HELP! Goldfish or Koi?

[Lily&Hunter]

A year ago my significant other bought a "goldfish" from Walmart and since then we have had troubles believing that it is an actual goldfish. It is now almost 7 inches long, has small whiskers maybe about 2-4, seems to be very aggressive. It likes to suck on the rocks at the bottom of the tank and spit them out, it splashes like crazy, so much so that it will get me wet from time to time. We have never had a goldfish act like this or even have whiskers. I am worried that if it is a koi I don't know what we would do considering that a 55 gallon tank would be way too big in our apartment. So far we only have a 15 gallon tank that is obviously too small at this point. The body shape of the fish seems longer as well. I need all the advice I can get and will gladly post photos if needed!

 

[Usman]

how can we identify without seeing the fish , it can b cross bred

 

[sissy]

sounds like a koi if it has whiskers .

 

[Meyer Jordan]

Yes,it is almost certainly a Koi if it has two (2) sets of barbels (whiskers); one set at the corners of the mouth and another smaller set just up and back from the mouth. These may or may not be noticeable on a 7 inch fish however. A hybrid may or may not have barbels (whiskers) but then only one set at the corners of the mouth. Goldfish have none.

 

[Mmathis]

Are you sure it's either? Could it be a plecostomus or some kind of catfish? Yes, we need pictures if you can.

 

[j.w]

If it's a koi you better make plans on finding it a new home as it will quickly outgrow that tank! The store you bought it from might take it in for trade on other fish or maybe another pet store. Would like to see a photo of it and where do you live?
Maybe someone who lives close by will take it off your hands

 

[Meyer Jordan]

Are you sure it's either? Could it be a plecostomus or some kind of catfish? Yes, we need pictures if you can.

Don't forget. This fish came from Walmart!!!

 

[DutchMuch]

Don't forget. This fish came from Walmart!!!

Walmart; one of the scariest places you could purchase fish or... anything alive...

 

[DutchMuch]

15 gallon tank

Would like to also point out depending on the type of fish, unless you have about a 30 gallon tank fish under 5" are the only ones really suitable for a 30 gallon tank for example. for a 15 gallon reconsider getting something along the lines of 100

 

[ChrisP]

Why do people think goldfish can prosper in small tanks?

 

[Mmathis]

Why do people think goldfish can prosper in small tanks?

Because of the stereotypical view we've all had since childhood......of the goldfish in the pretty, round goldfish bowl.

 

[DutchMuch]

Why do people think goldfish can prosper in small tanks?

commercial stereotype