What is a Goldfish?

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Background

Goldfish originated in China in the Sung Era, approximately 1000 A.D. The Goldfish originated as a natural mutation of the Crucian Carp (Carassius Carassius), which was originally a drab olive color. The orange-red color is the result of a natural mutation, which was selectively bred-for over the years.

Goldfish breeding has taken place in China for over 1,000 years. Goldfish were exported to Japan and Korea sometime around 1500 A.D., and to Europe in the 1600s. Goldfish were exported to the Unites States in 1876, and were shown at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893.

Dr. Matsui, in the Goldfish Guide, posits that the Crucian Carp mutated into the common Goldfish, Carassius Auratus (Hibuna in Japanese), and through a process of natural mutation, the Hibuna mutated into several Goldfish prototypes, including the Wakin (double tailed Goldfish), Ryukin, Demekin, Maruko (prototype of the Lionhead), and Oranda. Later cross-breeding developed further varieties, including the Ranchu, Celestial, Bubble Eye, Comet, Shubunkin, and Pearlscale.

It appears that early mutations were along body types, and special features, and that later selective breeding fixed both the body type and general coloration (red, orange, white, calico, etc.) in Goldfish. © Goldfishpages.com

Size and Lifespan

Goldfish may grow to a maximum length of 23 inches and a maximum weight of 9.9 pounds, although this is rare; few goldfish reach even half this size. In optimal conditions, goldfish may live more than 20 years (the world record is 49 years), but most household goldfish generally live only six to eight years, due to their often being kept in bowls. © muskytrouthatchery.com

Keeping in Ponds

Goldfish are popular pond fish, since they are small, inexpensive, colourful, and very hardy. In a pond, they may even survive if brief periods of ice form on the surface, as long as there is enough oxygen remaining in the water and the pond does not freeze solid.

Common goldfish, London and Bristol shubunkins, jikin, wakin, comet and sometimes fantail can be kept in a pond all year round in temperate and subtropical climates. Moor, veiltail, oranda and lionhead are only safe in the summer.

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