Page 334 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

332 POND FISH DIRECTORY

GOLDFISH

Undoubtedly the most widely kept of all fish,
goldfish exist in a far wider range of colors
than their name implies. Goldfish are suitable
for both home aquariums and ponds, although
the different color forms vary in terms of
their hardiness, and not all are suited to
being kept outdoors all year in temperate
areas. Goldfish are members of the carp
family, but unlike most fish in this group,
they lack any barbels around the mouth.
This characteristic allows them to be
distinguished at a glance from koi.

Common Goldfish (Carassius auratus) can become tame in both
pond and aquarium surroundings. They may live for more than
40 years—far longer than most other pond and aquarium fish.

Carassius auratus
Common Goldfish Good specimens display body symmetry, with Pinkish coloration Backward-
produced by blood
pointing
even curves on the upper and lower body. vessels dorsal fin
This is not only the most popular goldfish variety A short, broad caudal peduncle and a wide,
but also the hardiest and potentially the largest. slightly forked caudal fin make common goldfish
It occurs in a range of colors, but solid strong swimmers. These fish can survive in
(“self-colored”) fish are usually preferred. frozen ponds for short periods, provided the
water is deep enough for them to avoid
becoming trapped in the ice itself.
Red-and-White Regular pattern
Common Goldfish of scales
The white areas
of these variably White Common Goldfish This variety, sometimes called
patterned fish have the Pearl, is less popular than its colored cousin, but it
a silvery sheen. proves to be equally hardy.
Obvious Orange extends
gill cover to the fins

Even body coloration
Common Goldfish These fish vary from yellow through
bright orange to a deep blood-red. In exceptional
circumstances, they may reach over 24 in (60 cm) long.
ORIGINS Asia, originally from SIZE Highly variable; often DIET Goldfish food (flakes WATER Temperature 50–77°F TEMPERAMENT Relatively
waterways in southern China. exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds. or pellets) and live foods. (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0). social, but does not shoal.

US_332-333_Goldfish_1.indd 332 29/08/18 4:11 PM