Sarasa Comet - Carassius auratus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Sarasa Comet (Carassius auratus) is a member of the Goldfish family and is a variant of the common Goldfish. It is distinguished by its vibrant red and white colouration and elongated, graceful tail fin. Originating from domesticated strains, this ornamental fish has become a popular choice for outdoor ponds and large indoor aquariums due to its striking appearance and hardy nature. With proper care, these fish can achieve considerable size and live for many years. Their adaptability and the visual appeal of their colour contrast make them a favourite among enthusiasts seeking to enhance the aesthetic of their water gardens or tanks.
Sarasa Comets stand out within the goldfish community for their vivacity and friendly disposition, exhibiting a level of activity surpassing that of many goldfish varieties. Characterized by their swift, playful movements within their aquatic environments, they are notably robust and low-maintenance, making them particularly well-suited for pond and outdoor pool settings. Their propensity to grow to substantial sizes renders them ideal candidates for outdoor garden ponds, where they excel in the colder water conditions of community aquaria.
While juvenile Sarasa Comets flourish in small groups, they do not require shoaling as adults, adapting well to community settings alongside other goldfish varieties, including red and calico fantails, shubunkins, and common Goldfish. Their dynamic presence is a valued addition to outdoor ponds, harmonizing with koi and butterfly koi. Care should be taken with very small tank mates, as Sarasa Comets may inadvertently consume them. It is also advisable to balance the gender ratio in spawning scenarios to prevent excessive pursuit by males.
Creating an optimal environment for Sarasa Comets in an aquarium involves thoughtful consideration of their needs and natural habits. These active and sizeable fish require a spacious setup, with a recommended minimum tank size of 230 litres for a small group. This space is necessary to accommodate their growth and energetic swimming behavior. Water quality is paramount for Sarasa Comets, who thrive in cooler temperatures and prefer a neutral pH level, though they are adaptable to conditions slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. To maintain a clean and healthy environment, a robust filtration system is essential, capable of handling the significant waste these fish produce. External canister filters or similar high-capacity systems are ideal choices.
The aquarium's substrate should consist of fine gravel or sand to protect the Sarasa Comets' barbels during their natural foraging activities. Decorations should include sturdy, robust plants and structures like rocks and driftwood to provide hiding spots and enrich the habitat, keeping in mind that Sarasa Comets may uproot more delicate flora. Moderate lighting will suffice, mimicking natural light cycles while preventing excessive algae growth. Finally, regular maintenance is crucial for sustaining an ideal living environment. This includes conducting weekly water changes of 20-30% to manage toxin levels and testing water regularly for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.
Optimal environments for Sarasa Comets include spacious ponds, preferably exceeding 800 litres, outfitted with cold-resistant plants.
Sarasa Comets are visually striking, with individual colour patterns akin to the Kohaku variety of koi, ensuring no two fish are identical. They exhibit two distinct tail variations: the elegant "V"-shaped tail of the Sarasa Comet, known for its length and fluidity, contrasts with the rounded, shorter tail of the Sarasa Commons. Though similar to the Common Goldfish in form, being somewhat smaller and more streamlined, the Sarasa Comet's hallmark is its long, deeply forked tail, featuring a vibrant red and white colouration without the barbels, scale base markings, or size characteristic of ornamental Carp.
Sarasa Comet Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing male from female Sarasa Comets is a relatively uncomplicated process. Males exhibit breeding tubercles on their gill plates and pectoral fins during spawning season, a feature that should not be mistaken for the white spot disease. In contrast, females display a more pronounced body depth and possess a larger vent area near the anal fin compared to their male counterparts.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Carassius auratus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1824 |
| Other Names | Comet-tail Goldfish, Pond Comet |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Genus | Carassius |
| Origins | |
| Max Size | 30 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | NA |
| Best kept as | Trios |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 15 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 8.5 |
| GH | 5 - 15 |
| ℉ | 64 - 72 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 18 - 22 |
Natural Habitat
Sarasa Comets are a type of Goldfish and do not have a specific natural habitat in the wild, as they are a cultivated variety developed through selective breeding for ornamental purposes. Their ancestors, the Wild Carp, originally hail from East Asia, specifically from regions in China. However, Sarasa Comets have been bred to thrive in various controlled environments.
Breeding
At temperatures exceeding 15°C, male Sarasa Comets initiate the spawning process by engaging in a chase to coax females into designated areas for egg deposition. In well-established ponds, Sarasa Comets are known to breed consistently, necessitating periodic monitoring to prevent overpopulation. In expansive pond environments, introducing species such as orfe, which naturally predates on goldfish eggs, serves as an effective population control strategy.
Sarasa Comets deposit their eggs among aquatic plants or on synthetic spawning substrates, with eggs typically hatching within 48 to 72 hours, influenced by the surrounding water temperature. Initially, young Comets display a brown hue reminiscent of their progenitors, transitioning to more vibrant hues after approximately a year. Nonetheless, it is common for many offspring to exhibit the traditional goldfish colouration, lacking their parents' distinctive red and white patterning.
Diet & Feeding
Sarasa Comets exhibit omnivorous feeding habits that require a balanced diet for optimal health and growth. These fish thrive on a diverse diet that includes high-quality commercial goldfish pellets or flakes designed to sink to the bottom of the pond or tank to accommodate their bottom-feeding nature. To supplement their nutritional intake, it is beneficial to incorporate a variety of fresh vegetables, such as peas, lettuce, and zucchini, as well as live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms. This variety ensures they receive a broad spectrum of essential nutrients and promotes natural foraging behaviours.
Regular feeding routines should be established, taking care not to overfeed, as excess food can deteriorate water quality and contribute to health issues. Seasonal adjustments to their diet and feeding frequency may also be necessary, considering their metabolic rate changes with water temperature fluctuations.
