Pompom Goldfish (Carassius auratus) Care Guide
The pompom is a fancy variety of goldfish (Carassius auratus) with fleshy nasal bouquets, descended from Chinese ornamental breeding.
Overview
The pompom is a fancy ornamental variety of the goldfish, Carassius auratus, a freshwater cyprinid first selectively bred for colour in imperial China more than 1,000 years ago. The pompom variety is distinguished by bundles of loose fleshy outgrowths between the nostrils, called nasal bouquets, on each side of the head. These soft growths are easily damaged on sharp decor.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Carassius
- Scientific name: Carassius auratus
- Variety: pompom (ornamental form)
Origin
The goldfish is native to East Asia (China and Japan) and has been introduced worldwide. According to Wikipedia, selective breeding of the gold variety began during the Tang dynasty (AD 618–907), and domestic breeding was firmly established by the Song dynasty (AD 960–1279). Fancy varieties such as the pompom are entirely products of this long ornamental selection rather than wild forms.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L (about 40 gal)
- Temperature: 10–22 °C (50–72 °F)
- pH: 6.5–8.0
- GH: 5–18 °dGH
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
FishBase classifies Carassius auratus as subtropical, tolerating a broad temperature range, and notes a maximum reported age of 41 years for the species. Wikipedia reports an optimum range of 20–22 °C for common and comet types; fancy varieties are generally kept toward the warmer end of the range listed above.
Diet
The goldfish is an omnivore. FishBase reports that it feeds mainly on plankton, benthic invertebrates, plant material and detritus, while Wikipedia notes a wild diet of crustaceans, insects and plant matter. In aquaria a varied diet of prepared sinking foods and vegetable matter is appropriate, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
The pompom is a peaceful, mid-water fish best kept with other fancy goldfish of similar swimming ability. Because of its delicate nasal bouquets and reduced agility, sharp decor and fast or competitive tankmates should be avoided.