baby goldfish

Question
I really don't know what you call baby goldfish but I rescued about four of them from the adult fish in the main tank. For 3 weeks they seemed fine. I feed them tubirex worms, changed their water every 2 days but this morning the four babies were lifeless and of cloudy whitish colour. I guess they may have died in the night. As this was my first time bringing up the babies but I'd like to know what did I do wrong for them to die like that. I had them in a small container with pebbles straight from the tank and although I didn't have filter they seemed ok without it. Also changing the water I got straight from the main fish tank. I would like to rear more babies in the near future but with proper care next time.

Answer
Hi Julie.  I have to say that I find it a little strange that your goldfish spawned in the tank.  It's just not usually that easy!  Do you have any other fish in the tank with them?  This is very interesting!

IF this were to happen again, these fish MUST be in filtered tanks. The "babies" more then likely died of ammonia poisoning because of the unfiltered water. They need at LEAST a 10 gallon FILTERED tank to be raised in until they are big enough to go with the other goldfish.  Then, they cannot live on tubifex worms.  NONE of your fish should be fed tubifex worms as they carry disease. You can crush up goldfish food in to a powder (between your fingers) and let them eat that, OR get baby brine shrimp (you can buy them frozen at most fish stores. You defrost them in some tank water then feed them to the fish).

I'm not too sure how or why your goldfish spawned, but good for you if they did!!  And IF they are the only fish in the tank and you found the fry, good for you!!  IT means you are doing something totally right (they usually need certain conditions, and to BE conditioned and have spawning mops, etc.).

You don't say how many fish you have in what size tank either.  Just be careful and diligent with your tank cleaning and water changes as these fish are very messy and will succumb to ammonia poisioning very quickly if you are not careful.

IF and When you have new fry, get back to me and I can help you through!

Good luck!!