Gold Fish Care

History of GoldFish

Goldfish is the domesticated subspecies of Carassius auratus, the gibel carp is endemic to China and shows a wide range of morphological variation when raised in different environments. Goldfish are an intrinsic part of Chinese culture. They are depicted in a number of things ranging from silk and paintings to ceramics and jade carvings. In the 17th century, Goldfish popularity spread to the world with the fish being exported to Japan, Portugal and Holland. Goldfish were exported to America in the late 19th century.

Natural Habitat

Wild Goldfish, when it's in native conditions require minimum temperature of 10°C to 32°C to survive. They live in rivers,streams, ponds, lakes, ditches and even in stagnant water.

Size and Weight

Wild Goldfish grows up to a length of 30 cm. They weigh 2.5 kg and live between 2 and 10 years.

Mutations

The Chinese have kept Goldfish as pets for centuries. Breeders for almost 2000 years have successfully brought about new species of the fish through genetic mutations. This was primarily done to tickle man's fancy. But later, as experiments to test the goldfish's genetic potential. A list of milestones in breeding experiments is given below:
In the Chun dynasty (between the 3rd and 5th century AD), breeders first recorded the gold color on the scales of this fish.

• Between the 12th and the 13th century, during the reign of the Nan Song dynasty, goldfish became common pets. For the first time, white and red-and-white colors were noticed.
• During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) goldfish made their way into the Chinese homes. They were put inside glass bowls. This led to a number of mutations, of species that wouldn't have otherwise survived in ponds.
• In 1590, the Red-capped mutation of Goldfish was observed and in 1592, Globe Eyes were recorded.
• The mutation in 1596 recorded matt scales and calico coloration. Goldfish now became the fish of common man.
• During the Chun dynasty (between the 17th and 20th century), exotic breed of Goldfish were recorded. These include the bronze and blue Goldfish.
• Between the late 19th and the early 20th century, a number of new species were recorded. These include Oranda/Tigerhead
  (in 1893), Pompon, Comet, Veiltail and Pearl scale (early 1900s), Shubunkin (early 20th century), Bubble eye (1908), Curled
  operculum (1911).

Mutations that occur naturally in the wild are not all that strong and the new species has a tendency to slip back to the original wild variety when further bred. Mutations bred in captivity are dominant.