Goldfish growth rate?

[Panzer13]

Like @addy1 we just let the big fish eat the eggs. We recognize the signs of spawning and stop feeding until it's over. But with 4000 gallons I have room for the few newbies that survive every year. Your 200 gallon pond is already at capacity with the fish you have. But if you have someone who is willing to take the extras, then it's not a concern.

Goldfish growth rate is an interesting question - some of ours have reached full size in a year; others have taken two or three years. I'm guessing it's a genetic thing, but maybe that's my ignorance showing.

Thanks Lisak1. If I notice any spawning behavior I will stop feeding my fish for that period. Although I would be surprised if the little piglets start chewing holes in the liner after they finish with the eggs.

 

[Mmathis]

Not to mention that those 4 comets will soon become 40. And they may also take a liking to your shubunkins, which means co-bunkins. Or shu-mets. Whichever... there are lots of tiny goldfish in your future. Start digging!

LOL!

 

[Tula]

You asked what some of us do with the off spring of our fish. I do what I call " the great koi round up" towards the end of each summer, lowering the pond water until I catch every single koi fry....it's not my favorite pond project

This year I'm making some DIY spawn mats out of yarn, in hopes of physically removing more eggs from the pond and reducing the number of surviving fry....which last summer was 47.

 

[Panzer13]

You asked what some of us do with the off spring of our fish. I do what I call " the great koi round up" towards the end of each summer, lowering the pond water until I catch every single koi fry....it's not my favorite pond project

This year I'm making some DIY spawn mats out of yarn, in hopes of physically removing more eggs from the pond and reducing the number of surviving fry....which last summer was 47.

Hopefully non of my fish will spawn this year as they are all under a year old.
My small pond is an above ground affair made of treated lumber and steal fasteners. It is pretty easy to clean out so hopefully fry catching will not be as big of a challenge as it is in a big pond. I think in the end I will just keep 4-6 of my fish when the get fully grown. Should be able to give my fry to my friend with the aquarium store. That is as long as there are less than 50. I hope my fish will eat most of the eggs, only time will tell.
I don't know spawning matts would work for me as I have allot of live plants.

 

[Lisak1]

Hopefully non of my fish will spawn this year as they are all under a year old.

Keep a careful eye on them - we had goldfish fry the first year. I was shocked that my abstinence talk had no effect on their behavior!

 

[Mmathis]

Keep a careful eye on them - we had goldfish fry the first year. I was shocked that my abstinence talk had no effect on their behavior!

Yes, and keep a close watch on your water quality! Even the addition of the smallest GF can upset a balanced system!

 

[Panzer13]

Yes, and keep a close watch on your water quality! Even the addition of the smallest GF can upset a balanced system!

Will do.