Today's Essential Guide to Keeping Goldfish (CompanionHouse Books)

Lavishly illustrated with nearly 350 full-color photographs, the Aquamaster guide to keeping goldfish by Bernice Brewster and Nick Flecther is the ideal introduction for all newcomers to goldfish keeping. The book is divided into two sections: the first part presents background information about goldfish, including their history, anatomical components, their requirements, and setting up an aquarium; the second part discusses sixteen varieties of goldfish. The combination of expert information and abundant photography makes this guide indispensable for all goldfish aficionados.

In the first part, the discussion of goldfish anatomy includes swimming ability, coloration, scaling, vital systems, and sensory systems. The authors offer concrete details about setting up an aquarium, including placement in the home, tank size considerations, substrates, cleaning, filtration, temperature, décor, lighting, plants, and routine maintenance. There are excellent overviews of feeding goldfish, health care, and breeding goldfish.

In the second part, the following varieties of goldfish are discussed and illustrated: Common, Comet, Shubunkin, Fantail, Veil Tail, Ryukin, Oranda, Globe-eye and Moor, Butterfly, Ranchu and Chinese Lionhead, Pompon, Hama Niskihi and Pearlscale, Celestial and Bubble-eye.