Gold Fish

HISTORY 

The popular image of a goldfish in a bowl has been depicted the world over - from ancient pottery created during the Ming Dynasty in China to modern popular comic strips. There are actually over 125 varieties of goldfish. All these varieties are thought to have originated from the Crucian carp, which can reach a length of around 40-50 cm. The goldfish is considered the oldest domesticated fish; its story began long before hobbyists began keeping pet fish in aquariums.

It was common for people to keep private carp ponds in China during the Tang dynasty. Other sites for these ponds were in the grounds of monasteries and temples , where monks would watch over them as guardians. It was during this period that various genetic mutations caused some of these carps to exhibit a golden coloration instead of their natural dull colors. These golden carps were selected and bred over many generations.

The fish continued to be popular during the reign of the Song Dynasty. The emperor Chao Kou, who was something of a goldfish enthusiast, even ordered the collection of these golden fish to help restock his ponds. Imperial favour could well have been a very potent influence in fostering the popularity of the goldfish.

GOLDFISH TYPES

Goldfish may also lose their golden color , or rather any goldfish color, by varying the spectrum of light under which they are kept, thus causing the scales to change color over a period of time.

There are mainly two types of goldfish. They are the egg-shaped body goldfish and the flat body type. The flat body types generally are the hardiest, most competitive , and easiest to care for - thus they are most suited for beginners. Flat body type goldfish include the common, comet, wakin, jikin, and shubunkin goldfish. Some of the more popular round or egg-shaped goldfish include the fantail, ryukin, veiltail, oranda, pearlscale, telescope-eyed, black moor, ranchu, bubble-eye , and many others. It is important to note that most egg-shaped goldfish, with the exception of the fantail, ryukin, and black moor, are not suited to be kept in an outdoor environment such as a pond. 

Goldfish are available in many sizes, shapes , and colors. It took breeders many centuries of selective breeding to create the countless different varieties of goldfish that we see today.

IN AQUARIUMS

Goldfish and koi are sometimes referred to as coldwater fish, which just means they can survive in an unheated aquarium. Eventhough they are coldwater fish, this does not imply that they can tolerate very rapid fluctuations in water temperatures. Temperatures below 10 'C or 50 'F are dangerous to fancy goldfish varieties and can increase their chances of becoming sick and ill, though comet and common varieties can be exposed to these low temperatures without any serious problems.

Although goldfish bowls are very popular, they are not an ideal environment to keep goldfish. Goldfish are very easy to care for but they still require cleaned and well-aerated water, which is hard to maintain in a goldfish bowl. Housing a goldfish in a bowl can increase the risk of nitrate/ammonia poisoning and stunting the goldfish.

Goldfish will consume almost anything. The kind of food goldfish will eat includes flakes, cooked peas, and insect larvae. Flake food often is preferred over pellet food due to the fact that they are easier for the goldfish to see and to clean after.

In general the lifespan of goldfish and koi is over 10 years.

BEHAVIOR AND HABITS 

Goldfish behavior and habits can differ greatly both because goldfish are housed in many type of environments, and because their behavior can be conditioned by those who own them.

Goldfish can also show a range of social behaviors. When new fish are introduced to an aquarium, aggressive "bully-like" social behaviors may sometimes become evident, such as chasing the new fish, or fin nipping. These behaviors, though, usually cease within a couple of days. 

BREEDING GOLDFISH

Goldfish breeding started over 2000 years ago in ancient China. Goldfish like all cyprinids, lay eggs. They produce adhesive eggs that attach to aquatic vegetation. The eggs usually hatch in three to five days when temperatures are kept around 66-75'F.

CARING FOR GOLDFISH

Goldfish should be kept in conditions corresponding to their natural habitat. The aquarium should allow enough room for the fish to swim freely. Ideally , the water in the aquarium should also be filtered. The use of a heater is not an absolute requirement as with tropical fish species.