Geppert, age 9, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, for her question:

How do I care for my goldfish?

Andy is sure that every young person should have a pet. There are many different kinds    but the one you choose should be just right. Naturally you would not take a pony to live in a small city apartment. He would be crowded    and so would your family. Chances are, you would not choose a bear either    because he would be a nuisance to everybody. The pet you choose should fit into your home and bring happiness to all your family.

A goldfish is a perfect pet because there is room for him in any home. He does not frisk around making a nuisance of himself, by doing such things as chewing holes in the furniture. He is a little beauty and his glassy aquarium brightens up a room. Everybody loves to watch him swimming around in his watery world. Naturally you want to reward him with the very best care. As a matter of fact, a goldfish does not ask for much of your time and care. But the few things he does need are very important to his life.

The most important item is his home, called an aquarium. The best kind is an oblong box with straight walls of glass. The floor may be carpeted with clean gravel or stones. You may add a few shiny ornaments or shells    but be sure to scrub them clean and thoroughly rinse them. Make sure the water is very clean and neither too warm nor too cool. Its temperature should stay around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Goldie also deserves a few water weeds, the floating kind you get at a pet store.

While at the pet store you should also get a small package of goldfish food. But do not feed this diet to him all the time. Sometimes he enjoys a few breadcrumbs and once in a while a worm makes a real treat. Be very, very strict about feeding him. He needs only one meal each day    and he soon learns when to expect it. So choose a daily time when you are likely to be home and don’t keep him waiting. Sprinkle his small meal on the water and watch him take the crumbs as they sink down. Wait five minutes for him to finish eating. Then use a small wire sieve to remove the leftovers.

Place his aquarium near a cheerful window, but not where he gets blazing sunshine all day. Sudden hot and cold spells are too much for him. Notice when his water gets grubby or clouded with green algae. This is the time to change. The trickiest part is moving Goldie while you clean his house and add fresh water. Never grab a goldfish in your hands. The dainty creature must be lifted out in a soft net. Place him tenderly in a bowl of water while you clean up his house.

Your pet may like to share his aquarium with another goldfish. But beware of overcrowding. If he is two inches long, he needs an aquarium big enough to hold at least two gallons of water. If his aquarium holds four gallons, then there is room for another two inch goldfish. Bigger fish may think that a teeny tiny fish is something good to eat    so choose him a friend of his own size.