Black Moore compatibly

Question
Hi,
I have a basic Goldfish and have just added a Albino Clawed Frog and a small Black Moore. After putting Betsy the Black Moore, in the tank I noticed that it was missing some scales. Is this something I should be worried about? I don't know how Betsy lost her scales or how to help her. She seems fine and is very active. I'd also hate for my goldfish Barbara to get sick if this could be caused by something contagious.   

Also, I can't find anything information on a Black Moore's development. I know their life expectancy and average size when fully grown but how long (months, years?) before they mature? I know it's not pertinent to their health but I would like to know what to expect.

Thank you.  

Answer
Good morning Ashley, thank you for your question.

The first thing I would do is test the water with a test kit. Missing scales could be due to an act of aggression, but could also be related to the water quality. Ensure that 0 ppm of ammonia and nitrites are registering, these levels are toxic to fish if they are detectable. Nitrates should also remain under 20 ppm at all times. You can ask the fish store to test your water for you (request specific numeric readings) but it is highly recommended that you have your own kit on hand. Liquid test kits are cheaper in the long run and more accurate, look for API's line for freshwater.

You don't mention how large your tank is, but hopefully you are aware that these goldfish will need at least a 20 gallon tank for now (40 gallons or more would be much better) since goldfish produce lots of waste and need ample room to remain physiologically and psychologically healthy. You already know how long-lived they are - the investment is worthwhile!

I am concerned about the ACF, I do hope what you have is instead an African *Dwarf* Frog. At least in my state, clawed frogs are considered an invasive, nuisance species and barred from sale. These clawed frogs get to be about 5 inches and will eat whatever they can fit in their mouths to satisfy their enormous appetite. If indeed what you have is an ACF, I would return this purchase or provide a separate environment, even a 10 gallon tank with no more than a foot's depth of water, would suffice for now...but do remove that clawed frog from your system, if that is what you have! Read more about their care here, if you intend to keep it in a species system, and also a page of Q&As about them below:
http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/frogsandtoads/a/africanclawed.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/afclawedfrgfaqs.htm

Another thing I must mention (sorry for what may seem like a focus on the negative!) is that black moors and most other fancy goldfish are best kept with the same. Their delicate eyes and their body shape make them a candidate for being bullied and underfed. Feeder goldfish, comets, Carassius auratus, whatever you would like to call them, do best in pond settings when mature, but even when kept in aquariums they are not usually recommended as tankmates to fancies. Only you can determine if the risk is worth it to you. You can read a page of Q&As about goldfish compatibility here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshcompfaqs.htm

Sorry to mention all this to you at once, but it is best that you know now instead of later, you obviously care deeply for your goldfish. In the meantime, keep an eye on your water quality in general, and especially your black moor, the "weakest link" in the setup as it is now.

If by maturity you mean sexual maturity, the answer is about one year. Watch for changing colors, the deep black usually turns into greyish. A natural diet, low in protein and high in vegetable content, helps with this. Carrots, cyclops, and other carotenoid rich foods are also recommended. Here is an article about goldfish nutrition that everyone should read:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshmalnut.htm

I hope that helps, check out these two sites for more info:
http://www.kokosgoldfish.com
http://www.goldfishparadise.com

Wetwebmedia.com - the site most of the links come from - also has an extensive archive of Q&As about goldfish, as well as articles written by the experts who staff the site.

Feel free to write back if you need any clarification or have any more questions. Good luck, and take care!

Nicole