We had 19 goldfish in our pond, two were parents, sadly a racoon killed 10 of them. They're about three or four now and should be sexualyl mature, but they havn't bred. Getting a closer look, they all looked to be males. But how could the racoon have only prefered the females? Should I buy a female or leave them be? Also where could I find a female that is at least 3 yrs old? Are there goldfish breeders? And what are the color genetics for goldfish? we bred two solids and got 15 solids 1 gold and white and one gold and black. the female had a black chip on her. are the children cariers for a white gene?
Answers:
It's hard for even experts to tell the difference between males and females. If you don't have lots of experience, it's easy to be fooled.
Chances are, you have females. What are the odds that the racoons left all males. VERY SLIM!
Don't get 1 female. Nine on 1 is not pretty, even for egg layers.
Genetics baffles me. All I know is if there is something (like white genes) anywhere in the fish's ancestory, it can come out. So, grand parents, great grandparents, great-great grandparents, you get the idea, they can all pass on color to the babies.
Goldfish breed seasonally. Could be it's not breeding season.
Research temps and water conditions too.
Nutrition plays a big role.
Good luck
