2000 years ago Chinese dynasty domestically breed a fish, scientifically known as Carassius Auratus. Goldfish are omnivores that means they can survive on both plants and animals. In captivity gold fish can survive up to 10 years of age, while in the wild their chances of survival are increased. They can be as tiny as 4.7 inches in length or as big as 16 inches and weighs up to 0.5 pounds but can top five pounds in the wild. Most common among this specie is the Goldfish with big eyes. Because of its unique eyes people find them attractive and keep them as pets.
Origin of Goldfish
Chinese nation is very keen at discovering new aspects of life. Thousands of years ago they thought of making their ponds and aquariums more attractive thus using gold fish as an ornament proved as an excellent idea. It was believed that gold fish brings good luck and was often gifted by royals as a sign of hospitality.
However it was the first foreign fish species seen in Europe in early 1600s and in United States in late 1800s.
Not Always Gold
Gold fish were not always in golden color.
Prussian carp, the ancestors of gold fish were dull gray green. Various mutations and breeding by locals have created an orange, red and yellow pigmented fish known as Gold fish.
General Structure
Gold fish are equipped with multiple sets of paired and unpaired fins. Gold fish does not possess any taste buds and there are no scales present on their heads too. Gold fish use their throat to break the food into small pieces.
Gold fish are unique because of their large eyes and keen ability of smell and hearing, which help them in searching for food.
In The Wild
Gold fish in the wild varies from cute tiny creatures to wild venomous fish. They can carry water borne disease and various parasites.
The fish size depends on its tank capacity or size of pond. Gold fish if given nutritious food, healthy aquatic environment and proper place to swim they can grow bigger.
Releasing pet gold fish into the wild is not recommended because it pollutes the water and make the place overcrowded. Some of the gold fish even eat other fish eggs and destroy vegetation other fish munch on.
An Intelligent, Adaptable Fish
Gold fish are not just an aquatic species. They can adapt to severe climatic changes for instance temperature of the pond, variation in pH, and even low oxygen levels.
Gold fish is a calm and considerate animal hence it can be easily paired with other fish. They are smart creature which can be judged from its ability to differentiate between Bach and Stravinsky’s classical music.
Dietary Habits
In nature goldfish eat small fish, insects and shrimps. While in captivity they usually eat pellet or flake food.
Fun Facts About Goldfish
- The goldfish is the most popular pet fish in the world.
- Scales on its body determines gold fish age.
- They can perceive more colors than human.
- It is a myth that gold fish have 3 second memory.
- Gold fish enjoys music.
- Their taste buds are located on the lips.
- They can recognize face.
- Gold fish can live longer than other domestic fish.
- They can learn different tricks
To sum up Goldfish is an exotic animal which is kept as a pet. Its friendly nature have helped us in discovering much more about its lifestyle. Among various species, gold fish with big eyes is most attractive one. Because of its delicate structure gold fish requires much love and care.
