst a lot of fancy goldfish strains actually need warmer waters, nymphs can thrive in cold water environments and even outdoor ponds. Breeding these fish in captivity is possible, sexing these goldfish is a difficult task but once males and females reach maturity they can show some chasing behaviours. Females may also appear to be larger when filled with eggs and have clear cheek plates whereas males tend to develop star shaped bumps.

 

Tank Recommendations for Nymph Goldfish

The goldfish can get fairly big even with their compact body reaching a max size of 10 cm both in length and height meaning that an individual fish would need a minimum volume of 100 litres. A larger aquarium is always better because what is better than one personable and adorable nymph goldfish? Two nymph goldfish of course!

 

The thing to note however with nymph goldfish is that, due to their round body they are actually not the best swimmers so a slower flow is better. A sand substrate is good as these fish will sift through the substrate in search of food however they can thrive in a bare bottom system. Smooth river stones can be added for further decoration however sharp materials should be avoided in the aquarium like pointy driftwood as nymph goldfish can easily get injured by them.

 

Suitable Tank Buddies

Nymph goldfish are a great fish as they not aggressive in the slightest and can be kept with tank mates. Common tank mates they can be kept with are active and small fish. The goldfish however might eat fry produced by smaller tank mates however they will be perfectly fine with adults. Fin nipping species however should be avoided entirely as they will make short work of the slow moving nymph goldfish.

 

Usually Compatible

Medaka ricefish, paradise fish, giant danios, zebra danio, White Cloud Mountain minnows.

 

Sometimes Compatible

Species which can be fin nippers like rosy barbs and also tropical species such as tetras, dwarf cichlids, mollies and species of a similar sort.

 

Rarely Compatible

Larger cichlids and fish which have a mouth large such as oscars, jaguar cichlids and shrimp should also be avoided as pearl scale goldfish would eat shrimp in an instant.

 

Feeding your Nymph Goldfish

Feeding nymph goldfish should be a breeze, they should immediately take to any aquarium food practically in 24 hours of being added to their new home. Having other goldfish as well will really boost their confidence during feeding time. Slow sinking foods would be best as these rounder strains have been known to at times get swim bladder issues after frantically gulping for food at the surface. Good quality pellets or flakes which are rich in algae or spirulina content is best to suit their herbivorous diet.

Plant Safe? No, however rough leafed plants like Anubias may be okay.