Wakin Goldfish: Size, Lifespan, Care & Tank Mates

Wakin Goldfish, known for their flat bodies, are a rare and seldom-encountered variety of goldfish. It is unfortunate that these fish are not commonly seen, considering their ease of care, aesthetic appeal, and suitability for novice fishkeepers. In this comprehensive guide, same Drywashaquarium discover valuable information about Wakin Goldfish, including their care requirements and the process of breeding these extraordinary coldwater fish

Comet Goldfish Facts & Overview

The Wakin Goldfish, like all goldfish, has its origins rooted in ancient China. Initially, fish were raised in ponds for sustenance purposes during the early 1700s. Occasionally, these Prussian Carp would produce vibrant and colorful offspring, which were spared from being consumed and instead kept as decorative companions.

Over the course of several centuries, these fish were selectively bred and crossbred, resulting in various forms and color variations. As the 1800s and early 1900s arrived, goldfish, as they were now known, began to be traded extensively throughout Asia, Europe, and eventually the United States.

Presently, there exist more than 200 distinct goldfish varieties, some of which are exceedingly rare. Naturally, you won’t encounter a school of goldfish swimming freely in your local lake, as these fish are exclusively bred in captivity.

If by chance you stumble upon a stray goldfish in the wild, it is likely an escaped pet that outgrew its tank and was subsequently released by its owner.

Appearance of Wakin Goldfish

The Wakin Goldfish showcases a graceful, elongated silhouette akin to the familiar common goldfish. Their signature feature is their fanned tail, and they boast a modest Wakin Goldfish size, usually not exceeding 12 inches.

Their striking red-and-white hues manifest in a myriad of patterns, with each fish flaunting its unique charm. Whether predominantly red, primarily white, or a captivating mix of both, they are a visual treat.

Beyond their beauty, Wakins are veritable athletes in the fish world. Their zest for life is evident in their continuous swimming, a refreshing contrast to some of their more sedentary counterparts. Coupled with their hardy nature, they become an ideal choice for budding aquarists, especially young children taking their initial steps into the world of pet care.

Behavior of Wakin Goldfish

Wakin Goldfish are known for their peaceful and inquisitive nature. They possess a natural curiosity that drives them to explore their environment, investigating caves, plants, and driftwood within their aquarium. Additionally, they can coexist harmoniously with a wide range of other peaceful fish species, making them an excellent choice for individuals interested in housing multiple species without the need for multiple aquariums.

How to Take Care of Wakin Goldfish

Caring for a Wakin Goldfish is more straightforward than looking after many household pets, yet it’s essential to understand their specific needs to ensure their well-being. Here’s a concise care guide for anyone considering welcoming a Wakin goldfish into their home.

Tank/Aquarium Size

As an owner, you would want to ensure your Wakin Goldfish has ample space to move, play, and rest. Wakin goldfish tank size recommendation for a single Wakin goldfish is at least 30 gallons. This size provides the fish with the freedom it needs to stay active and thrive.

However, if you plan to additional companions for your Wakin, for each subsequent goldfish you add to the aquarium, an extra 10 gallons should be incorporated. This not only allows them room to swim but also helps in maintaining a balanced environment, reducing stress, and ensuring a healthier life for all the inhabitants.

Water Temperature

Wakin Goldfish thrive in cool water temperatures ranging from 65°F to 78°F. It is important to maintain a pH level between 6.0 and 8.0, with a water hardness of 5 to 19 dGH.

To ensure a healthy environment, it is crucial to maintain zero levels of ammonia and nitrite in the water. Ideally, nitrate levels should be kept below 20ppm. However, it is worth noting that tap water often contains nitrates around 20ppm, so as long as the nitrate levels do not exceed 30ppm, your goldfish should be well-suited and unaffected.

Substrate

Adding substrate to the bottom of your Wakin fish’s aquarium serves several purposes.

• Firstly, it reduces reflections in the tank, promoting a calmer environment for your fish.
• Secondly, it attracts small food particles, allowing your fish to scavenge and explore for food.
• Additionally, the substrate offers an opportunity for your fish to engage in burrowing activities, providing both entertainment and potential protection.

Plants

Introducing plants to your Wakin goldfish’s aquarium can be both visually appealing and beneficial for the fish. These green additions not only help in improving water quality by absorbing some waste products but also provide a more engaging and natural environment for your goldfish.

When choosing plants, it’s key to incorporate a mix of different sizes and types:

• Java Fern: A hardy, low-maintenance plant, the Java fern can attach itself to rocks, driftwood, or even the substrate. Its beautiful, long, green leaves provide a great backdrop and can serve as hiding spots for your fish.
• Water Wisteria: Known for its feathery and delicate appearance, water wisteria is versatile and can be grown both as a carpet and a background plant. Its intricate leaves offer an interesting texture to the aquarium.
• Tiger Lotus: A beautiful and striking plant, the tiger lotus has broad leaves that can range from green to a deep red. It can also produce lily pad-like leaves that float on the water’s surface, providing shade and resting spots for your goldfish.
• Hornwort: This is a fast-growing, floating plant, ideal for goldfish tanks. Hornwort can help in reducing nitrates and providing shelter for your fish. It’s also resilient, making it less likely to be eaten by your goldfish.
• Amazon Sword: With its broad, tall leaves, the Amazon sword can create a dense forest-like feel in the aquarium. It’s a centerpiece plant that provides ample cover and resting areas for fish.

Lighting

Natural sunlight suffices for Wakins, but you can enhance your viewing pleasure with a soft LED light in the evenings. However, remember to switch it off at night to let your fish rest peacefully.

In essence, while Wakins are relatively low-maintenance, they still require a thoughtful environment to lead a happy, healthy life. Proper care ensures a vibrant, interactive companion that brings joy to any household.

Tank Mates

Wakin Goldfish have a charmingly gentle and calm temperament, allowing them to coexist peacefully with various tank mates. However, it is important to consider certain factors:

Avoid pairing them with aggressive fish. For example, betta fish, known for their territorial behavior, are not suitable companions for Wakins. While Wakins are energetic and lively, some fish species may find their activity levels overwhelming. Fancy goldfish, which are less active, may perceive the spirited nature of Wakins as bothersome or even harassing.

Breeding

Breeding wakins can be a straightforward task if they are provided with suitable living conditions and a diet of high quality.

Determining the sex of these fish, however, is a challenging endeavor, particularly when they are juveniles. Typically, distinguishing between male and female goldfish is difficult as their appearances are quite similar. Nonetheless, female wakins tend to have a plumper and rounder body shape compared to males. Additionally, males exhibit the development of white tubercles on their gill covers and head when they are in the breeding condition.

Spawning Tank

To successfully breed Wakins, it is necessary to establish a dedicated spawning tank unless they are kept in a garden pond where natural breeding may occur.

For an optimal breeding environment, it is recommended to provide a spacious tank of at least 30 gallons or larger. If the tank is too cramped, the fish may experience stress, which can hinder their breeding behavior.

To stimulate breeding, it is beneficial to feed the fish a protein-rich diet for approximately three weeks before the spawning period. Some breeders find it effective to separate the male and female fish during this time, as it can enhance their receptiveness to spawning when they are reintroduced.

Typically, fish commence breeding activities when the water temperature rises during early spring. By gradually increasing the temperature in the spawning tank by 3 degrees Fahrenheit each day, ranging between 68°F and 74°F, one can often induce breeding behavior. It is advisable to incorporate ample plants, flat stones, and spawning mops in the tank, providing suitable surfaces for the fish to deposit their eggs.

Maintaining the cleanliness of the spawning tank is crucial. It is recommended to perform a daily water change of approximately 20% until the spawning process begins.

Spawning

During the breeding process, the male Wakin fish actively chases the female within their habitat, vibrating his body against her until she releases her eggs. This entire process can span several hours, and a single spawn can yield up to 10,000 eggs.

Once the eggs are laid on the tank’s bottom, the male fertilizes them.

• Immediate removal of the parents is necessary once the eggs are fertilized to prevent them from consuming their offspring.
• After approximately one week, the fry hatch and begin swimming freely. Initially, they should be fed specialized fry food until they can transition to finely crushed flaked foods, live baby brine shrimp, and spirulina.
• When the juvenile Wakins reach a length of about one inch, they can be transferred to the main tank. Initially, the young goldfish display colors reminiscent of wild carp, such as brown or dull silvery gray. However, after a couple of months, their true colors will gradually become apparent.

How Much Do Comet Wakin Goldfish?

The price of Wakin Goldfish can vary depending on the place of purchase. For instance, Petco typically sells Wakin Goldfish for around $10, while independent outlets like LiveAquaria offer them at approximately $30. However, prices at local fish stores may differ from these estimates. Additionally, it’s important to consider the expenses associated with acquiring the necessary equipment for proper care of the Wakin Goldfish, which may exceed the cost of the fish itself.

Are Wakin Goldfish Suitable For Your Aquarium?

Wakin Goldfish are highly regarded as excellent pet fish. However, they are not suitable for tropical environments as they thrive in cooler water conditions. These fish also require a spacious tank due to their innate exploratory nature. If your aquarium setup caters to their specific requirements, there is no reason why you should refrain from keeping them in your home.

In wrapping up, the allure of the Wakin Goldfish is undeniable. From their history to their care needs, it’s clear these creatures are both intriguing and rewarding to keep. We hope this guide has enlightened you on their fascinating world.

For more insights and guidance on aquatic pets, dive deeper into DryWashAquarium’s collection of blogs. Your aquatic journey is just beginning, and we’re here to guide you every fin-flap of the way!

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