Sarasa Comet

Sarasa Comet Goldfish

The Sarasa Comet Goldfish (*Carassius auratus*) is a vibrant and active freshwater fish, renowned for its striking red and white coloration and elongated, forked tail. This variety of goldfish is a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts due to its hardiness and captivating appearance.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Sarasa Comet Goldfish can grow up to 30 cm (12 inches) in length, with some individuals reaching even larger sizes in spacious environments.
• Coloration: They are characterised by their bright red and white hues, often resembling the traditional Japanese koi fish. The intensity of the red can vary among individuals.
• Fins: The most distinctive feature is their long, deeply forked tail, which can spread up to 180 degrees, giving them a graceful, fan-like appearance when swimming.
• Shape: Sarasa Comets have a streamlined, elongated body that supports their active swimming behaviour.

Behaviour:

• Temperament: These goldfish are peaceful and social, thriving in groups. They are known to be interactive and responsive to their owners.
• Activity Level: Sarasa Comets are highly active swimmers, spending much of their time exploring their environment and foraging for food.
• Community Behaviour: They coexist well with other peaceful fish species, making them suitable for community tanks. However, care should be taken to avoid housing them with aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 114 litres (30 gallons) is recommended for a single Sarasa Comet Goldfish. For multiple fish, a larger tank is preferable to accommodate their active nature.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: Sarasa Comets prefer cooler water temperatures, ideally between 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F).
  • pH: They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) of 4-12 dGH, is ideal.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate and Decorations: A soft, sandy substrate is recommended. Live plants such as Java fern, Anubias, and floating plants provide cover and mimic their natural habitat. Smooth rocks and driftwood can also be added, but avoid sharp decorations that could damage their delicate fins.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is ideal for showcasing their colours. Floating plants can help diffuse the light and create shaded areas.
  • Filtration: A powerful filtration system is necessary to maintain water quality, as goldfish produce a significant amount of waste. However, ensure that the water current is not too strong, as Sarasa Comets prefer gentle water movement.

Diet:

As omnivores, Sarasa Comet Goldfish require a varied diet to maintain their health and vibrant coloration. Their diet should include:

• Pellets: High-quality goldfish pellets or flakes should form the staple of their diet.
• Live or Frozen Foods: Offer live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia to provide essential protein and variety.
• Vegetable Matter: Including blanched vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, can help ensure a balanced diet.

Tankmates:

Sarasa Comet Goldfish can be housed with various peaceful tankmates, including:

• Small Tetras: Such as Neon Tetras or Rummy Nose Tetras.
• Peaceful Rasboras: Like Harlequin Rasboras.
• Bottom-Dwellers: Corydoras catfish or other peaceful bottom-dwellers.

Avoid housing them with aggressive species or fin-nippers, as this can lead to stress or injury.

Breeding:

Breeding Sarasa Comet Goldfish can be rewarding and relatively straightforward under the right conditions:

• Breeding Setup: A separate breeding tank with shallow water (about 15 cm or 6 inches deep) is ideal. The water should be warm (around 22°C to 24°C or 72°F to 75°F) and slightly acidic (pH 6.5-7.0).
• Spawning Behaviour: The male will court the female and guide her to the spawning site. After spawning, the female will lay eggs on plants or other surfaces, which will hatch in about 4-7 days.
• Fry Care: Once the fry are free-swimming, they can be fed with infusoria or newly hatched brine shrimp.

Special Considerations:

• Water Quality: Regular monitoring and maintenance of water quality are crucial for the health of Sarasa Comet Goldfish.
• Space Requirements: Due to their active nature and potential size, providing ample space is essential to prevent stunted growth and stress.