Ah, the comet fish! A little aquatic jewel that I had the pleasure of discovering when I started out in the pet shop. Let me tell you about this fascinating swimmer and its adult size - you'll be surprised!
Characteristics of adult cometfish
Appearance and size
Le comet fish is a variety of goldfish (Carassius auratus) that takes its name from its slender silhouette and long caudal fin. As an adult, this little prodigy can grow up to a 20 to 40 cm tall in length. Just imagine, it's almost the size of a school ruler!
Its slender body and spectacular tail give it a graceful appearance. The most common colours are red and silvery white, but you can also find yellow, orange or completely red specimens. Personally, I have a soft spot for bicoloured comets - they remind me of flaming comets crossing the aquarium sky!
Origin and longevity
Originally from China, the comet fish was then bred in the United States. It is a robust fish that can live between 10 and 30 years in good conditions. I once knew a customer who had had a comet for over 20 years - it was practically a member of the family!
Behaviour
These little swimmers are true aquatic athletes. Fast and active, they love to explore their environment. Despite their boundless energy, they remain peaceful and non-aggressive. They're gregarious fish, so if you decide to adopt one, plan for at least 5 or 6. Believe me, there's nothing more fun than watching them swim in a group - it's like underwater choreography!
Breeding and care of comet fish
Ideal habitat
For your comet fish to reach its full potential, it needs space - lots of it! An aquarium of at least 100 to 500 litres is recommended. If you're lucky enough to have a garden, a pond at least 1 metre deep will do them a world of good. These fish love large volumes of water, a bit like us when we move from a studio flat to a house with a garden!
Here is a table summarising the ideal living conditions for cometfish:
| Parameter | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 15-23°C (withstands temperatures from 0 to 30°C) |
| pH | 6-8,5 |
| Hardness | 5-15 GH |
Food and care
Cometfish are omnivorous, which makes feeding them easier. You can give them special food for goldfish, but don't hesitate to vary the pleasures with :
- Daphnia
- Artemia
- Worms
- Vegetables (spinach, cucumber, etc.)
But be careful not to spoil them too much! I've already seen comets become as round as balloons from overfeeding. It's not good for their health, and it spoils their beautiful Olympic swimmer figure!
For their well-being, make sure you have good filtration and adequate oxygenation of the water. If you keep them outdoors, remember to protect them from predators. I knew a customer who lost his entire flock to a particularly greedy heron...
Comet Sarasa: a goldfish like no other
Among the varieties of comet fish, the sarasa deserves a special mention. This fish with its long V-shaped tail is particularly popular with aquarists. Its two-tone red and white coat makes it a real living jewel. I've always been fascinated by the elegance of these fish - they look like real aquatic geishas!
Comet Sarasa is considered to be one of the most important the easiest goldfish to breed. So it's an excellent choice for beginner or intermediate aquarists. Robust and adaptable, it is more forgiving of small beginner's mistakes. But make no mistake, it deserves just as much attention and care as its more demanding cousins.
If you're thinking of adopting cometfish, you should know that they can cohabit with other goldfish without any problems and even with koi carp. It's a great way to create a varied and colourful aquarium or pond. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even consider other companions such as the molly fishalthough identifying them can be a little more complex.
Tips from an enthusiast for happy comet fish
As a pet shop floor manager, I've seen a lot of aquarists pass through my door, both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. Here are a few tips I'd like to share to keep your comet fish happy:
- Give them space: the bigger, the better!
- Vary their diet: they appreciate variety.
- Keep your water clean: a good filter is your best ally.
- Observe them regularly: you'll learn to recognise the signs of good or poor health.
- Have fun: these fish have real personalities, so make the most of them!
All in all, keeping cometfish is a rewarding experience. These colourful little swimmers bring life and movement to any aquarium or pond. With the right care, they'll quickly become much more than just fish: they'll become true aquatic companions that will amaze you day after day.
So, are you ready to dive into the comet fish adventure? Believe me, you won't regret it. And who knows, maybe one day you too will be proud to tell the story of your comet fish as it celebrates its 20th anniversary!
External sources :
wiki aquaculture
wiki fish farming
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