Comet

Carassius auratus

Also known as Comet-tailed goldfish, Sarasa comet

FreshwaterFish

Comet (Carassius auratus) — Oldhag · Public domain

Care at a glance

Temperature: 39–75°F (4–24°C)
pH: 6.5–8.0
Adult size: 11.8 in (30 cm)
Minimum tank: 50 gal (190 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Easy
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Very common
Origin: A hardy single tailed pond goldfish developed in the United States from common goldfish, a domesticated form of Carassius auratus native to East Asian freshwater.
Family: Cyprinidae

Overview

Comets grow large and fast, so give them a pond or a tank of at least 190 L, adding much more per fish. They thrive from 4 to 24 C at a pH of 6.5 to 8.0 and need strong filtration for their heavy waste. Keep them with other single tailed goldfish, never with slow fancies. Feed a good goldfish pellet along with vegetables and occasional live or frozen treats.

In the wild

The comet is a slim, single tailed goldfish with a long, deeply forked tail that was developed in the United States. It is fast, active and very hardy, and grows to around 30 cm, so it belongs in a pond or a large tank. Like the common goldfish it tolerates a wide temperature range and can overwinter in an outdoor pond. The popular red and white form is sold as the sarasa comet.

Good to know

The comet was bred in the United States in the 1880s from common goldfish, selected for a longer, flowing single tail. It is the same species as all other goldfish, Carassius auratus, and keeps the wild body's strength and cold tolerance. It is a prolific egg scatterer that spawns readily in ponds each spring.