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{{Short description|Freshwater fish common in aquariums}}
{{pp-semi-protected|small=yes}}
{{use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Otheruses4|the ornamental fish|the American snack cracker|Goldfish (snack)|other uses|Goldfish (disambiguation)}}
{{use American English|date=December 2024}}

{{About|the fish species|other uses|Goldfish (disambiguation)}}
{{Taxobox
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
| name = Goldfish
{{pp-move}}
| status = Domesticated
{{Speciesbox
| image = Goldfish3.jpg|alt=Aquarium scene with a bright orange goldfish swimming, tail at lower left, head at upper right, with some driftwood and another goldfish, white and orange, behind.
| image = Gold fish1.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| regnum = ] | status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| phylum = ]
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 13 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Huckstorf, V. |author2=Freyhof, J. |date=2013 |title=''Carassius auratus'' |volume=2013 |page=e.T166083A1110472 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T166083A1110472.en |access-date=13 November 2021}}</ref>
| classis = ]
| taxon = Carassius auratus
| ordo = ]
| display_parents = 3
| familia = ]
| authority = (], ])<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=508 |title=USGS-NAS, Non-indigenous Aquatic Species |access-date=2015-04-29}}</ref><ref name="fishbase">{{cite web|url=http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/speciesSummary.php?GenusName=Carassius&SpeciesName=auratus%20auratus |title=''Carassius auratus'' (Linnaeus, 1758) |publisher=Fishbase |access-date=2015-04-29}}</ref>
| genus = '']''
| synonyms = {{collapsible list|title=List of synonyms|
| species = '']''<ref></ref>
* ''Carassius discolor'' {{small|(Basilewsky, 1855)}}
| subspecies = '''''C. a. auratus'''''
* ''Carassius burgeri'' {{small|(Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)}}
| trinomial = ''Carassius auratus auratus''<ref></ref>
* ''Carassius coeruleus'' {{small|(Basilewsky, 1855)}}
| trinomial_authority = (], 1758)
* ''Carassius encobia'' {{small|(Bonaparte, 1845)}}
* ''Carassius grandoculis'' {{small|(Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)}}
* ''Carassius pekinensis'' {{small|(Basilewsky, 1855)}}
* ''Cyprinus auratus'' {{small|(Linnaeus, 1758)}}
* ''Cyprinus gibelioides'' {{small|(Cantor, 1842)}}
* ''Cyprinus mauritianus'' {{small|(Bennett, 1832)}}
* ''Cyprinus chinensis'' {{small|(Gronow, 1854)}}
* ''Cyprinus maillardi'' {{small|(Guichenot)}}
* ''Cyprinus nigrescens'' {{small|(Günther, 1868)}}
* ''Cyprinus thoracatus'' {{small|(Valenciennes 1842)}}
* ''Neocarassius ventricosus'' {{small|(Castelnau, 1872)}}
}}
}}
{{Infobox Chinese
|c=金鱼
|l="gold fish"
|p=jīnyú
}} }}
].]]
The '''goldfish''' (''Carassius auratus auratus'') was one of the earliest ] to be ], and is still one of the most commonly kept ]. A relatively small member of the ] family (which also includes the ] and the ]), the goldfish is a domesticated version of a dark-gray/olive/brown carp native to ] (first domesticated in ]) that was introduced to ] in the late 17th century. The mutation that gave rise to the goldfish is also known from other cyprinid species, such as ] and ].
].]]
The '''goldfish''' ('''''Carassius auratus''''') is a ] in the ] ] of ] ]. It is commonly kept as a pet in indoor ]s, and is one of the most popular ]. Goldfish released into the wild have become an ] in parts of North America and Australia.<ref>{{cite web |last=Helmore |first=Edward |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/12/goldfish-dumped-minnesota-lakes-threatening-ecosystems |title=Goldfish dumped in lakes grow to monstrous size, threatening ecosystems |work=] |date=12 July 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210713205042/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/12/goldfish-dumped-minnesota-lakes-threatening-ecosystems |archive-date=13 July 2021}}</ref><ref name="Lynch 2024 l054">{{cite web | last=Lynch | first=Jacqueline | title=Ozfish volunteers trap dumped pet goldfish from Vasse River amid concerns about water quality | website=ABC News | date=2024-04-23 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-24/pest-goldfish-vasse-river-water-quality-concerns/103742088 | access-date=2024-04-27}}</ref>


Native to ], the goldfish is a relatively small member of the ] family (which also includes the ] and the ]). It was first ] for color in ] more than 1,000 years ago, where several distinct ]s 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).
Goldfish may grow to a maximum length of 23 inches (59&nbsp;cm) and a maximum weight of 9.9&nbsp;pounds (4.5&nbsp;kg), although this is rare; most individual goldfish grow to under half this size. In optimal conditions, goldfish may live more than 20 years (the ] is 49 years); however, most household goldfish generally only live six to eight years.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.theprofishionals.com.au/NewFiles/autumn2001.pdf | title=Fishtalk from The Profishionals, Autumn 2001 (PDF) | accessdate=2006-07-21}}</ref>


==History== ==History==
] painting by Liu Cai ({{c.|1080–1120}})|alt=painting of many swimming fish, mostly in shades of tan]]
] showing yellow coloration. Some of the first goldfish may have looked like this.]]
] showing lots of ] ]s which appear at ].]]
].]]
[[File:Ryukin goldfish plate.jpg|thumb|Ryukin goldfish, Plate XIX in ''Goldfish and Their Culture in Japan'', by Shinno


suke Matsubara.]]
In ancient ], various species of ] (collectively known as ]) had been ] and reared as ] for thousands of years. Some of these normally gray or silver species have a tendency to produce red, orange or yellow color ]s; this was first recorded in the ].


Various species of ] (collectively known as ]) have been bred and reared as ] for thousands of years in ]. Some of these normally gray or silver species have a tendency to produce ], or ] ]s; this was first recorded in ], during the ].<ref name="Ocean Park">{{cite web|url=http://www.oceanpark.com.hk/html/en/learning/facts/goldfish.html |title=Goldfish |publisher=Ocean Park |access-date=2009-11-16}}</ref><ref name=roots>{{cite book|last=Roots|first=Clive|title=Domestication|year=2007|publisher=Greenwood Press|location=Westport|isbn=978-0-313-33987-5|pages=20–21}}</ref>
During the ] (618–907), it was popular to raise carp in ornamental ponds and ]. Due to a natural genetic mutation, some of these carp displayed gold (actually yellowish orange) rather than silver coloration. People began to breed the gold variety instead of the silver variety, and began to display them in small containers. The fish were not kept in the containers permanently, but would be kept in a larger body of water, such as an outdoor pond, and only for special occasions at which guests were expected would they be moved to the much smaller container.<ref name="bristol" /><ref>, 2004, Rolf C. Hagen, Inc. (USA) and Rolf C. Hagen Corp. (Montreal, Canada)</ref>


During the ] (AD 618–907), it was popular to raise carp in ornamental ponds and ]s. A natural genetic mutation produced gold (actually yellowish orange) rather than silver coloration. People began to ] 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.<ref name="bristol" /><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070413152258/http://www.hagen.com/pdf/aquatic/Nutrafin_No4_English.pdf |date=2007-04-13 }}, 2004, Rolf C. Hagen, Inc. (USA) and Rolf C. Hagen Corp. (Montreal, Canada)</ref>
In 1162, the ] of the ] ordered the construction of a pond to collect the red and gold variety of those carp. By this time, people outside the imperial family were forbidden to keep goldfish of the gold (yellow) variety, yellow being the imperial color. This is probably the reason why there are more orange goldfish than yellow goldfish, even though the latter are genetically easier to breed.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wetpetz.com/goldfish.htm | title=goldfish | accessdate=2006-07-21}}</ref>


By the ] (AD 960–1279), the selective domestic breeding of goldfish was firmly established.<ref name=smartt>{{cite book|last=Smartt|first=Joseph|title=Goldfish varieties and genetics: A handbook for breeders|url=https://archive.org/details/goldfishvarietie00smar|url-access=limited|year=2001|publisher=Blackwell Science|location=Oxford|isbn=978-0-85238-265-3|page=}}</ref> In 1162, the ] 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, ].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Chen |first1=Duo |last2=Zhang |first2=Qing |last3=Tang |first3=Weiqi |last4=Huang |first4=Zhen |last5=Wang |first5=Gang |last6=Wang |first6=Yongjun |last7=Shi |first7=Jiaxian |last8=Xu |first8=Huimin |last9=Lin |first9=Lianyu |last10=Li |first10=Zhen |last11=Chi |first11=Wenchao |last12=Huang |first12=Likun |last13=Xia |first13=Jing |last14=Zhang |first14=Xingtan |last15=Guo |first15=Lin |date=2020-11-24 |title=The evolutionary origin and domestication history of goldfish ( Carassius auratus ) |journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences |language=en |volume=117 |issue=47 |pages=29775–29785 |doi=10.1073/pnas.2005545117 |doi-access=free |issn=0027-8424 |pmc=7703540 |pmid=33139555|bibcode=2020PNAS..11729775C }}</ref>
The occurrence of other colors (apart from red and gold) was first recorded in 1276. The first occurrence of fancy tailed goldfish was recorded in the ]. In 1502, goldfish were introduced to ], where the ] and ] varieties were developed. In 1611, goldfish were introduced to ] and from there to other parts of Europe.<ref name="bristol">{{cite web | url=http://www.bristol-aquarists.org.uk/goldfish/info/info.htm | title=Background information about goldfish | accessdate=2006-07-28}}</ref>


During the ] (1368–1644), goldfish also began to be raised indoors,<ref name=roots/> which permitted selection for mutations that would not be able to survive in ponds.<ref name="bristol"/> The first occurrence of -tailed goldfish was recorded in the Ming dynasty. In 1603, goldfish were introduced to ].<ref name="bristol"/> In 1611, goldfish were introduced to ] and from there to other parts of ].<ref name="bristol">{{cite web | url=http://www.bristol-aquarists.org.uk/goldfish/info/info.htm | title=Background information about goldfish | publisher=Bristol Aquarists' Society | access-date=2006-07-28}}</ref>
During the 1620s, goldfish were highly regarded in Southern Europe because of their metallic scales, and were known to symbolize good luck and fortune. It became tradition for married men to give their wives a goldfish on their year anniversary, as a symbol for the prosperous years to come. This tradition quickly died, as goldfish became more available around Europe, thus losing their sacred status. Goldfish were first introduced to ] around 1850 and quickly became popular in the ].<ref name=Brunner>{{cite book | last = Brunner | first = Bernd | title = The Ocean at Home | publisher = Princeton Architectural Press | date= 2003 | location = New York | isbn = 1-56898-502-9 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Mulertt |first=Hugo |title=The Goldfish And Its Systematic Culture With A View To Profit |date=1883 |url=http://www.archive.org/details/goldfishitssyste00mule |accessdate=2009-07-07}}</ref>


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 to ] around 1850 and quickly became popular in the ].<ref name=Brunner>{{cite book | last = Brunner | first = Bernd | title = The Ocean at Home | publisher = Princeton Architectural Press | year = 2003 | location = New York | isbn = 978-1-56898-502-2 | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/oceanathomeil00brun }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Mulertt |first=Hugo |title=The Goldfish And Its Systematic Culture With A View To Profit |year=1883|url=https://archive.org/details/goldfishitssyste00mule |access-date=2009-07-07|publisher=Cincinnati }}</ref>
The wild form of the goldfish is the ] (''Carassius gibelio''). Some sources claim the ] (''Carassius carassius'') as the wild version of the goldfish. While they are closely related, they can be differentiated by the following characteristics:
*''C. auratus'' have a more pointed snout while the snout of a ''C. carassius'' is well rounded.
*The wild form of the Goldfish ''C. gibelio'' often has a grey/greenish color, while crucian carps are always golden bronze.
*Juvenile crucian carp have a black spot on the base of the tail which disappears with age. In C. 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.


==Biology==
==Varieties of domesticated goldfish==

] over centuries has produced several color variations, some of them far removed from the "]" color of the originally domesticated fish. There are also different body shapes, ] and ] configurations. Some extreme versions of the goldfish do need to be kept in an ]&mdash;they are much less hardy than varieties closer to the "wild" original. However, some variations are hardier, such as the Shubunkin. The main varieties are:
===Taxonomy===
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
], around 6 months old, 7 cm, from ].]]
There has been considerable debate about the taxonomy of the goldfish. Previously, the goldfish was believed to be either a subspecies of the ] (''Carassius carassius''), or of the ] (''Carassius gibelio'').<ref>{{cite web |last1=Laboratory |first1=NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research |title=NOAA National Center for Research on Aquatic Invasive Species (NCRAIS) |url=https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/greatlakes/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=508&Potential=N&Type=0 |website=nas.er.usgs.gov |access-date=16 December 2020}}</ref><ref name="Evolutionary origin ">{{cite journal|last=Komiyama |first=Tomoyoshi |author2=Hiroyuki Kobayashi |author3=Yoshio Tateno |author4=Hidetoshi Inoko |author5=Takashi Gojobori |author6=Kazuho Ikeo |title=An evolutionary origin and selection process of goldfish |journal=Gene |date=February 2009 |volume=430 |issue=1–2|pmid=19027055 |pages=5–11 |doi=10.1016/j.gene.2008.10.019}}</ref><ref name="matsui">{{cite web|title=Common Gold Fish |work=Aquarticles |author=Les Pearce |url=http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/ponds/Pearce_Common_Goldfishhtml.htm |access-date=20 June 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060528173947/http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/ponds/Pearce_Common_Goldfishhtml.htm |archive-date=28 May 2006 }}</ref> However, modern genetic sequencing has suggested otherwise, and that modern goldfish are domesticated varieties of ''C. auratus'' that are native to Southern China.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Wang |first=Shu-Yan |author2=Jing Luo |author3=Robert W. Murphy |author4=Shi-Fang Wu |author5=Chu-Ling Zhu |author6=Yun Gao |author7=Ya-Ping Zhang |title=Origin of Chinese Goldfish and Sequential Loss of Genetic Diversity Accompanies New Breeds |journal=PLOS ONE |date=19 March 2013 |volume=430 |issue=3 |pages=e59571 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0059571|pmid=23527220 |pmc=3602300 |bibcode=2013PLoSO...859571W |doi-access=free }}</ref> ''C. auratus'' are differentiated from other ''Carassius'' species by several characteristics. ''C. auratus'' have a more pointed snout, while the snout of ''C. 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. In ''C. 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 can ] with some other ''Carassius'' species of carp. ] and ] 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).<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Page |first1=Lawrence M. |title=A field guide to freshwater fishes: North America north of Mexico |last2=Burr |first2=Brooks M. |date=1991 |publisher=Houghton Mifflin |others=National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Foundation, Roger Tory Peterson Institute |isbn=978-0-395-35307-3 |series=The Peterson field guide series |location=Boston}}</ref> The size of pet goldfish depends upon its breed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Goldfish history, colour and finnage, diseases, how to keep them, and how to breed them |url=https://www.bristol-aquarists.org.uk/goldfish/info/info.htm |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=www.bristol-aquarists.org.uk}}</ref>

As of April 2008, the largest goldfish in the world was believed by the ] to measure {{convert|19|in|cm}}, in the ].<ref name=BBC17Apr2008>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/7352909.stm |title=Giant goldfish 'simply amazing' |work=BBC News |date=17 April 2008 |access-date=17 July 2010}}</ref> At the time, a goldfish named "Goldie", kept as a pet in a tank in ], England, was measured as {{convert|15|in|cm}} and over {{convert|2|lb|kg}}, and named as the second largest in the world behind the Netherlands fish.<ref name=BBC17Apr2008/> 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".<ref name=BBC17Apr2008/> In July 2010, a goldfish measuring {{convert|16|in|cm}} and {{convert|5|lb|kg}} was caught in a pond in ], England, thought to have been abandoned there after outgrowing a tank.<ref name=BBC15Jul2010>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-10649008 |title=Surrey schoolboy catches 5lb goldfish in Dorset lake |work=BBC News |date=15 July 2010 |access-date=17 July 2010}}</ref> On November 16, 2020, a {{convert|15|in|cm|adj=on}} goldfish weighing {{convert|9|lb}} was found in a {{cvt|16|acre|ha}} lake in ], while conducting a population survey of Oak Grove Lake.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Massive' goldfish weighing 9 pounds found in South Carolina lake|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/massive-goldfish-weighing-9-pounds-found-south-carolina-lake-n1250396|access-date=2021-05-17|website=NBC News|date=8 December 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

===Vision===
As a domestic fish, thus an easily accessible ], goldfish have one of the most studied senses of ].<ref name = "Neumeyer">{{cite book |title=Sensory Processing in Aquatic Environments |url=https://archive.org/details/sensoryprocessin00bull |url-access=limited |last=Neumeyer |first=C.|editor=Collin, S.P. |editor2=Marshall, N.J. |chapter=Color Vision in Fishes and Its Neural Basis |year=2003|publisher=Springer-Verlag |location=New York |page=|isbn=9780387955278}}</ref> Goldfish have four kinds of ]s, which are respectively sensitive to different colors: red, green, blue and ]. The ability to distinguish between four different ]s classifies them as ].<ref>{{cite book| last = Neumeyer| first = Christa | title = Das Farbensehen des Goldfisches: Eine verhaltensphysiologische Analyse|year = 1988| publisher = G. Thieme| isbn = 978-3137187011}}</ref>

===Hearing===
Goldfish have one of the most studied senses of ].<ref>Ladich, F., & Fay, R. R. (2013). Auditory evoked potential audiometry in fish. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 23(3), 317–364.</ref> They have two ]s, permitting the detection of sound particle motion, and ] connecting the ] to the otoliths, facilitating the detection of ].<ref>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.</ref>

===Reproduction===
]
]

Goldfish can only grow to ] with enough water and the right nutrition. Most goldfish ], particularly in pond settings. Breeding usually happens after a significant temperature change, often in spring. Males chase ] female goldfish (females carrying eggs), and prompt them to release their eggs by bumping and nudging them.

Goldfish, like all ]s, are egg-layers. Their eggs are ] and attach to aquatic vegetation, typically dense plants such as '']'' or '']'' or a spawning mop. The eggs hatch within 48 to 72 hours.

Within a week or so, the ] 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thefishvet.com.au/pdf/Care_Gf_byRL.pdf|title=Goldfish (''Carassius auratus'')|first=Richmond|last=Loh|publisher=The Fish Vet.com|access-date=December 31, 2013|archive-date=January 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127141326/http://thefishvet.com.au/pdf/Care_Gf_byRL.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Some highly ] 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1991 |title=Techniques for Taking and Fertilizing the Spawn of Fish |url=https://fisheries.tamu.edu/files/2013/09/SRAC-Publication-No.-426-Techniques-for-Taking-and-Fertilizing-the-Spawn-of-Fish.pdf |access-date=February 5, 2024}}</ref> In captivity, adults may also eat young that they encounter.

===Respiration===
Goldfish are able to ] short periods of entirely ]. Survival is shorter under higher temperatures, suggesting that this is a ]. Researchers speculate that this is specifically an adaptation to survival in ] over winter.

Energy is obtained from ] ]. This process depends upon a ] – the first known in ]s.<ref name="Walker-1977">{{ Cite journal | url=http://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/z77-170 | title=Walker, R. M., & Johansen, P. H. (1977). Anaerobic metabolism in goldfish (Carassius auratus). Canadian Journal of Zoology, 55(8), 1304–1311. doi:10.1139/z77-170 | year=1977 | doi=10.1139/z77-170 | pmid=902178 | last1=Walker | first1=R. M. | last2=Johansen | first2=P. H. | journal=Canadian Journal of Zoology | volume=55 | issue=8 | pages=1304–11 | url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name="Fagernes-2017">{{ Cite journal | url= | title=Fagernes, C.E., Stensløkken, K., Røhr, Å.K. et al. Extreme anoxia tolerance in crucian carp and goldfish through neofunctionalization of duplicated genes creating a new ethanol-producing pyruvate decarboxylase pathway. Sci Rep 7, 7884 (2017). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07385-4 | year=2017 | doi=10.1038/s41598-017-07385-4 | pmid=28801642 | last1=Fagernes | first1=C. E. | last2=Stensløkken | first2=K. O. | last3=Berenbrink | first3=M. | last4=Ellefsen | first4=S. | last5=Nilsson | first5=G. E. | journal=Scientific Reports | volume=7 | issue=1 | page=7884 | pmc=5554223 }}</ref>

===Salinity===
Although they are a freshwater fish, goldfish have been found in ] with a ] of 17.<ref name="Tweedley-2017">{{ Cite journal | title=Tweedley, J.R., Hallett, C.S. & Beatty, S.J. Baseline survey of the fish fauna of a highly eutrophic estuary and evidence for its colonisation by Goldfish (Carassius auratus). Int Aquat Res 9, 259–270 (2017). DOI: 10.1007/s40071-017-0174-1 | journal=International Aquatic Research | date=September 2017 | volume=9 | issue=3 | pages=259–270 | doi=10.1007/s40071-017-0174-1 | s2cid=59358196 | last1=Tweedley | first1=James R. | last2=Hallett | first2=Chris S. | last3=Beatty | first3=Stephen J. | doi-access=free }}</ref>

==Behavior==

Goldfish are gregarious, displaying ] 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 a ] species with varied feeding, breeding, and ] 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 during ]. The only real threat that goldfish present to each other is competing for food. ], ], 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 possible ] 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.

==={{anchor|Intelligence}}Cognitive abilities===
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Goldfish have strong ] abilities, as well as ] skills. In addition, their ] acuity allows them to ]. 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.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Plumer |first=Brad |date=2016-06-09 |title=This is unsettling: fish can recognize human faces |url=https://www.vox.com/2016/6/9/11889508/fish-facial-recognition |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=Vox |language=en}}</ref>

Goldfish that have constant visual contact with humans also ]. 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 a ] of at least three months and can distinguish between different shapes, colors, and sounds.<ref>Research by the School of Psychology at the ] in 1994. Goldfish were trained to push a ] to earn a food reward; when the lever was fixed to work only for an hour a day, the fish soon learned to activate it at the correct time. See: {{Cite journal | date=July 1994 | title=Temporal discrimination learning of operant feeding in goldfish | journal=Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior | volume=62 | issue=1 | pmid=16812735 | pmc=1334363 | pages=1–13 | last1 = Gee | first1 = P | last2 = Stephenson | first2 = D | last3 = Wright | first3 = DE | doi=10.1901/jeab.1994.62-1}}</ref><ref>The ]'s show '']'' 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 a ]. It was evident that they were able to remember the correct path of the maze after more than a month. {{usurped|1=}}</ref> By using ], goldfish can be trained to recognize and to react to light signals of different colors<ref>Demonstrated in a 1994 public experiment at the ] science museum. The experimental details and results are described in: {{Cite journal
| date=April 1994
| title=Poissons rouges: la mémoire dans l'eau
| journal=Revue du Palais de la Découverte
| volume=217
}}</ref> or to perform tricks.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://abcnews.go.com/story?id=4803721|title=Send Your Fish to School
|date=May 7, 2008|work=ABC News|access-date=December 28, 2012}}</ref> Fish respond to certain colors most evidently in relation to feeding.<ref name=":0" /> Fish learn to anticipate feedings provided they occur at around the same time every day.

==Classification==

===Western===
{{Main|List of goldfish varieties}}
As with many other examples of ], ] of goldfish over centuries has produced several color variations, some of them far removed from the "]" color of the original fish. There are also different body shapes, and ] and ] configurations. Some extreme versions of the goldfish live only in ]s—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.<ref name=roots/> The vast majority of goldfish breeds today originated from China.<ref name=roots/> Some of the main varieties are:

{| class="wikitable"
|- |-
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
|- |-
| <small>'''Common goldfish''' are a type of ] with no other modifications from their ancestor, the ], other than their color. Common goldfish come in a variety of colours including red, orange/gold, white, black and yellow or 'lemon' goldfish.</small> | '''Common Goldfish''' come in a variety of colors including red, orange, "gold", white, black, and yellow ('lemon') goldfish.
| ]
| ]
| <small>The '''Black moor''' is a ] variety of fancy ] that has a characteristic pair of protruding eyes. It is also referred to as popeye, telescope, kuro demekin in ] and dragon-eye in ].</small> | The '''Black Telescope''' is a black-colored variant of ] that has a characteristic pair of protruding eyes. It is also referred to as popeye, moor, {{transliteration|ja|kuro-demekin}} in ] and dragon-eye in ].
| ] | ]
| <small>The '''Bubble Eye''' is a small variety of fancy ] with upward pointing eyes that are accompanied by two large fluid-filled sacs. </small> | The small '''Bubble Eye''' has no dorsal fin and upward pointing eyes accompanied by two large fluid-filled sacs.
| ] | ]
|- |-
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
|- |-
| <small>'''Celestial eye goldfish''' or Choten gan is a double-tailed breed of fancy ] that has a breed-defining pair of telescope eyes which are turned upwards, pupils gazing skyward.</small> | The '''Celestial eye goldfish''' or ''Choten gan'' has a double tail and a breed-defining pair of upturned, telescope eyes with pupils gazing skyward.
| ] | ]
| <small>The '''comet''' or '''comet-tailed goldfish''' is the most common variety of fancy ] in the ]. It is similar to the ], except slightly smaller and slimmer, and is mainly distinguished by its long deeply forked tail.</small> | The '''comet''' or '''comet-tailed goldfish''' is a single-tailed variety in the ]. It is similar to the ], except slightly smaller and slimmer, and is mainly distinguished by its long, deeply forked tail.
| ] | ]
| <small>The '''Fantail''' ] is the western form of the ] that possesses an egg-shaped body, a high dorsal fin, a long ] caudal fin, and no shoulder hump.</small> | The '''Fantail''' goldfish is the western form of the ] and possesses an egg-shaped body, a high dorsal fin, a long ] caudal fin, and no shoulder hump.
| ] | ]
|- |-
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
|- |-
| <small>The '''lionhead''' is a ] variety of fancy ]. This ] is the ] to the ].</small> | The '''lionhead''' has a hood. This ] is the ] to the ].
| ] | ]
| <small>An '''oranda''' is a fancy ] characterized by a prominent raspberry-like hood encasing its head. The hood or headgrowth (also known as ''wen'') encases the whole head except for the eyes and mouth.</small> | The '''oranda''' is characterised by a prominent raspberry-like hood (also known as ''wen'' or head growth) that encases the whole head and some with the entire face, except for the eyes and mouth.
| ] | ]
| <small>The '''pearlscale''' or '''chinshurin''' in ], is a spherical-bodied fancy goldfish with finnage similar to the ].</small> | The '''pearlscale''' or {{transliteration|ja|chinshurin}} in ], is spherical-bodied with finnage similar to the ] and ]. Its scales are protruded into white domes that resemble pearls.
| ] | ]
|- |-
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
|- |-
| <small>'''Pompoms''' or '''pompon''' or '''hana fusa''' are a type of fancy ] that have bundles of loose fleshy outgrowths between the nostrils, on each side of the head.</small> | The '''Pompoms''', '''pompons''' or '''hanafusa''' have bundles of loose fleshy outgrowths between the nostril, called nasal boquettes, on each side of the head.
| ] | ]
| <small>The '''ryukin''' is a short deep-bodied fancy ] with a characteristic hump in the shoulder region.</small> | The '''ryukin''' has a short, deep body with a characteristic shoulder hump.
| ] | ]
| <small>{{nihongo|'''Shubunkins'''|朱文金}} (translated literally as "red brocade") are a hardy, single-tailed fancy ] with scales, and a pattern known as ]. The shubunkins are of ] origin.</small> | The ]ese {{nihongo||朱文金|shubunkin}} (translated literally as "red brocade") have a single tail with ] scales, and a pattern known as ].
| ] | ]
|- |-
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
|- |-
| <small>The '''telescope eye''' or '''demekin''' is a fancy ] characterized by its protruding eyes. It is also known as '''globe eye''' or '''dragon eye''' goldfish.</small> | The '''telescope''' is characterized by its protruding eyes. It is also known as the '''globe eye''' or '''dragon eye''' goldfish.
| ] | ]
| <small>The '''ranchu''' is a ] variety of fancy ] developed in ]. It is referred to as the "king of goldfish" by the ].</small> | The Japanese '''ranchu''' is hooded. The ] refer to it as the "king of goldfish".
| ] | ]
| <small>The '''panda moor''' is a fancy ] with a characteristic black-and-white color pattern and protruding eyes.</small> | The '''panda telescope''' is another colored variant of ].
| ] | ]
|- |-
! colspan="2"|] ! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|]
|- |-
| <small>The '''veiltail''' is a fancy ] which is known for its extra-long, flowing double tail.</small> | The '''veiltail''' 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.
| ] | ]
| The '''butterfly tail moor''' or '''butterfly telescope''' is of the telescope-eye lineage, with twin broad tails best viewed from above. The spread of the caudal fins resembles butterflies underwater.
| ]
| The '''meteor goldfish''' is a strange-looking variety that has been developed by specialist breeders of goldfish. It has no tail fin, hence its name.<ref name=Bristol>, retrieved on: June 20, 2007</ref><ref name="autogenerated2002">Andrews, Dr. Chris. "An Interpet Guide to Fancy Goldfish", Interpet Publishing, 2002 - {{ISBN|1-902389-64-6}}</ref>
|
|-
! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|]
|-
| The '''Lionchu''' or '''lionhead-ranchu''' is a goldfish that has resulted from crossbreeding ] and ]s.<ref name="Ponzio">{{cite web|url=http://www.goldfishpages.com/Articles/What%20is%20a%20Lionchu.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725073933/http://www.goldfishpages.com/Articles/What%20is%20a%20Lionchu.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-07-25|title="What is a Lionchu?" by Peter Ponzio, an article from the Goldfish Pages Website (Goldfish Society of America), date retrieved: 28 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="GFSA">{{cite web|url=http://www.goldfishpages.com/Articles/GFSA%20Ask%20the%20Judges%2C%20Ranchus.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725074035/http://www.goldfishpages.com/Articles/GFSA%20Ask%20the%20Judges%2C%20Ranchus.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-07-25|title="GFSA - Ask the Judges", an article about the Lionchu by Larry Christensen, Peter Ponzio, Scott Taylor, Tony Reynolds and John Parker, from the Goldfish Pages Website (Goldfish Society of America), date retrieved: 28 February 2013}}</ref>
| ]
| The '''egg-fish goldfish''' is a goldfish that lacks a ] and has a pronounced egg-shaped body.<ref name=Andrews>Andrews, Chris, Dr. An Interpet Guide to Fancy Goldfish, Interpet Publishing, 2002. - {{ISBN|1-902389-64-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/more.cfm |title=Nutrafin Aquatic News, Issue #4, 2004, Rolf C. Hagen, Inc. (USA) and Rolf C. Hagen Corp. (Montreal, Canada) |publisher=Hagen.com |access-date=2011-11-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121090523/http://hagen.com/usa/aquatic/more.cfm |archive-date=2011-11-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| ]
| The '''Shukin''' is a Ranchu-like goldfish developed from ]s and ]s at the end of the 19th century in Japan.
|-
! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|]
|-
| The '''Curled-gill''' or '''Reversed-gill''' goldfish is another uncommon variety of goldfish that has been developed by specialist ]. It owes its name to the out-turned appearance of its gill covers.<ref name="autogenerated2002"/><ref>Johnson, Dr. Erik L., D.V.M. and Richard E. Hess. Fancy Goldfish: A Complete Guide to Care and Collecting, Shambhala Publications, Inc., 2001 - {{ISBN|0-8348-0448-4}}</ref>
| ]
| The '''Tamasaba''' or ] is an uncommon Japanese variety of goldfish with a body shaped similar to the ] and a very long, flowing, single tail that is similar to that of a ], hence its other name, ]-tail ryukin.
| ]
| The '''Tosakin''' 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.
| ]
|-
! colspan="2"|]
! colspan="2"|]
|-
| The '''White telescope''' is a white variant of ] that has a white body and a characteristic pair of protruding eyes.
|
|The '''Jikin''' is a breed of ''']'''-like goldfish developed in Japan.
|]
|} |}
===Chinese Goldfish classification===
In Chinese goldfish keeping, goldfish are classified into 4 main types, which are not commonly used in the West.


===Chinese===
*Dragon Eye&mdash;Goldfish with extended eyes, e.g. ], ], and ]
Chinese tradition classifies goldfish into four main types.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cnaquafish.com/html_news/QiYeXinWenTest-2-3.html |title=Evolution and Varieties of Goldfish |access-date=2015-08-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110164203/http://www.cnaquafish.com/html_news/QiYeXinWenTest-2-3.html |archive-date=2016-01-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref> These classifications are not commonly used in the West.
*Egg&mdash;Goldfish without a dorsal fin. e.g. ] (note that a Bubble Eye without a dorsal fin belongs to this group)
* Crucian (also called "grass") — Goldfish without anatomical features, similar to Crucian carp or ] except for their coloration. These include the common goldfish, comet goldfish and Shubunkin.
*Wen&mdash;Goldfish with dorsal fin and a fancy tail. e.g. ] ("Wen" is also the name of the characteristic headgrowth on such strains as Oranda and Lionhead)
* 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.
*Ce (may also be called "grass")&mdash;Goldfish without fancy anatomical features. This is the type that is usually used in Japanese carnivals, especially for "goldfish scoops".
* Dragon Eye — Goldfish having extended eyes, e.g., ], ], and ]
* Egg — Goldfish having no dorsal fin, usually with an 'egg-shaped' body, e.g., ]. This group includes a bubble eye without a dorsal fin.


==In ponds== ==Cultivation==
]]]
]
]'' by ], 1912]]
Goldfish are popular pond fish, since they are small, inexpensive, colourful, and very hardy. In an outdoor pond or ], they may even survive if brief periods of ] form on the surface, as long as there is enough ] remaining in the water and the pond does not freeze solid.


===In aquaria===
Common goldfish, London and Bristol shubunkins, jikin, wakin, comet and sometimes fantail goldfish can be kept in a pond all year round in temperate and subtropical climates. Moor, veiltail, oranda and lionhead can be kept safely in outdoor ponds only in the summer, and in more tropical climates.
Like most species in the carp family, goldfish produce a large amount of waste both in their ] and through their ], releasing harmful ]s into the water. Buildup of this waste to ] 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 {{convert|20|usgal}} of water. Smaller fantail goldfish should have about {{convert|10|usgal}} per goldfish. The water surface area determines how much ] diffuses and dissolves into the water. A general rule is have {{convert|1|sqft}}. Active ] by way of a ], ] or ] effectively increases the surface area agitation.


The goldfish is classified as a ], and can live in unheated ] 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 {{convert|10|C|F}} are dangerous to fancy varieties, though commons and comets can survive slightly lower temperatures. Extremely high temperatures (over {{convert|30|C|F}}) can also harm goldfish. However, higher temperatures may help fight ]n infestations by accelerating the ]'s life cycle—thus eliminating it more quickly. The optimum temperature for goldfish is between {{convert|20|and|22|C|F}}.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |url=http://www.mypets.net.au/flex/goldfish/528/1 |title=Goldfish |publisher=Mypets.net.au |access-date=2011-11-19 |archive-date=2010-07-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728043700/http://www.mypets.net.au/flex/goldfish/528/1 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Small to large ponds are fine though the depth should be at least 80&nbsp;cm (30 in) to avoid freezing. During winter, goldfish will become sluggish, stop eating, and often stay on the bottom of the pond. This is completely normal; they will become active again in the spring. 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 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.experiencefestival.com/goldfish |title=Goldfish |publisher=Experiencefestival.com |access-date=2011-11-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111212210227/http://www.experiencefestival.com/goldfish |archive-date=2011-12-12 }}</ref> The lifespan of goldfish in captivity can extend beyond 10 years.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/29210991 | title=Goldfish has brain operation| work=BBC News| date=2014-09-15}}</ref>
Compatible fish include ], ], ] and ], but the latter will require specialized care. ]s are helpful by eating any algae that grows in the pond. It is of great importance to introduce fish that will consume excess goldfish eggs in the pond, such as orfe. Without some form of population control, goldfish ponds can easily become overstocked. Koi may also interbreed with the goldfish to produce a sterile hybrid fish.


If left in the dark for a period of time, goldfish gradually change color until they are almost gray.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2021-08-25 |title=Frequent question: Why do Goldfish Change Color? |url=https://www.nativefish.org/frequent-question-why-do-goldfish-change-color/ |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=Native Fish |language=en-US}}</ref> Goldfish produce pigment in response to light, similarly to how human skin becomes ] in the sun. Fish have cells called ]s 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.<ref name=":1" />
==In aquariums==
] goldfish]]
Like most carp, goldfish produce a large amount of waste both in their faeces and through their gills, releasing harmful ]s into the water. Build-up of this waste to ] levels can occur in a relatively short period of time, which is often the cause of a goldfish's sudden death. Because of this, goldfish need a large volume of water in which to live. For common and comet varieties, each goldfish should have about 20&nbsp;gallons(US) or 75&nbsp;liters of water. Fancy goldfish (which are smaller) should have about 10&nbsp;gallons(US) or 37.5&nbsp;liters per goldfish. The amount of water surface area is also important in determining how many goldfish may live in a container, as water surface area determines how much oxygen diffuses and dissolves from the air into the water. A general rule is have one square foot of water surface area for every inch of goldfish length (370&nbsp;cm²/cm). If the water is being actively aerated by way of a ], ] or ], a smaller volume of water is needed.


Because goldfish eat live plants, their presence in a ] can be problematic. Only a few aquarium plant species, such as '']'' and '']'', can survive around goldfish, but they require special attention so that they are not uprooted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Planted Tanks for Goldfish |url=https://injaf.org/aquarium-fish/the-goldfish-section/planted-tanks-for-goldfish/ |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=INJAF |language=en-US}}</ref>
The goldfish is classified as a ], and can live in unheated aquariums at a room temperature comfortable for humans. However, goldfish cannot tolerate rapid changes in temperature (for example in an office building in winter when the heat is turned off at night). The sudden shift in temperature could kill them, especially if the goldfish are kept in a small tank. Care must also be taken when adding water, as the water added may be a different temperature than the water in the tank. Temperatures under about 10°C/50°F are dangerous to fancy varieties of goldfish, though commons and comets can be exposed to slightly lower temperatures without a problem. Extremely high temperatures (over 30°C/86°F) can also be harmful to goldfish. However, higher temperatures may be helpful for fighting protozoan infestations by accelerating the parasite's life-cycle—thus eliminating it more quickly. The optimum temperature for goldfish is around 25°C/77°F.<ref name="autogenerated1"></ref>


===In ponds===
Like all fish that are kept as pets, goldfish do not like to be petted. In fact, touching a goldfish can be quite dangerous to its health, as it can cause the protective slime coat to be damaged or removed, which opens the fish’s skin up to infection from bacteria or parasites in the water. However, goldfish will respond to pet owners by coming to the surface of the water at feeding time, and can be trained or acclimated to taking pellets or flakes from a human's fingers. The supposed reputation of goldfish dying quickly is often due to poor care amongst uninformed buyers looking for a cheap pet.<ref></ref> The true lifespan of a well-cared-for goldfish in captivity can extend beyond 10 years.
]]]
]
Goldfish are popular pond fish, since they are small, inexpensive, colorful, and very hardy. In an outdoor pond or ], they may even survive for brief periods if ] forms on the surface, as long as there is enough ] 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 include ], ], ] and ], but the last require specialized care. ]s are helpful by eating any ] that grows in the pond. Without some form of ], goldfish ponds can easily become overstocked. Fish such as ] consume goldfish eggs.
If left in the dark for a period of time, a goldfish will turn almost gray. Goldfish have pigment production in response to light, which is almost like our tanning in the sun. Fish have cells called ]s that produce pigments which reflects light, and gives coloration. The color of a goldfish is determined by which pigments are in the cells, how many pigments molecules there are, and whether the pigment is grouped inside the cell or is spaced throughout the cytoplasm. So if a goldfish is kept in the dark it will appear lighter in the morning, and over a long period of time will lose its color.


Ponds small and large are fine in warmer areas, though goldfish can "overheat" in small volumes of water in the summer in tropical climates.{{cn|date=October 2024}} In frosty climes, the depth should be at least {{convert|80|cm|in|sp=us}} 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.
==Wild goldfish and relationship to Prussian carp==
Fancy goldfish are unlikely to survive for long in the wild as they are handicapped by their bright fin colors; however it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that such a fish, especially the more hardy varieties such as the Shubunkin, can survive long enough to breed with its wild cousins. Common and comet goldfish can survive, and even thrive, in any climate in which a pond for them can be created. Introduction of wild goldfish can cause problems for native species. Within three breeding generations the vast majority of the goldfish spawn will have reverted to their natural olive color. Since they are carp, goldfish are also capable of breeding with certain other species of carp and creating hybrid species.


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 an ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Goldfish |url=https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-species/meet-the-species/fish-and-invertebrates/goldfish/ |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=Invasive Species Centre |language=en-CA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Yin |first=Steph |date=2016-09-22 |title=In the Wild, Goldfish Turn From Pet to Pest |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/23/science/discarded-goldfish-invasive-species.html |access-date=2024-02-05 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
Research by Dr. Yoshiichi Matsui, a professor of fish culture at Kinki University in Japan, suggests that there are subtle differences which demonstrate that while the ] is the ancestor of the goldfish, they have sufficiently ] to be considered separate species.<ref name="matsui">{{cite web | title="Common Gold Fish" | work=Aquarticles | author=Les Pearce | url=http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/ponds/Pearce_Common_Goldfishhtml.htm | accessdate=20 June | accessyear=2006}}</ref>


==Feeding== ===Feeding===
] ]
{{See also|Fish food}} {{See also|Fish food}}
Like most fish, goldfish are opportunistic feeders and do not ] of their own accord. When an excess of food is offered, they will produce more waste and feces, partly due to incomplete digestion of protein. Overfed fish can sometimes be recognized by feces trailing from their ]. Goldfish need only be fed as much food as they can consume in three to four minutes, and no more than twice a day. Contrary to some common belief, extreme overfeeding will not increase the size of the fish but can actually be fatal, typically by bursting of the ]. This happens most often with selectively bred goldfish, which have a convoluted intestinal tract as opposed to a straight one in common goldfish. Novice fishkeepers who have newly purchased ryukin, fantail, oranda, lionhead or other fancy goldfish will need to watch their fish carefully for a few days, as it is important to know how much the goldfish will eat in a couple minutes of time.


In the wild, the diet of goldfish consists of ]s, ]s, and various ] matter. Like most fish, they are opportunistic feeders and do not ] on their own accord. Overfeeding can be deleterious to their health, typically by blocking the ]. This happens most often with selectively bred goldfish, which have a convoluted intestinal tract. When excess food is available, they produce more waste and ], partly due to incomplete ] digestion. Overfeeding can sometimes be diagnosed by observing feces trailing from the fish's ].
Special goldfish food has a lower protein and higher carbohydrate content than conventional fish food. It is sold in two consistencies&mdash;] that float at the top of the ], and pellets that sink slowly to the bottom.


Goldfish enthusiasts will supplement this diet with shelled ]s (with outer skins removed), ] ]s, and ]s. Young goldfish also benefit from the addition of ] to their diet. As with all animals, individual goldfish will display varied food preferences. In any case, it is better to feed them a variety of foods listed above. Goldfish-specific food has less protein and more ] than conventional fish food. Enthusiasts may supplement this diet with shelled ]s (with outer skins removed), ] ]s, and ]. Young goldfish benefit from the addition of ] to their diet. As with all animals, goldfish preferences vary.


===For mosquito control===
==Behavior==
Like some other well-known aquarium fish, such as the ] and ], goldfish (and other carp) are frequently added to ] bodies of water in an attempt to reduce ] populations, which spread the ] such as ], ], and ]. However, ] goldfish has often had negative consequences for local ]s,<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lNkwt3gX-2cC&q=goldfish+released+into+the+wild&pg=PA154|title=Biotechnology Deskbook|author1=William L. Arnold|author2=William L. Anderson|page=154|year=2001|publisher=Environmental Law Institute|isbn=978-1-58576-029-9}}</ref> and their efficacy as ] has never been compared to those of native fishes.
Behavior can vary widely both because goldfish are housed in a variety of environments, and because their behavior can be conditioned by their owners.


===Market===
Scientific studies done on the matter have shown that goldfish have strong associative learning abilities, as well as social learning skills. In addition, their strong ] acuity allows them to distinguish between specific humans. It is quite possible that owners will notice the 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 should learn to associate their owners and other humans with food, often "begging" for food whenever their owners approach.
The market for live goldfish and other crucian carp usually imported from China was $1.2{{nbsp}}million in 2018. Some high quality varieties cost between $125 and $300.<ref>{{cite news |last=Selyukh |first=Alina |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/10/16/768553956/the-goldfish-tariff-fancy-pet-fish-among-the-stranger-casualties-of-the-trade-wa |title=The Goldfish Tariff: Fancy Pet Fish Among The Stranger Casualties Of The Trade War |work=] |date=2019-10-16 |access-date=2019-10-17 }}</ref>
Auditory responses from a blind goldfish proved that it recognized one particular family member and a friend by voice, or vibration of sound. This behavior was remarkable because it showed that the fish recognized the vocal vibration or sound of two people specifically out of seven in the house.
Goldfish are gregarious fish that show ] behavior, as well as displaying the same types of feeding behaviors. Goldfish may display similar behaviors when responding to their reflections in a mirror.


== Welfare concerns ==
Goldfish that have constant visual contact with humans also seem to stop associating them as a threat. After being kept in a tank for several weeks, sometimes months, it becomes possible to feed a goldfish by hand without it reacting in a frightened manner.
]]]
] are detrimental to the health of goldfish and are prohibited by ] legislation in several municipalities.<ref name="The Times">{{cite news | url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,13509-1844070,00.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20060105045820/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,13509-1844070,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 5, 2006 | title=Rome bans goldfish bowls, orders dog owners on walks&nbsp;– World&nbsp;– Times Online | access-date=2006-07-21 | location=London | work=The Times | first1=Sam | last1=Knight | date=2005-10-26}}</ref><ref name="Council bans goldfish bowls">{{cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-07-24/council-bans-goldfish-bowls/2014352 | title=Council bans goldfish bowls | access-date=2015-04-21 | work=ABC Australian Broadcast Corporation | date=2004-07-23}}</ref> 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.<ref name="bristol" />


Goldfish kept in bowls or "mini-aquariums" suffer from death, disease, and ], due primarily to the low oxygen and very high ]/] levels inherent in such an environment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://goldfishcareguide.com/2008/03/05/5-reasons-not-to-use-goldfish-bowls/|title=5 reasons not to use goldfish bowls|access-date=2009-02-01|date=2008-03-05|publisher=Goldfish Care Guide|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525162142/http://goldfishcareguide.com/2008/03/05/5-reasons-not-to-use-goldfish-bowls/|archive-date=2018-05-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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;<ref>{{cite web|url= https://injaf.org/aquarium-fish/the-goldfish-section/goldfish-and-their-diet/ | title=goldie
Goldfish have behaviors, both as groups and as individuals, that stem from native carp behavior. They are a ] species with varied feeding, breeding, and ] avoidance behaviors that contribute to their success in the environment. As fish they can be described as "friendly" towards each other, very rarely will a goldfish harm another goldfish, nor do the males harm the females during ]. The only real threat that goldfish present to each other is in food ]. ]s, ]s, and other faster varieties can easily eat all the food during a feeding before fancy varieties can reach it. This can be a problem that leads to stunted growth or possible ] of fancier varieties when they are kept in a pond with their single-tailed brethren. As a result, when mixing breeds in an aquarium environment, care should be taken to combine only breeds with similar body type and swim characteristics.
|accessdate=1 February 2022|work=goldfishsection}}</ref> therefore they require a substantial volume of well-filtered water to thrive. In addition, all goldfish varieties have the potential to reach {{convert|5|in}} in total length, with single-tailed breeds often exceeding {{convert|1|ft}}. Single-tailed varieties include common and comet goldfish.


In many countries, ] and ] operators commonly give goldfish away in ] bags as ]s. In late 2005 ] banned the use of goldfish and other animals as carnival prizes. Rome has also banned the use of "goldfish bowls", on animal cruelty grounds,<ref name="The Times"/> as well as ], Italy, in 2004.<ref name="Council bans goldfish bowls"/> In the ], the ] proposed banning this practice as part of its Animal Welfare Bill,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/bill/index.htm |title=Defra, UK&nbsp;– Animal Health and Welfare&nbsp;– Animal Welfare&nbsp;– Animal Welfare Bill |access-date=2006-07-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820191520/http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/bill/index.htm |archive-date=2006-08-20 }}</ref><ref>
== Memory ==
] - </ref> though this has since been amended to only prevent goldfish being given as prizes to unaccompanied minors.<ref>
In 1994, a public experiment at the ] science museum showed that goldfish could be trained to recognize and to react to light signals of different colors by using ].<ref>{{Cite journal
] - </ref>
| date=April 1994
| title=Poissons rouges: la mémoire dans l'eau
| journal=Revue du Palais de la découverte
| volume=217
}}</ref>
More recent research by the School of Psychology at the ] in 2003{{Citation needed|date=September 2008}} demonstrated that goldfish have a memory-span of at least three months and can distinguish between different shapes, colours and sounds. They were trained to push a lever to earn a food reward; when the lever was fixed to work only for an hour a day, the fish soon learned to activate it at the correct time. The ]'s show ] tested the contemporary legend that goldfish only had a memory span of 3 seconds and were able to prove that goldfish had a longer memory span than commonly believed. The experiment involved training the fish to navigate a maze. It was evident that they were able to remember the correct path of the maze after more than a month.<ref></ref> A study at the start of the 2000s showed that fish do actually respond to certain colours, this is most evident when it comes to feeding as fish are also aware of feeding times provided they are fed at around the same time everyday.


In ], during summer festivals and religious holidays (]), a traditional game called ] is played, in which a player scoops goldfish from a basin with a special scooper. Sometimes ]s are substituted for goldfish.
==Native environment==
Goldfish natively live in ]s, and other slow or still moving bodies of water in depths up to 20 m (65 ft). Their native climate is ] to ] and they live in ] with a ] of 6.0&ndash;8.0, a water hardness of 5.0&ndash;19.0 ], and a temperature range of 40&ndash;106&nbsp;°F (4&ndash;41&nbsp;°C) although they will not survive long at the higher temperatures. They are considered ill-suited even to live in a heated tropical fish tank, as they are used to the greater amount of oxygen in unheated tanks, and some believe that the heat burns them. However, goldfish have been observed living for centuries in outdoor ponds in which the temperature often spikes above 86&nbsp;°F (30&nbsp;°C). When found in nature, the goldfish are actually an olive green color, and will return to this color if domesticated and then released.
In the wild, the diet consists of ]s, ]s, and various plant matter.

While it is true that goldfish can survive in a fairly wide temperature range, the optimal range for indoor fish is 68&ndash;75&nbsp;°F (20&ndash;23&nbsp;°C). Pet goldfish, as with many other fish, will usually eat more food than it needs if given, which can lead to fatal intestinal blockage. They are omnivorous and do best with a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruit to supplement a flake or pellet diet staple.


Although edible and closely related to some fairly widely eaten species, goldfish are rarely eaten. A fad among ] college students for many years was ] as a ] and as a ] initiation process. The first recorded instance was in 1939 at ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://library.thinkquest.org/3205/SwalG.html |title=Swallowing Goldfish |access-date=2006-07-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060618034748/http://library.thinkquest.org/3205/SwalG.html |archive-date=2006-06-18 }}</ref> The practice gradually fell out of popularity over the course of several decades and is rarely practiced today.
Sudden changes in water temperature can be fatal to any fish, including the goldfish. When transferring a store-bought goldfish to a pond or a tank, the temperature in the storage container should be equalized by leaving it in the destination container for at least 20 minutes before releasing the goldfish. In addition, some temperature changes might simply be too great for even the hardy goldfish to adjust to. For example, buying a goldfish in a store, where the water might be 70&nbsp;°F (approximately 21&nbsp;°C), and releasing it into a garden pond at 40&nbsp;°F (4&nbsp;°C) will probably result in the death of the goldfish, even if one uses the slow immersion method just described. A goldfish needs a lot more time, perhaps days or weeks, to adjust to such a different temperature.


Some animal advocates have called for boycotts of goldfish purchases, citing industrial farming and low survival rates of the fish.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://greenprophet.com/2012/03/goldfish-nowruz-iranian-new-year/|title=5 Million Goldfish Die for Nowruz – the Iranian New Year|first=Tafline|last=Laylin|website=Green Prophet|date=2012-03-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalvoices.org/2012/03/16/iran-a-nowruz-new-year-without-goldfish/|title=Iran: A Nowruz New Year Without Goldfish? · Global Voices|date=16 March 2012}}</ref>
Because goldfish like to eat live plants, their presence in a ] can be quite a problem. Only a few of the aquarium plant species can survive in a tank with goldfish, for example '']'' and '']'' species, but they require special attention so that they are not uprooted. Fake plants are often more durable, but the plant branches can often irritate or harm a fish if it comes in contact with them.


== In popular culture ==
==Breeding==
{{seealso|The Golden-Headed Fish|The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish|The Gold-Children}}
Goldfish, like all ]s, are egg-layers. They produce adhesive eggs that attach to aquatic vegetation. The eggs hatch within 48 to 72 hours, releasing fry large enough to be described as appearing like "an eyelash with two eyeballs". Within a week or so, the fry begin to look more like a goldfish in shape, although it can take as much as a year before they develop a mature goldfish color; until then they are a metallic brown like their wild ancestors. In their first weeks of existence, the fry grow remarkably fast&mdash;an adaptation born of the high risk of getting devoured by the adult goldfish (or other fish and insects) in their environment.
]

In ] history, goldfish was seen "as a symbol of luck and fortune". Moreover, only members of the ] could own goldfish.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gulliver |first=Katrina |date=2012-11-01 |title=The Great Goldfish Invasion: How an Exotic Carp Took Over America |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/11/the-great-goldfish-invasion-how-an-exotic-carp-took-over-america/264420/ |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=The Atlantic |language=en}}</ref> In ] and among the international ], goldfish is a traditional part of ] celebrations. Goldfish are usually placed on '']'' tables as a symbol of progress.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nowruz: Persian New Year's Table Celebrates Spring Deliciously|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/03/20/471174857/nowruz-persian-new-years-table-celebrates-spring-deliciously|access-date=2021-03-24|website=NPR.org|date=20 March 2016 |language=en|last1=Fulton |first1=April |last2=Ardalan |first2=Davar }}</ref>
Some scientists believe goldfish only grow to sexual maturity if given enough water and the right nutrition. However, if kept well, they may breed indoors, but not in a small fishbowl. Breeding usually happens after a significant change in temperature, often in spring. Eggs are then separated into another tank, as the parents will likely eat any of their young that they happen upon. Dense plants such as '']'' or '']'' or a spawning mop are used to catch the eggs.

Most goldfish can and will breed if left to themselves, particularly in pond settings. Males chase the females around, bumping and nudging them in order to prompt the females to release her eggs, which the males then fertilize. Due to the strange shapes of some extreme modern bred goldfish, certain types can no longer breed among themselves. In these cases, a method of artificial breeding is used called "hand stripping". This method keeps the breed going, but can be dangerous and harmful to the fish if not done correctly.

==Mosquito control==
Like some other popular aquarium fish, such as the ], goldfish and other carp are frequently added to ] bodies of water in order to reduce the ] populations in some parts of the world, especially to prevent the spread of ], which relies on mosquitoes to migrate. However, the ] of goldfish has often had negative consequences for local ]s.<ref>http://www.mosquitoes.org/fpconst.html</ref>

==Controversy==
]]]
The popular image of a goldfish in a ] is an enduring one. However, some countries have banned the sale of bowls of that type under animal rights legislation due to the risk of stunting, deoxygenation and ammonia/nitrite poisoning in such a small environment. Because of their large oxygen needs and high waste output, the popular goldfish bowls of the past are no longer considered appropriate housing for goldfish.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://goldfishcareguide.com/2008/03/05/5-reasons-not-to-use-goldfish-bowls/|title=5 reasons not to use goldfish bowls |accessdate=2009-02-01|date=2008-03-05|publisher=Goldfish Care Guide}}</ref>

In many countries, the operators of ]s and ]s commonly give goldfish away in plastic bags as ]s for winning games. In the ], the ] proposed banning this practice as part of its Animal Welfare Bill,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/bill/index.htm | title=Defra, UK - Animal Health and Welfare - Animal Welfare - Animal Welfare Bill | accessdate=2006-07-21}}</ref><ref>] - </ref> though this has since been amended to only prevent goldfish being given as prizes to unaccompanied minors.<ref>] - </ref> However, in Rome, Italy, the city passed a law in late 2005, which banned the use of goldfish or other animals as carnival prizes. ] has also banned the keeping of goldfish in "goldfish bowls", on the premise that it's cruel to the fish to live in such a small, confined space.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,13509-1844070,00.html | title=Rome bans goldfish bowls, orders dog owners on walks - World - Times Online | accessdate=2006-07-21}}</ref>

In ], during summer festivals and religious holidays (]), a traditional game called ] is played, in which a player scoops goldfish from a basin with a special scooper. Sometimes ]s are substituted for goldfish.

Although edible, goldfish are rarely eaten. A fad among ] college students for many years was swallowing goldfish as a ] and as an initiation process for ]. The first recorded instance was in 1939 at ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://library.thinkquest.org/3205/SwalG.html | title=Swallowing Goldfish | accessdate=2006-07-21}}</ref> The practice gradually fell out of popularity over the course of several decades and is no longer continued.


==See also== ==See also==
* ]
* ] - different types of aquariums
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ] - other members of carp family
* ] for plant species compatible with a goldfish

==Notes==
<div class="references-small">
<references />
</div>


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
*{{ITIS|ID=163350|taxon=Carassius auratus|year=2004|date=5 October}}
*{{FishBase_species_alt|ID=271|taxon=Carassius auratus auratus|year=2004|month=September}}
*
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==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons|Carassius auratus}} {{Commons|Carassius auratus}}
* {{ITIS |id=163350 |taxon=Carassius auratus |access-date=5 October 2004}}
* {{FishBase_species alt|ID=271|taxon=Carassius auratus auratus|year=2004|month=September}}
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207015905/https://goldfishmania.com/goldfish-types/ |date=2022-12-07 }}&nbsp;— Description of 50 plus varieties of goldfish with pictures
* &nbsp;— Photographs and descriptions of the different goldfish varieties


{{Goldfish breeds}}
===Varieties===
{{Portal bar|Fish|Marine Life|Animals|Biology}}
* - Hobbyists web site that provides information on goldfish standards, goldfish varieties and goldfish care.
{{Taxonbar|from=Q123141}}
*Goldfish varieties:
{{Authority control}}
* - Photographs and descriptions of the different goldfish varieties
* - A resource on the genetics of the goldfish with a focus on the originator, crucian carp, and how their basic genetic package gave rise to the varieties of modern goldfish.


]
===Care===
]
* - A website dedicated to the care of goldfish with a forum, pictures, information and a friendly community.
]
* Great information about caring for goldfish
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*]
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===Other===
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Latest revision as of 01:22, 22 December 2024

Freshwater fish common in aquariums

This article is about the fish species. For other uses, see Goldfish (disambiguation).

Goldfish
Conservation status

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Subfamily: Cyprininae
Genus: Carassius
Species: C. auratus
Binomial name
Carassius auratus
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms
List of synonyms
    • Carassius discolor (Basilewsky, 1855)
    • Carassius burgeri (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
    • Carassius coeruleus (Basilewsky, 1855)
    • Carassius encobia (Bonaparte, 1845)
    • Carassius grandoculis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
    • Carassius pekinensis (Basilewsky, 1855)
    • Cyprinus auratus (Linnaeus, 1758)
    • Cyprinus gibelioides (Cantor, 1842)
    • Cyprinus mauritianus (Bennett, 1832)
    • Cyprinus chinensis (Gronow, 1854)
    • Cyprinus maillardi (Guichenot)
    • Cyprinus nigrescens (Günther, 1868)
    • Cyprinus thoracatus (Valenciennes 1842)
    • Neocarassius ventricosus (Castelnau, 1872)
Goldfish
Chinese金鱼
Literal meaning"gold fish"
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyinjīnyú
Feral goldfish found in Essex County, Ontario.
Carassius auratus by Alexander Francis Lydon.

The goldfish (Carassius auratus) is a freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae of order Cypriniformes. It is commonly kept as a pet in indoor aquariums, and is one of the most popular aquarium fish. Goldfish released into the wild have become an invasive pest in parts of North America and Australia.

Native to China, the goldfish is a relatively small member of the carp family (which also includes the Prussian carp and the crucian carp). It was first selectively bred for color in imperial China more than 1,000 years ago, where several distinct breeds 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).

History

painting of many swimming fish, mostly in shades of tan
Three goldfish from Fish Swimming Amid Falling Flowers, a Song dynasty painting by Liu Cai (c. 1080–1120)
Male Prussian Carp (Carassius gibelio) showing lots of epithelial tubercles which appear at spawning time.
A drawing in brown ink on an ocher background. A rectangular glass aquarium tank sits on a wooden stand with carved, curled legs, and contains two fish as well as plants with wavy grass-like leaves.
An aquarium of the 1850s of the type that contained Goldfish among other coldwater species.
Ryukin goldfish, Plate XIX in Goldfish and Their Culture in Japan, by Shinno suke Matsubara.

Various species of carp (collectively known as Asian carp) have been bred and reared as food fish for thousands of years in East Asia. Some of these normally gray or silver species have a tendency to produce red, orange, or yellow color mutations; this was first recorded in Imperial China, during the Jin dynasty (266–420).

During the Tang dynasty (AD 618–907), it was popular to raise carp in ornamental ponds and water gardens. A natural genetic mutation produced gold (actually yellowish orange) rather than silver coloration. People began to selectively 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.

By the Song dynasty (AD 960–1279), the selective domestic breeding of goldfish was firmly established. In 1162, the empress 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.

During the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), goldfish also began to be raised indoors, which permitted selection for mutations that would not be able to survive in ponds. The first occurrence of -tailed goldfish was recorded in the Ming dynasty. In 1603, goldfish were introduced to Japan. In 1611, goldfish were introduced to Portugal and from there to other parts of Europe.

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 to North America around 1850 and quickly became popular in the United States.

Biology

Taxonomy

Crucian Carp (Carassius carassius), around 6 months old, 7 cm, from Haarlem, Netherlands.

There has been considerable debate about the taxonomy of the goldfish. Previously, the goldfish was believed to be either a subspecies of the crucian carp (Carassius carassius), or of the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio). However, modern genetic sequencing has suggested otherwise, and that modern goldfish are domesticated varieties of C. auratus that are native to Southern China. C. auratus are differentiated from other Carassius species by several characteristics. C. auratus have a more pointed snout, while the snout of C. 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. In C. 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 can hybridize with some other Carassius species of carp. Koi and common 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). The size of pet goldfish depends upon its breed.

As of April 2008, the largest goldfish in the world was believed by the BBC to measure 19 inches (48 cm), in the Netherlands. At the time, a goldfish named "Goldie", kept as a pet in a tank in Folkestone, 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. 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". In July 2010, a goldfish measuring 16 inches (41 cm) and 5 pounds (2.3 kg) was caught in a pond in Poole, England, thought to have been abandoned there after outgrowing a tank. 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 in Greenville, South Carolina, while conducting a population survey of Oak Grove Lake.

Vision

As a domestic fish, thus an easily accessible model organism, goldfish have one of the most studied senses of vision in fishes. Goldfish have four kinds of cone cells, which are respectively sensitive to different colors: red, green, blue and ultraviolet. The ability to distinguish between four different primary colors classifies them as tetrachromats.

Hearing

Goldfish have one of the most studied senses of hearing in fish. They have two otoliths, permitting the detection of sound particle motion, and Weberian ossicles connecting the swim bladder to the otoliths, facilitating the detection of sound pressure.

Reproduction

Goldfish eggs.
Newly hatched goldfish fry (Ryukin).

Goldfish can only grow to sexual maturity with enough water and the right nutrition. Most goldfish breed in captivity, particularly in pond settings. Breeding usually happens after a significant temperature change, often in spring. Males chase gravid female goldfish (females carrying eggs), and prompt them to release their eggs by bumping and nudging them.

Goldfish, like all cyprinids, are egg-layers. Their eggs are adhesive and attach to aquatic vegetation, typically dense plants such as Cabomba or Elodea or a spawning mop. The eggs hatch within 48 to 72 hours.

Within a week or so, the fry 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.

Some highly selectively 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. In captivity, adults may also eat young that they encounter.

Respiration

Goldfish are able to survive short periods of entirely anoxic conditions. Survival is shorter under higher temperatures, suggesting that this is a cold weather adaptation. Researchers speculate that this is specifically an adaptation to survival in frozen water bodies over winter.

Energy is obtained from liver glycogen. This process depends upon a pyruvate decarboxylase – the first known in vertebrates.

Salinity

Although they are a freshwater fish, goldfish have been found in brackish water with a salinity of 17.

Behavior

Goldfish are gregarious, displaying schooling 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 a generalist species with varied feeding, breeding, and predator 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 during breeding. 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 possible starvation 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 strong associative learning abilities, as well as social learning skills. In addition, their visual acuity allows them to distinguish 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.

Goldfish that have constant visual contact with humans also stop 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 a memory-span of at least three months and can distinguish between different shapes, colors, and sounds. By using positive reinforcement, goldfish can be trained to recognize and to react to light signals of different colors or to perform tricks. Fish respond to certain colors most evidently in relation to feeding. Fish learn to anticipate feedings provided they occur at around the same time every day.

Classification

Western

Main article: List of goldfish varieties

As with many other examples of animal, 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, and fin and eye configurations. Some extreme versions of the goldfish live only in aquariums—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. The vast majority of goldfish breeds today originated from China. Some of the main varieties are:

Common goldfish Black Telescope Bubble Eye
Common Goldfish come in a variety of colors including red, orange, "gold", white, black, and yellow ('lemon') goldfish. The Black Telescope is a black-colored variant of telescope goldfish that has a characteristic pair of protruding eyes. It is also referred to as popeye, moor, kuro-demekin in Japan and dragon-eye in China. The small Bubble Eye has no dorsal fin and upward pointing eyes accompanied by two large fluid-filled sacs.
Celestial Eye Comet Fantail
The Celestial eye goldfish or Choten gan has a double tail and a breed-defining pair of upturned, telescope eyes with pupils gazing skyward. The comet or comet-tailed goldfish is a single-tailed variety in the United States. It is similar to the common goldfish, except slightly smaller and slimmer, and is mainly distinguished by its long, deeply forked tail. The Fantail goldfish is the western form of the Ryukin and possesses an egg-shaped body, a high dorsal fin, a long quadruple caudal fin, and no shoulder hump.
Lionhead Oranda Pearlscale
The lionhead has a hood. This fish is the precursor to the ranchu. The oranda is characterised by a prominent raspberry-like hood (also known as wen or head growth) that encases the whole head and some with the entire face, except for the eyes and mouth. The pearlscale or chinshurin in Japanese, is spherical-bodied with finnage similar to the fantail and veiltail. Its scales are protruded into white domes that resemble pearls.
Pompom Ryukin Shubunkin
The Pompoms, pompons or hanafusa have bundles of loose fleshy outgrowths between the nostril, called nasal boquettes, on each side of the head. The ryukin has a short, deep body with a characteristic shoulder hump. The Japanese shubunkin (朱文金) (translated literally as "red brocade") have a single tail with nacreous scales, and a pattern known as calico.
Telescope Ranchu Panda Telescope
The telescope is characterized by its protruding eyes. It is also known as the globe eye or dragon eye goldfish. The Japanese ranchu is hooded. The Japanese refer to it as the "king of goldfish". The panda telescope is another colored variant of telescope goldfish.
Veiltail Butterfly tail Meteor goldfish
The veiltail 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. The butterfly tail moor or butterfly telescope is of the telescope-eye lineage, with twin broad tails best viewed from above. The spread of the caudal fins resembles butterflies underwater. The meteor goldfish is a strange-looking variety that has been developed by specialist breeders of goldfish. It has no tail fin, hence its name.
Lionchu Egg-fish goldfish Shukin
The Lionchu or lionhead-ranchu is a goldfish that has resulted from crossbreeding lionheads and ranchus. The egg-fish goldfish is a goldfish that lacks a dorsal fin and has a pronounced egg-shaped body. The Shukin is a Ranchu-like goldfish developed from Ranchus and Orandas at the end of the 19th century in Japan.
Curled-gill goldfish Tamasaba Tosakin
The Curled-gill or Reversed-gill goldfish is another uncommon variety of goldfish that has been developed by specialist enthusiasts. It owes its name to the out-turned appearance of its gill covers. The Tamasaba or Sabao is an uncommon Japanese variety of goldfish with a body shaped similar to the Ryukin and a very long, flowing, single tail that is similar to that of a comet goldfish, hence its other name, comet-tail ryukin. The Tosakin 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.
White Telescope Jikin
The White telescope is a white variant of telescope goldfish that has a white body and a characteristic pair of protruding eyes. The Jikin is a breed of wakin-like goldfish developed in Japan.

Chinese

Chinese tradition classifies goldfish into four main types. These classifications are not commonly used in the West.

  • Crucian (also called "grass") — Goldfish without anatomical features, similar to Crucian carp or grass 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.
  • Dragon Eye — Goldfish having extended eyes, e.g., black moor, bubble eye, and telescope eye
  • Egg — Goldfish having no dorsal fin, usually with an 'egg-shaped' body, e.g., lionhead. This group includes a bubble eye without a dorsal fin.

Cultivation

Pool Fisheries, a goldfish farm in Lonoke, Arkansas
Goldfish by Henri Matisse, 1912

In aquaria

Like most species in the carp family, goldfish produce a large amount of waste both in their feces and through their gills, releasing harmful chemicals into the water. Buildup of this waste to toxic 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 much oxygen diffuses and dissolves into the water. A general rule is have 1 square foot (0.093 m). Active aeration by way of a water pump, filter or fountain effectively increases the surface area agitation.

The goldfish is classified as a coldwater fish, and can live in unheated aquaria 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 fight protozoan infestations by accelerating the parasite's life cycle—thus eliminating it more quickly. The optimum temperature for goldfish is between 20 and 22 °C (68 and 72 °F).

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. The lifespan of goldfish in captivity can extend beyond 10 years.

If left in the dark for a period of time, goldfish gradually change color until they are almost gray. Goldfish produce pigment in response to light, similarly to how human skin becomes tanned in the sun. Fish have cells called chromatophores 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.

Because goldfish eat live plants, their presence in a planted aquarium can be problematic. Only a few aquarium plant species, such as Cryptocoryne and Anubias, can survive around goldfish, but they require special attention so that they are not uprooted.

In ponds

Coldwater goldfish pond in Bury, England
Red 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 or water garden, they may even survive for brief periods if ice forms on the surface, as long as there is enough oxygen 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 include rudd, tench, orfe and koi, but the last require specialized care. Ramshorn snails are helpful by eating any algae that grows in the pond. Without some form of animal population control, goldfish ponds can easily become overstocked. Fish such as orfe 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. 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 an invasive species.

Feeding

On a blue background, two large light red wafers at the upper left, a light gray compressed cube at the upper right, small brown pellets at the middle left, and, at the middle right and bottom, various yellow-green and red flakes
Various types of prepared fish food
See also: Fish food

In the wild, the diet of goldfish consists of crustaceans, insects, and various plant matter. Like most fish, they are opportunistic feeders and do not stop eating on their own accord. Overfeeding can be deleterious to their health, typically by blocking the intestines. This happens most often with selectively bred goldfish, which have a convoluted intestinal tract. When excess food is available, they produce more waste and feces, partly due to incomplete protein digestion. Overfeeding can sometimes be diagnosed by observing feces trailing from the fish's cloaca.

Goldfish-specific food has less protein and more carbohydrate than conventional fish food. Enthusiasts may supplement this diet with shelled peas (with outer skins removed), blanched green leafy vegetables, and bloodworms. Young goldfish benefit from the addition of brine shrimp to their diet. As with all animals, goldfish preferences vary.

For mosquito control

Like some other well-known aquarium fish, such as the guppy and mosquitofish, goldfish (and other carp) are frequently added to stagnant bodies of water in an attempt to reduce mosquito populations, which spread the vectors of diseases such as West Nile virus, malaria, and dengue. However, introducing goldfish has often had negative consequences for local ecosystems, and their efficacy as pest control has never been compared to those of native fishes.

Market

The market for live goldfish and other crucian carp usually imported from China was $1.2 million in 2018. Some high quality varieties cost between $125 and $300.

Welfare concerns

View from above of children gathered around a pale blue rectangular tub filled with many small orange fish swimming in water. A girl at the top of the scene leans over the tub, with a pink scoop in her right hand and a white bowl in her left hand.
The Japanese game of goldfish scooping

Fishbowls are detrimental to the health of goldfish and are prohibited by animal welfare legislation in several municipalities. 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.

Goldfish kept in bowls or "mini-aquariums" suffer from death, disease, and stunting, due primarily to the low oxygen and very high ammonia/nitrite levels inherent in such an environment. 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; 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 and fair operators commonly give goldfish away in plastic bags as prizes. In late 2005 Rome banned the use of goldfish and other animals as carnival prizes. Rome has also banned the use of "goldfish bowls", on animal cruelty grounds, as well as Monza, Italy, in 2004. In the United Kingdom, the government proposed banning this practice as part of its Animal Welfare Bill, though this has since been amended to only prevent goldfish being given as prizes to unaccompanied minors.

In Japan, during summer festivals and religious holidays (ennichi), a traditional game called goldfish scooping is played, in which a player scoops goldfish from a basin with a special scooper. Sometimes bouncy balls are substituted for goldfish.

Although edible and closely related to some fairly widely eaten species, goldfish are rarely eaten. A fad among American college students for many years was swallowing goldfish as a stunt and as a fraternity initiation process. The first recorded instance was in 1939 at Harvard University. 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.

In popular culture

See also: The Golden-Headed Fish, The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish, and The Gold-Children
Goldfish is one of the items used among the Haft-sin symbols of Nowruz. These are related to elements of Fire, Earth, Air, Water, and the three life forms of Humans, Animals and Plants.

In Chinese history, goldfish was seen "as a symbol of luck and fortune". Moreover, only members of the Song dynasty could own goldfish. In Iran and among the international Iranian diaspora, goldfish is a traditional part of Nowruz celebrations. Goldfish are usually placed on Haft-sin tables as a symbol of progress.

See also

References

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External links

Breeds of goldfish
Portals:
Taxon identifiers
Carassius auratus
Categories: