Table of Contents
1 Introduction
The Mong Kok Goldfish Market is a unique and colourful fish market located on Tung Choi Street in Hong Kong. This market is conveniently located near other street markets in Mong Kok. They sell not only goldfish, but also a variety of other animals, plants, and accessories. The market is open every day from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
2 Planning Your Visit
Location | Tung Choi St, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong |
Operating Hours | Typically opens from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
Peak Times | Late afternoon and early evening are the busiest |
Nearest MTR Station | Mong Kok Exit B3 or Prince Edward Exit B2 |
Nearby Attractions | Fa Yuen Street Market, Ladies Market, Flower Market |
Noteworthy Features | Narrow alleys, vibrant storefronts, local street food stalls |
3 What to Do at the Mong Kok Goldfish Market?
Here are some of the things you can do at the market:
Browse and buy: The main activity at the market is to browse and buy the fish, plants, and accessories that you like. You can walk along the street and admire the variety and beauty of the aquatic life on display.
You can also bargain with the vendors and get the best deals for your purchases. You can pay by cash or by mobile payment apps, such as Octopus, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
Learn and interact: Another activity at the market is to learn and interact with the fish, plants, and accessories that you see. You can ask the vendors for more information and tips on how to choose, feed, and maintain your fish.
You can also touch and feed some of the fish, such as the koi, the turtles, and the frogs. You can also take photos and videos of the fish, plants, and accessories that you like, but be respectful and ask for permission first.
Eat and drink: A third activity at the market is to eat and drink at the nearby restaurants and cafes.
You can find a variety of cuisines and beverages including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Western, coffee, tea, juice, beer, and more.
You can also try some of the local specialities, such as dim sum, egg waffles, fish balls, curry fish balls, stinky tofu, pineapple buns, and more.
4 Types of Fish You Can Buy at the Mong Kok Goldfish Market
The Hong Kong Goldfish Market offers a wide range of products for fish lovers and enthusiasts. However, if you’re visiting the city it’s unlikely that you’ll end up buying a pet fish to take back home. In saying that, I think it’s still worthwhile visiting to see the broad variety of fish on display.
If you are looking to buy a pet, here are some of the things you can buy at the market:
Fish Species | Cultural Significance | Recommended Tank Size | Average Lifespan | Ideal Water Temperature | Common Varieties |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Koi | Symbol of prosperity and good fortune | 250 gallons or more | 25-35 years | 59-77°F (15-25°C) | Kohaku, Sanke, Showa |
Betta | Represents resilience and harmony | 2.5 gallons or more | 2-5 years | 76-82°F (24-28°C) | Crown Tail, Halfmoon, Plakat |
Goldfish | Brings good luck and positive energy | 20 gallons or more | 10-15 years | 65-78°F (18-26°C) | Common Goldfish, Comet, Shubunkin |
Discus | Symbol of love and commitment | 30 gallons or more | 10-15 years | 82-88°F (28-31°C) | Blue Diamond, Red Turquoise, Pigeon Blood |
Goldfish
Since you’re at the Mong Kok Goldfish Market, you’ve got to check out the goldfish they have on display. Goldfish can make good pets if you are willing to provide them with proper care and attention. They’re not only beautiful and colourful but also intelligent and friendly.
Goldfish generally need a spacious tank with a filter, a heater, and a thermometer. They also need regular water changes and testing to keep the water quality optimal. Since they produce a lot of waste, proper care is necessary as it can affect the water chemistry and lead to diseases.
Bubble-eye goldfish have no dorsal fin and a double tail. Their body shape can be either long or round, and their scales can be metallic looking.
They are not very good swimmers and have poor eyesight, which causes them to have trouble finding food and competing with other fish. You should feed them high-quality flakes or pellets that sink to the bottom, and supplement their diet with live or frozen foods.
Angelfish
Angelfish are another type of popular fish on Goldfish Street. These are a type of cichlid fish that have long, pointed fins and distinctive markings on their scales. They make popular pets because of their unique appearance and behaviour.
To care for angelfish, maintain a 20-gallon tank with stable temperatures (24-28°C), clean water, and pH levels (6.5-7.5). Offer a diverse diet, choose compatible tank mates, and monitor health. Provide breeding conditions if needed, but minimize handling to reduce stress.
Gourami fish
Gouramis, with their vibrant colours and unique personalities, make captivating additions to freshwater aquariums. You will find them at almost any stall on Tung Choi Street. They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water (22-28°C), requiring a mix of floating and submerged plants. Be mindful of their semi-aggressive nature when choosing tank mates, especially during breeding.
Gouramis, like the Pearl and Dwarf Gourami, add elegance and enhance your tank with mesmerizing movements and vibrant hues. Provide hiding spaces, a balanced diet, and enjoy their captivating display of colour and behaviour in your aquatic community.
Tetra fish
Tetras, known for their schooling behaviour and vibrant colours, thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water (22-26°C). Offer a diverse diet, including flakes, pellets, and live or frozen options. Keep them in groups of at least six to observe their natural schooling behaviour, and choose tank mates carefully for this social species.
Incorporating tetras into your aquarium adds lively energy and vibrant colours, with species like neon and cardinal tetras showcasing their communal nature in groups. Maintain a diverse diet and a well-planted environment for engaging interactions and synchronized swimming in your aquatic community.
Flowerhorn fish
Flowerhorn fish are known for their unique appearance and personalities. They require a spacious tank (75 gallons) with a temperature of 26-28°C. A high-protein diet, including pellets and live/frozen foods, supports their well-being. Due to territorial tendencies, it’s best to keep them alone. Regular monitoring and hiding spots enhance their vibrant colours and fascinating behaviours in the aquarium.
Crayfish
The addition of freshwater crustaceans such as crayfish makes for fantastic additions to aquariums. Known for their unique behaviours and striking colours, they require well-oxygenated water and a secure hiding place. The White Specter Crayfish, a sought-after variant, showcases a captivating translucent white colouration. Hardy and adaptable, these crayfish thrive in freshwater environments. K
Keep them in spacious tanks with proper filtration, and provide a balanced diet. Observing their intriguing antics and moulting processes adds an extra dimension to the aquarium experience, making crayfish, including the distinctive White Specter, intriguing and dynamic aquatic companions.
Other fish
Besides the mentioned fish, Mong Kok Goldfish Market offers an extensive selection of fish. Explore stalls showcasing diverse aquatic species, from ornamental goldfish to tropical varieties. Make sure to engage with knowledgeable vendors for further insight.
Turtles
Yes, I know turtles are not fish, but it’s hard not to mention when most stores showcase them alongside the fish. Definitely check them out along your visit.
Aquariums and fish-related accessories
Whether you’re just getting started to own fish or if you’re a seasoned fish owner, browse the large range of aquariums that are on display at Goldfish Street and get professional help from knowledgeable shopkeepers about what would work best.
Add a spruce of colour to your aquarium with some grass.
6 How to Get to the Mong Kok Goldfish Market?
The most convenient way to get to the Mong Kok Goldfish Market is by taking the MTR.
- Option 1: You can take the Tsuen Wan Line (red line) or the Kwun Tong Line (green line) and get off at the Mong Kok Station. Then, you can take exit B3 and walk along Nelson Street until you reach Tung Choi Street.
- Option 2: If you’re closer to Prince Edward, take the same lines and get off at Prince Edward Station via Exit B2. From there, head to Tung Choi Street.
7 Conclusion
The Hong Kong Goldfish Market is one of the most unique and colourful attractions in Hong Kong. This street market located on Tung Choi Street sells not only goldfish, but also a variety of other aquatic animals, plants, and accessories.
It is also a cultural attraction that showcases the Chinese tradition of keeping fish as pets and symbols of good luck. It is also a visual feast for the eyes, a great place to learn, and a fun place to enjoy. If you are looking for a different and delightful experience in Hong Kong, you should not miss the Hong Kong Goldfish Market.
8 FAQs
Can I find aquarium supplies at the Mong Kok Goldfish Market?
Absolutely! The market offers a variety of aquarium supplies, from tanks and filters to decorative elements, allowing enthusiasts to create personalized aquatic landscapes.
Are there knowledgeable vendors available to answer questions?
Yes, Goldfish Street boasts passionate vendors who can offer valuable insights into the care and maintenance of the diverse range of fish available for purchase.
Is the market suitable for beginners in fishkeeping?
Certainly! The market caters to a wide range of enthusiasts, including beginners. The variety of fish and helpful vendors make it an engaging and educational experience for all levels of fishkeepers.