Ornamental Goldfish History

The common but still intriguing goldfish is a familiar sight in home aquariums and is often the first pet that many young children own. Their easy care and cheerful appearance make them a favorite for people of all ages. Goldfish have a long history as an ornamental fish, going back to the ancient Chinese dynasties. Many different species of goldfish are available, which are bred for specific characteristics such as color, eye shape and tail shape.

  1. Origins of Goldfish

    • The ancestor of the commonly known goldfish is the crucian carp, a small fish that originally had an olive-brown or dark gray color, according to the AquaticCommunity website. These fish were gradually bred for the more yellow color during the Song and Tang Dynasties from A.D. 900 to 1100. The royal family was the only ones that could possess the yellow-colored fish by law. Orange types were available to commoners. In 1502, goldfish were introduced to Japan, and by 1611 they had been brought to Portugal. They soon became popular throughout Europe.

    Goldfish Varieties

    • The Chinese often kept goldfish in ponds on their property. As breeding efforts made the fish smaller, people began to keep them in smaller containers, such as jars and small aquariums. Along with breeding efforts to genetically choose for the bright orange color, goldfish were bred to produce long, trailing tail fins, enlarged eyes, multiple colorings and oval-shaped bodies. Some of the varieties available today retain the basic characteristics of the carp shape, while others may have exaggerated features such as large, bulging eyes.

    Goldfish As Pets

    • One of the main reasons for the goldfish̵7;s popularity as ornamental fish and pets over the ages, besides its attractive coloring, is its easy maintenance. Goldfish are cold water fish, which means you do not have to have a heater for the tank. They can be kept in almost any type of container, as long as the water quality is kept free of chemicals and organic contaminants.

    Goldfish Care

    • Goldfish tanks require minimum care, but consistency is important to the health of the fish. Change at least half of the water once each week. Avoid changing all the water at one time, which can shock the goldfish. Goldfish produce a large amount of waste, so regular cleaning is necessary. A filtering system on the tank can help prevent the build-up of organic wastes in the water. Ensure that you remove chlorine from your tap water by using dechlorinating chemicals available at aquarium stores. With good care, goldfish can live for 5 to 6 years.