Paws for photos

Gold Fish – Carassius auratus

The goldfish, Carassius auratus, was one of the earliest fish to be domesticated, and is still one of the most commonly kept aquarium fish and water garden fish. A relatively small member of the carp family, the goldfish is a domesticated version of a dark-gray/brown carp native to East Asia. It was first domesticated in China[1] and introduced to Europe in the late 17th century. Goldfish can grow to a maximum length of 23 inches (59 cm) and a maximum weight of 9.9 pounds (4.5 kg), although this is rare; few goldfish reach even half this size. The oldest recorded goldfish lived to 49 years,[2] but most household goldfish generally live only six to eight years, due to being kept in bowls.

Selective breeding over centuries has produced several color variations, some of them far removed from the “golden” color of the originally domesticated fish. Goldfish may also lose their “golden” color, or rather any goldfish color, by varying the spectrum in which the goldfish is kept under, which causes the scales to gradually change color (i.e. black to orange). There are also different body shapes, fin and eye configurations. Some extreme versions of the goldfish need to be kept in an aquarium — they are much less hardy than varieties closer to the “wild” original. However, some variations are hardier, such as the Shubunkin.The main goldfish varieties are: Black Moor, Bubble eye, Butterfly tail, Calico, Celestial eye, Comet, Common, Fantail, Lionch