Goldfish, also called gold crucian carp, ranks as one of the most popular fish kept in home aquariums. It belongs to the carp family. People have bred domestic goldfish for hundreds of years.
Wild goldfish generally range in color from olive-brown to bronze or silver. They measure 5 to 7 1/2 inches (13 to 19 centimeters) long. These fish live in slow-flowing lakes, ponds, and rivers. Their diet includes plants, insects, and such small crustaceans as shrimp.
Domestic goldfish consist of about 100 varieties. They range in color from gold to white, red, black, purple, and yellow. Many of these goldfish have unusual features, including expanded fins, enlarged eyes, or egg-shaped bodies. Domestic goldfish measure in length from 2 or 3 inches (5 or 8 centimeters) to almost 2 feet (60 centimeters). The largest varieties can weigh 6 1/2 pounds (3 kilograms) or more.
Most goldfish in home aquariums live for about 5 years. However, those kept under ideal conditions may survive 20 years or longer. The oldest known goldfish have reached over 40 years of age.
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Goldfish require little care compared with many pets. Owners should use a container with straight sides instead of a curved bowl. A straight-sided container provides more surface for the absorption of oxygen from the air. Goldfish can tolerate a range of water temperatures, but they seem to do best at about 65 °F (18 °C). Do not let the temperature exceed 80 °F (27 °C), and do not expose the goldfish to extreme temperature changes. Keep the tank clean and free of such toxic chemicals as chlorine. Many cities use chlorine to purify tap water. If chlorinated tap water is left to stand for 24 hours, the chlorine will leave the water and the goldfish can safely be added. Feed young, active goldfish twice a day. Feed older goldfish only once a day. Give only as much food as the fish can eat in a few minutes. Owners should use commercially prepared fish food, occasionally supplementing that food with plant material. See Aquarium, Home.
Domestic goldfish developed from the wild crucian carp, which is native to China and other parts of Asia. Over 1,000 years ago, the Chinese began keeping this species in ponds. They later bred goldfish for different color varieties. The Japanese have helped create many of the domestic types seen today.
See also Carp.
