The 6 Best Goldfish Books

Reviews

The Truth About Goldfish

The Truth About Goldfish, which is presently in its fifth edition and was most recently revised in 2021, is the finest goldfish book overall. This book is accessible in both electronic and print forms and is a cost-effective alternative.

This book is based on twenty years of study and hands-on experience with indoor and outdoor fancy and slim-bodied goldfish.

This book is packed with advice on how to keep your tank clean, prevent algae growth, perform water changes effectively, diagnose and treat a variety of goldfish problems, and even how keep your fish alive while you’re on vacation! This book will give you with fantastic knowledge, whether you are a novice or an experienced goldfish keeper.

Earlier editions of this book included black-and-white illustrations and several editing problems. In the most recent edition of the book, however, the black-and-white photographs have been replaced with high-quality color photographs, and it has been thoroughly examined and rewritten by a team of editors.

It should be obvious that this is our book. We adore it and have spared countless fish from extinction owing to its recommendations. We sincerely hope you like it as much as we do!

Pros

• Most current revision in 2021
• Two format alternatives
• Budget-friendly
• Based on 20 years of study and expertise
• Includes everything need to give specialized care to goldfish
• Information ranges from novice to expert
• Updates to 2021 brought improved editing and color photographs

Cons

• Previous editions of the book have black-and-white photographs and typographical problems.

 

Ecology of the Planted Aquarium

The most cost-effective book on goldfish is Ecology of the Planted Aquarium. A microbiologist with expertise in cell biology and aquarium maintenance authored this book.

She emphasizes a scientific approach to aquarium maintenance and avoids suggesting gimmicky things that are unneeded for fish care. The book contains question-and-answer boxes throughout, making it easier to locate solutions to frequently asked questions.

This book is not goldfish-specific and takes a more generic approach to aquarium maintenance, making it difficult to obtain particular information on the needs and care of goldfish.

The latest revision of this book was in 2013, therefore some of the content may be slightly out-of-date due to advances in aquatic research since then.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• The author has microbiology training and aquarium experience.
• A scientific approach to aquarium maintenance
• No suggestions for unneeded items
• Q&A boxes facilitate information discovery.

Cons

• Not goldfish-exclusive
• Updated most recently in 2013

 

Fancy Goldfish: A Complete Guide to Care and Collecting

Beautiful Goldfish is a high-quality hardcover book with vibrant images and care instructions for fancy goldfish. Due to the volume of material contained in this book, some readers may find it daunting for novices.

Nonetheless, the information is essential, lucid, and correct. This book is considered by many to be a helpful addition to their library of goldfish care resources. This book is very helpful for understanding and caring for ill goldfish.

Since this book has not been revised since 2001, some of the material it contains may be obsolete. It is only available in hardcover and is priced at a premium for a book.

Pros

• Superior quality hardcover format
• Includes vivid photographs
• Information specific to the maintenance of ornamental goldfish
• Beneficial resource for novice and seasoned goldfish caretakers
• The information is given clearly.
• Excellent information about certain health issues

Cons

• Not current since 2001
• Only offered in one format
• Premium price

 

Mini Encyclopedia of Goldfish

Mini Encyclopedia of Goldfish contains extensive descriptions of sixteen types of goldfish, including common and exotic species, as well as practical goldfish care advice from industry professionals. It covers the history and biology of goldfish, which is essential for learning how to properly care for them.

It has hundreds of vibrant photographs and illustrations throughout. This book is primarily intended for novices, and many readers find it simple enough for youngsters to appreciate. Even for expert goldfish keepers, this book’s goldfish profiles may be instructive.

If you’re an experienced goldfish keeper searching for more in-depth information, some of the other books listed may be preferable. Currently, only paperback editions are available.

Pros

• Includes profiles of 16 types of goldfish
• Photographs and illustrations with color
• Great for novices
• Easy enough for youngsters to comprehend

Cons

• Insufficient data for skilled hobbyists.
• Most information is fundamental.
• Unavailable in any other format

 

Fish Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment

Fish Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment is now in its second edition and was last revised in 2010. It is a textbook for both pros and amateurs. It comprises almost 500 vivid illustrations and photographs.

This book focuses on diseases affecting all fish, not only goldfish, which is useful if you keep different fish species or tanks. This book has outstanding information for fish doctors and other specialists, while some of it may be difficult for the typical fishkeeper to comprehend.

Since it is a textbook, this non-goldfish-specific book is priced at a premium. The latest update occurred in 2010, greatly expanding the book’s material, however, some of it may already be obsolete.

Pros

• Information expanded in the second edition
• Over 500 color photographs and illustrations
• focuses on diseases affecting all fish
• Professional-level details

Cons

• Not goldfish unique
• Premium price
• Updated last in 2010
• May be challenging for the ordinary fishkeeper to comprehend.

 

Kingyo: The Artistry of Japanese Goldfish

Kingyo: The Art of Japanese Goldfish is an excellent resource for studying the history and evolution of goldfish. This book contains artistic depictions of goldfish throughout history as well as information on Japanese-origin goldfish variants.

It also contains a narrative on goldfish breeding and 1930s living in Japan. Since this book is about history and art, it contains little, if any, out-of-date material, despite the fact that it was last revised in 2004.

This book focuses on certain varieties of fancy goldfish and, although being interesting, has very little information on care and management. Since this is a bound book with many drawings across two pages, it might be difficult to view the entire image.

Pros

• Includes historical information about Japanese goldfish breeds.
• Illustrations and artwork throughout
• Contains a novella
• No information should be out of date.

Cons

• Only covers Japanese ornamental goldfish
• No emphasis on care or husbandry
• Due to bookbinding, two-page artwork may be difficult to notice.
• Unavailable in any other format

Buyer's Guide

What Characteristics Make a Good Goldfish Book?

What makes a book on goldfish “excellent” depends on your expectations and requirements. If you are interested in knowing more about the history of goldfish or experiencing a more creative approach to teaching, you should choose a book that emphasizes art and history.

If you require basic or advanced knowledge about sickness diagnosis and treatment, scientifically-based books are an excellent resource.

There are no “bad” books on goldfish unless they provide false or hazardous information. There will be something in every other goldfish book that meets your choices and requirements. You may learn and become a better goldfish keeper by reading these books, which include a lot of thoughts and information.

Conclusion

The Truth About Goldfish, which blends science and experience to describe appropriate goldfish care, is the finest goldfish book overall. Ecology of the Planted Aquarium and Fancy Goldfish: A Complete Guide to Care and Collecting are two excellent resources for learning more about the care of your aquarium and the requirements of your goldfish.

These books can help you become a better goldfish keeper and act as a reference when questions or concerns occur about the care of your goldfish. BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes that our reviews of the best goldfish books have assisted you in narrowing down your selections and identifying the ideal product for your needs.