Native toChina, the goldfish is a relatively small member of thecarp family (which also includes thePrussian carp and thecrucian carp). It was firstselectively bred for color inimperial China more than 1,000 years ago, where several distinctbreeds were developed. Goldfish breeds vary greatly in size, body shape, fin configuration, and coloration (various combinations of white, yellow, orange, red, brown, and black are known).
During theTang dynasty (AD 618–907), it was popular to raise carp in ornamental ponds andwater gardens. A natural genetic mutation produced gold (actually yellowish orange) rather than silver coloration. People began toselectively breed the gold variety instead of the silver variety, keeping them in ponds or other bodies of water. On special occasions at which guests were expected, they would be moved to a much smaller container for display.[8][9]
By theSong dynasty (AD 960–1279), the selective domestic breeding of goldfish was firmly established.[10] In 1162, theempress of the Song dynasty ordered the construction of a pond to collect the red and gold variety. By this time, people outside the imperial family were forbidden to keep goldfish of the gold (yellow) variety,yellow being the imperial color.[11]
During theMing dynasty (1368–1644), goldfish also began to be raised indoors,[7] which permitted selection for mutations that would not be able to survive in ponds.[8] The first occurrence of -tailed goldfish was recorded in the Ming dynasty. In 1603, goldfish were introduced toJapan.[8] In 1611, goldfish were introduced toPortugal and from there to other parts ofEurope.[8]
During the 1620s, goldfish were highly regarded in southern Europe because of their metallic scales, and symbolized good luck and fortune. It became a tradition for married men to give their wives a goldfish on their first anniversary, as a symbol for the prosperous years to come. This tradition quickly died, as goldfish became more available, losing their status. Goldfish were first introduced toNorth America around 1850 and quickly became popular in theUnited States.[12][13]
There has been considerable debate about the taxonomy of the goldfish. Previously, the goldfish was believed to be either a subspecies of thecrucian carp (Carassius carassius), or of thePrussian carp (Carassius gibelio).[14][15][16] However, modern genetic sequencing has suggested otherwise, and that modern goldfish are domesticated varieties ofC. auratus that are native to Southern China.[17]C. auratus are differentiated from otherCarassius species by several characteristics.C. auratus have a more pointed snout, while the snout ofC. carassius is well rounded.C. gibelio often has a grayish/greenish color, while crucian carp are always golden bronze. Juvenile crucian carp have a black spot on the base of the tail, which disappears with age. InC. auratus, this tail spot is never present.C. auratus have fewer than 31 scales along the lateral line, while crucian carp have 33 scales or more.
Goldfish canhybridize with some otherCarassius species of carp.Koi andcommon carp may also interbreed with goldfish to produce sterile hybrids.
Size
Wild goldfish typically grow to between 4.7 inches (12 cm) and 8.7 inches (22 cm) but can reach 16 inches (41 cm).[18] The size of pet goldfish depends upon its breed.[19]
As of April 2008, the largest goldfish in the world was believed by theBBC to measure 19 inches (48 cm), in theNetherlands.[20] At the time, a goldfish named "Goldie", kept as a pet in a tank inFolkestone, England, was measured as 15 inches (38 cm) and over 2 pounds (0.91 kg), and named as the second largest in the world behind the Netherlands fish.[20] The secretary of the Federation of British Aquatic Societies (FBAS) stated of Goldie's size, "I would think there are probably a few bigger goldfish that people don't think of as record holders, perhaps in ornamental lakes".[20] In July 2010, a goldfish measuring 16 inches (41 cm) and 5 pounds (2.3 kg) was caught in a pond inPoole, England, thought to have been abandoned there after outgrowing a tank.[21] On November 16, 2020, a 15-inch (38 cm) goldfish weighing 9 pounds (4.1 kg) was found in a 16 acres (6.5 ha) lake inGreenville, South Carolina, while conducting a population survey of Oak Grove Lake.[22]
Vision
As a domestic fish, thus an easily accessiblemodel organism, goldfish have one of the most studied senses ofvision in fishes.[23] Goldfish have four kinds ofcone cells, which are respectively sensitive to different colors: red, green, blue andultraviolet. The ability to distinguish between four differentprimary colors classifies them astetrachromats.[24]
Goldfish can only grow tosexual maturity with enough water and the right nutrition. Most goldfishbreed in captivity, particularly in pond settings. Breeding usually happens after a significant temperature change, often in spring. Males chasegravid female goldfish (females carrying eggs), and prompt them to release their eggs by bumping and nudging them.
Goldfish, like allcyprinids, are egg-layers. Their eggs areadhesive and attach to aquatic vegetation, typically dense plants such asCabomba orElodea or a spawning mop. The eggs hatch within 48 to 72 hours.
Within a week or so, thefry begins to assume its final shape, although a year may pass before they develop a mature goldfish color; until then they are a metallic brown like their wild ancestors. In their first weeks of life, the fry grow quickly—an adaptation born of the high risk of getting devoured by the adult goldfish (or other fish and insects) in their environment.[27]
Some highlyselectively bred goldfish can no longer breed naturally due to their altered shape. The artificial breeding method called "hand stripping" can assist in breeding, but can harm the fish if not done correctly.[28] In captivity, adults may also eat young that they encounter.
Respiration
Goldfish are able tosurvive short periods of entirelyanoxic conditions. Survival is shorter under higher temperatures, suggesting that this is acold weather adaptation. Researchers speculate that this is specifically an adaptation to survival infrozen water bodies over winter.
Although they are a freshwater fish, goldfish have been found inbrackish water with asalinity of 17.[31]
Behavior
Goldfish are gregarious, displayingschooling behavior, as well as displaying the same types of feeding behaviors.
Goldfish have learned behaviors, both as groups and as individuals, that stem from native carp behavior. They are ageneralist species with varied feeding, breeding, andpredator avoidance behaviors that contribute to their success. As fish, they can be described as "friendly" towards each other. Very rarely does a goldfish harm another goldfish, nor do the males harm the females duringbreeding. The only real threat that goldfish present to each other is competing for food.Commons,comets, and other faster varieties can easily eat all the food during a feeding before varieties can reach it. This can lead to stunted growth or possiblestarvation of fancier varieties when they are kept in a pond with their single-tailed brethren. As a result, care should be taken to combine only breeds with similar body type and swim characteristics.
Cognitive abilities
Goldfish have strongassociative learning abilities, as well associal learning skills. In addition, theirvisual acuity allows them todistinguish between individual humans. Owners may notice that fish react favorably to them (swimming to the front of the glass, swimming rapidly around the tank, and going to the surface mouthing for food) while hiding when other people approach the tank. Over time, goldfish learn to associate their owners and other humans with food, often "begging" for food whenever their owners approach.[32]
Goldfish that have constant visual contact with humans alsostop considering them to be a threat. After being kept in a tank for several weeks, sometimes months, it becomes possible to feed a goldfish by hand without it shying away.
Goldfish have amemory-span of at least three months and can distinguish between different shapes, colors, and sounds.[33][34] By usingpositive reinforcement, goldfish can be trained to recognize and to react to light signals of different colors[35] or to perform tricks.[36] Fish respond to certain colors most evidently in relation to feeding.[32] Fish learn to anticipate feedings provided they occur at around the same time every day.
As with many other examples ofanimal,selective breeding of goldfish over centuries has produced several color variations, some of them far removed from the "golden" color of the original fish. There are also different body shapes, andfin andeye configurations. Some extreme versions of the goldfish live only inaquariums—they are much less hardy than varieties closer to the "wild" original. However, some variations are hardier, such as the Shubunkin. Currently, there are about 300 breeds recognized in China.[7] The vast majority of goldfish breeds today originated from China.[7] Some of the main varieties are:
Common Goldfish come in a variety of colors including red, orange, "gold", white, black, and yellow ('lemon') goldfish.
TheBlack Telescope is a black-colored variant oftelescope goldfish that has a characteristic pair of protruding eyes. It is also referred to as popeye, moor,kuro-demekin inJapan and dragon-eye inChina.
The smallBubble Eye has no dorsal fin and upward pointing eyes accompanied by two large fluid-filled sacs.
TheCelestial eye goldfish orChoten gan has a double tail and a breed-defining pair of upturned, telescope eyes with pupils gazing skyward.
Thecomet orcomet-tailed goldfish is a single-tailed variety in theUnited States. It is similar to thecommon goldfish, except slightly smaller and slimmer, and is mainly distinguished by its long, deeply forked tail.
TheFantail goldfish is the western form of theRyukin and possesses an egg-shaped body, a high dorsal fin, a longquadruple caudal fin, and no shoulder hump.
Theoranda is characterised by a prominent raspberry-like hood (also known aswen or head growth) that encases the whole head and some with the entire face, except for the eyes and mouth.
Thepearlscale orchinshurin inJapanese, is spherical-bodied with finnage similar to thefantail andveiltail. Its scales are protruded into white domes that resemble pearls.
Theveiltail is known for its extra-long, flowing double tail. Modern veiltail standards require little or no indentation of the trailing edges of the caudal fins, as in a wedding veil for a bride.
Thebutterfly tail moor orbutterfly telescope is of the telescope-eye lineage, with twin broad tails best viewed from above. The spread of the caudal fins resembles butterflies underwater.
Themeteor goldfish is a strange-looking variety that has been developed by specialist breeders of goldfish. It has no tail fin, hence its name.[37][38]
TheCurled-gill orReversed-gill goldfish is another uncommon variety of goldfish that has been developed by specialistenthusiasts. It owes its name to the out-turned appearance of its gill covers.[38][43]
TheTamasaba orSabao is an uncommon Japanese variety of goldfish with a body shaped similar to theRyukin and a very long, flowing, single tail that is similar to that of acomet goldfish, hence its other name,comet-tail ryukin.
TheTosakin is a very distinctive breed of goldfish with a large tail fin that spreads out horizontally (like a fan) behind the fish, followed by the bottom tips folding behind its caudal fin. Though technically a divided tail, the two halves are attached at the center, forming a single fin.
TheWhite telescope is a white variant oftelescope goldfish that has a white body and a characteristic pair of protruding eyes.
TheJikin is a breed ofwakin-like goldfish developed in Japan.
Chinese
Chinese tradition classifies goldfish into four main types.[44] These classifications are not commonly used in the West.
Crucian (also called "grass") — Goldfish without anatomical features, similar to Crucian carp orgrass carp except for their coloration. These include the common goldfish, comet goldfish and Shubunkin.
Wen — Goldfish having a tail, e.g., fantails and veiltails. "Wen" is also the name of the characteristic headgrowth on such strains as oranda and lionhead.
Like most species in the carp family, goldfish produce a large amount of waste both in theirfeces and through theirgills, releasing harmfulchemicals into the water. Buildup of this waste totoxic levels can occur in a relatively short period of time, and can easily cause a goldfish's death. For common and comet varieties, each goldfish should have about 20 US gallons (76 L; 17 imp gal) of water. Smaller fantail goldfish should have about 10 US gallons (38 L; 8.3 imp gal) per goldfish. The water surface area determines how muchoxygen diffuses and dissolves into the water. A general rule is have 1 square foot (0.093 m2). Activeaeration by way of awater pump,filter orfountain effectively increases the surface area agitation.
The goldfish is classified as acoldwater fish, and can live in unheatedaquaria at a temperature comfortable for humans. However, rapid changes in temperature, for example in an office building in winter when the heat is turned off at night, can kill them, especially if the tank is small. Care must also be taken when adding water, as the new water may be of a different temperature. Temperatures under about 10 °C (50 °F) are dangerous to fancy varieties, though commons and comets can survive slightly lower temperatures. Extremely high temperatures (over 30 °C (86 °F)) can also harm goldfish. However, higher temperatures may help fightprotozoan infestations by accelerating theparasite's life cycle—thus eliminating it more quickly. The optimum temperature for goldfish is between 20 and 22 °C (68 and 72 °F).[45]
Like all fish, goldfish do not like to be petted. In fact, touching a goldfish can endanger its health, because it can cause the protective slime coat to be damaged or removed, exposing the fish's skin to infection from bacteria or water-borne parasites. However, goldfish respond to people by surfacing at feeding time, and can be trained or acclimated to taking pellets or flakes from human fingers. The reputation of goldfish dying quickly is often due to poor care.[46] The lifespan of goldfish in captivity can extend beyond 10 years.[47]
If left in the dark for a period of time, goldfish gradually change color until they are almost gray.[48] Goldfish produce pigment in response to light, similarly to how human skin becomestanned in the sun. Fish have cells calledchromatophores that produce pigments that reflect light and give the fish coloration. The color of a goldfish is determined by their diet, water quality, and exposure to light, along with age and health.[48]
Because goldfish eat live plants, their presence in aplanted aquarium can be problematic. Only a few aquarium plant species, such asCryptocoryne andAnubias, can survive around goldfish, but they require special attention so that they are not uprooted.[49]
In ponds
Coldwater goldfish pond inBury, EnglandRed Oranda (Wen) goldfish reared in a small outdoor pond with lilies
Goldfish are popular pond fish, since they are small, inexpensive, colorful, and very hardy. In an outdoor pond orwater garden, they may even survive for brief periods ifice forms on the surface, as long as there is enoughoxygen remaining in the water and the pond does not freeze solid. Common, London and Bristol shubunkins, jikin, wakin, comet and some hardier fantail goldfish can be kept in a pond year-round in temperate and subtropical climates. Moor, veiltail, oranda and lionhead can be kept safely in outdoor ponds year-round only in more tropical climates and elsewhere only in summer months.
Compatible fish includerudd,tench,orfe andkoi, but the last require specialized care.Ramshorn snails are helpful by eating anyalgae that grows in the pond. Without some form ofanimal population control, goldfish ponds can easily become overstocked. Fish such asorfe consume goldfish eggs.
Ponds small and large are fine in warmer areas, though goldfish can "overheat" in small volumes of water in the summer in tropical climates.[citation needed] In frosty climes, the depth should be at least 80 centimeters (31 in) to preclude freezing. During winter, goldfish become sluggish, stop eating and often stay on the bottom of the pond. This is normal; they become active again in the spring. Unless the pond is large enough to maintain its own ecosystem without interference from humans, a filter is important to clear waste and keep the pond clean. Plants are essential as they act as part of the filtration system, as well as a food source for the fish. Plants are further beneficial since they raise oxygen levels in the water.
Like their wild ancestors, common and comet goldfish as well as shubunkin can survive, and even thrive, in any climate that can support a pond. In general, when released into the wild, goldfish quickly take over the waterways as aninvasive species.[50][51]
In the wild, the diet of goldfish consists ofcrustaceans,insects, and variousplant matter. Like most fish, they are opportunistic feeders and do notstop eating on their own accord. Overfeeding can be deleterious to their health, typically by blocking theintestines. This happens most often with selectively bred goldfish, which have a convoluted intestinal tract. When excess food is available, they produce more waste andfeces, partly due to incompleteprotein digestion. Overfeeding can sometimes be diagnosed by observing feces trailing from the fish'scloaca.
Goldfish-specific food has less protein and morecarbohydrate than conventional fish food. Enthusiasts may supplement this diet with shelledpeas (with outer skins removed),blanchedgreen leafy vegetables, andbloodworms. Young goldfish benefit from the addition ofbrine shrimp to their diet. As with all animals, goldfish preferences vary.
The market for live goldfish and other crucian carp usually imported from China was $1.2million in 2018. Some high quality varieties cost between $125 and $300.[53]
Fishbowls are detrimental to the health of goldfish and are prohibited byanimal welfare legislation in several municipalities.[54][55] The practice of using bowls as permanent fish housing originated from a misunderstanding of Chinese "display" vessels: goldfish which were normally housed in ponds were, on occasion, temporarily displayed in smaller containers to be better admired by guests.[8]
Goldfish kept in bowls or "mini-aquariums" suffer from death, disease, andstunting, due primarily to the low oxygen and very highammonia/nitrite levels inherent in such an environment.[56] In comparison to other common aquarium fish, goldfish have high oxygen needs and produce a large amount of waste due to the fact they lack a stomach;[57] therefore they require a substantial volume of well-filtered water to thrive. In addition, all goldfish varieties have the potential to reach 5 inches (130 mm) in total length, with single-tailed breeds often exceeding 1 foot (0.30 m). Single-tailed varieties include common and comet goldfish.
In many countries,carnival andfair operators commonly give goldfish away inplastic bags asprizes. In late 2005Rome banned the use of goldfish and other animals as carnival prizes. Rome has also banned the use of "goldfish bowls", on animal cruelty grounds,[54] as well asMonza, Italy, in 2004.[55] In theUnited Kingdom, thegovernment proposed banning this practice as part of its Animal Welfare Bill,[58][59] though this has since been amended to only prevent goldfish being given as prizes to unaccompanied minors.[60]
InJapan, during summer festivals and religious holidays (ennichi), a traditional game calledgoldfish scooping is played, in which a player scoops goldfish from a basin with a special scooper. Sometimesbouncy balls are substituted for goldfish.
Although edible and closely related to some fairly widely eaten species, goldfish are rarely eaten. A fad amongAmerican college students for many years wasswallowing goldfish as astunt and as afraternity initiation process. The first recorded instance was in 1939 atHarvard University.[61] The practice gradually fell out of popularity over the course of several decades and is rarely practiced today.
Some animal advocates have called for boycotts of goldfish purchases, citing industrial farming and low survival rates of the fish.[62][63]
Goldfish is one of the items used among theHaft-sin symbols ofNowruz. These are related to elements of Fire, Earth, Air, Water, and the three life forms of Humans, Animals and Plants.
InChinese history, goldfish was seen "as a symbol of luck and fortune". Moreover, only members of theSong dynasty could own goldfish.[64] InIran and among the internationalIranian diaspora, goldfish is a traditional part ofNowruz celebrations. Goldfish are usually placed onHaft-sin tables as a symbol of progress.[65]
^Page, Lawrence M.; Burr, Brooks M. (1991).A field guide to freshwater fishes: North America north of Mexico. The Peterson field guide series. National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Foundation, Roger Tory Peterson Institute. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.ISBN978-0-395-35307-3.
^Neumeyer, Christa (1988).Das Farbensehen des Goldfisches: Eine verhaltensphysiologische Analyse. G. Thieme.ISBN978-3137187011.
^Ladich, F., & Fay, R. R. (2013). Auditory evoked potential audiometry in fish. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 23(3), 317–364.
^Fay, R. R., & Popper, A. N. (1974). Acoustic stimulation of the ear of the goldfish (Carassius auratus). Journal of Experimental Biology, 61(1), 243–260.
^TheDiscovery Channel's showMythBusters tested the contemporary legend that goldfish only had a memory span of three seconds and were able to prove that goldfish had a longer memory span than commonly believed. The experiment involved training the fish to navigate amaze. It was evident that they were able to remember the correct path of the maze after more than a month.MythBuster Results: A goldfish’s memory lasts only three seconds[usurped]
^Demonstrated in a 1994 public experiment at thePalais de la Découverte science museum. The experimental details and results are described in:"Poissons rouges: la mémoire dans l'eau".Revue du Palais de la Découverte.217. April 1994.
^Johnson, Dr. Erik L., D.V.M. and Richard E. Hess. Fancy Goldfish: A Complete Guide to Care and Collecting, Shambhala Publications, Inc., 2001 -ISBN0-8348-0448-4
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