How to tell when the goldies are "grown up"

Psychlist1972 · August 5th, 2009

Last october, my wife rescued three tiny goldfish from a (dirty) creek near her mom's house. The carnival had been in town and they just dumped the goldfish into the creek. There were a ton there.

They're pretty big now: two commons and one comet. The largest of the commons is probably 5-6" long.

(I started them in a 10g, realized they get big, then moved to the 20g they're in now, which they've outgrown, and will be moved to a 55g in the next month - I'm picking up the tank tomorrow)

They haven't grown in a bit. I'm not sure if that is due to the tank size, or because they've finished growing. Any idea how to tell? Goldfish, as I understand it, get to be as big as 3-12" long at maturity.

Pete

Tony G. · August 5th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psychlist1972

Last october, my wife rescued three tiny goldfish from a (dirty) creek near her mom's house. The carnival had been in town and they just dumped the goldfish into the creek. There were a ton there.

They're pretty big now: two commons and one comet. The largest of the commons is probably 5-6" long.

(I started them in a 10g, realized they get big, then moved to the 20g they're in now, which they've outgrown, and will be moved to a 55g in the next month - I'm picking up the tank tomorrow)

They haven't grown in a bit. I'm not sure if that is due to the tank size, or because they've finished growing. Any idea how to tell? Goldfish, as I understand it, get to be as big as 3-12" long at maturity.

Pete

hey pete!

they are probably stunted from being in the small tank for so long

Psychlist1972 · August 5th, 2009

I wouldn't say "so long" - it took them a while to get that big. When they were brought home, they were feeder fish size. One is about 5-6", one is about 4", the comet is around 3"

Growth just seems to have stalled over last month or maybe two. That may be due to tank size as you pointed out.

Pete

gremlin · August 5th, 2009

It is due to the tank size. Put them in a larger tank and they will probably start to grow again. I have had people give me goldfish that they had in 5 gallon tanks or small bowls for a couple of years then got tired of how dirty they always were. The fish would be at least 2-3 years old and only about 2-3 inches long. Once they were in my pond, they were usually at least 6 inches long after their first summer.

Psychlist1972 · August 5th, 2009

Thanks all. I'll see how they do in the 55. Sounds like I should expect some more growth

Pete

aquarist48 · August 6th, 2009

Hello Pete. I would surely expect some more growth once you get them into the 55g. Best of luck.
Ken

Psychlist1972 · August 7th, 2009

Thanks All

Picked up the 55g today, and an AquaClear 110 for it. Some goldfish-friendly (maybe <g>) plants will arrive late next week.

I'll be cycling the aquarium this weekend, using existing filter media. Should hopefully go quickly.

I decided to set this one up in my home basement office, behind where I sit. I'll post some photos when it is all set up.

Pete

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