Goldfish: A Freshwater Fish that Became Domesticated and Popular

Goldfish is a freshwater fish native to East Asia and belonging to the family Cyprinidae. The first time this fish lived in captivity was more than a thousand years ago in China. So many argue that goldfish were the first fish to be domesticated. However, for many centuries this fish was used for human consumption. In the first Chinese dynasties, the first crosses occurred and the first varieties of goldfish appeared.

Goldfish are freshwater fish that were originally native to China, but have now been domesticated and popularized across the world. There are many species of goldfish, such as the common goldfish, comet goldfish, and shubunkin. Read more about how this once wild animal has become so widely known in today’s blog post!

Goldfish

Characteristics of Goldfish

Its varied colors are obtained from careful crossings practiced throughout the world. And it calm temperament makes this one of the most popular fish in aquariums around the world. Its current appearance in captivity has little to do with its wild appearance.  With a much less striking golden gray body and a similar appearance to common carps.

There is a great variety of colors currently. Although the different carps also have different sizes and different compositions of the fins. We are facing a tough fish with a life expectancy of almost 15 and can reach up to 30 years. Provided this breed lives in large schools of fish and in large spaces. The presence of a single fish in an aquarium is totally inadvisable. Since the fish will live in an unhealthy way and will not grow or develop what they should. These fish can grow up to 60 cm in length.

Habitat

The goldfish habitat is the freshwater areas since this type of species will not be found in the ocean. When in captivity ponds are usually created so that they ensure the mobility to which this fish is accustomed to being. Many of the experts say that this type of fish lives better in captivity than in its natural habitat. Although its longevity and weight are not adequate and this species is accustomed to living in this way. The only thing that this fish keeps from its natural environment is the temperature of the water that has to be adequate for it to be able to develop.

Aquarius

They are usually cold-water fish, although they can survive temperatures ranging from 1 to 27 degrees. However, its reproduction is not possible if the temperature oscillates between 22 degrees. The most delicate varieties can not exceed less than 10 degrees. As for the water, it must have a neutral basic slightly alkaline pH, between 7 and 8, with a hardness of 5 to 15 °pH. In terms of size, they are fish that need a lot of space due to their large size.

The smallest varieties need at least 50 liters for each individual. But bigger ones like common goldfish need 100 liters per each. The minimum number of companions who need to be happy is 3 or 4.

Food & Diet

Usually, these fish are omnivores, they can feed on the different plants that live in their environment. In the same way, they complete their diet with other species which makes them carnivores. They come to consume larvae, insects, bacteria, seedlings and even the eggs of other species make the goldfish is considered a predator.

In addition, this breed is quite gluttonous. And if the breeder does not have control over the feeding they can eat even get ill. If it is under the conditions of captivity this species does not have any problem in feeding itself, since it can consume the food for fish. To know the exact amount of food the breeder has to respect the rule of 3 minutes, feed him everything he can eat in 3 minutes.

In addition, the idea is to feed them only twice a week at the most. If there are not many plants in the aquarium it is convenient to introduce vegetables in its diets, such as lettuce, cauliflower, and shrimp. Similarly, it is advisable to include in its diet some sea fleas or bacteria in the water to be consumed by the fish.

Goldfish Behavior

Goldfish are a high prize fish in aquariums around the world due to the gentle nature of the animal. They are very friendly fish and can be in contact with other species, usually in large groups without feeling threatened easily. And when they are in captivity they can get along perfectly with other fish without any problem.

They usually make the creation of colonies within the species so it is very rare to see a goldfish completely alone. In addition, it is usually always in large groups of up to 7 individuals respectively. This breed is also considered a very curious species given that they like to explore the nature that surrounds them in natural situations. You may also like to read Angelfish 

Another feature by which they look for this fish is the ability to adapt to different conditions. They are very resistant animals that present most diseases due to problems with the aquarium. Either because the aquarium is very small, bad filtration, inadequate feeding, overpopulation in little space. But in full conditions, it can live up to 30 years.

Reproduction

In order for the goldfish to reproduce correctly, it is necessary to be surrounded by the best conditions. Be both natural and artificial and in turn have adequate nutrition that needs the same for its growth. Their sexual maturity and the optimal moment to reproduce reach it at two years of age. And this only depends on the length that it has reached during the passage of said time.

Their reproduction is usually not complicated even if they are in captivity because they are usually raised in ponds where this process is very well facilitated. Under these conditions, the maturity of the same occurs when significant changes in temperature. It is usually expected until spring to get this type of reproduction. Goldfish, like the great majority of the family they belong to, are oviparous fish.

This means that their eggs are usually deposited in the vegetation where fertilization has been created. The eggs are yellowish in color and usually stick to the algae for better conservation. The birth of said eggs takes at least 3 days. Everything depends on the temperature of the water that is at that time. At the moment in which said eggs are born these young are independent. And feed on bacteria that are generated in the water until they can fend for themselves.

In general, many young are slow to adopt the characteristics of goldfish in about 1 year. Other species take a little longer to take the characteristic coloration of it.

FAQ

How long does a goldfish live?

The average lifespan of a goldfish is 10 to 15 years. However, the actual lifespan of a goldfish depends on many factors, including the species, size, and quality of care it receives. Some goldfish have been known to live up to 20 years or more with proper care.

Are goldfish easy to take care of?

Yes, goldfish are relatively easy to take care of. They are hardy fish, so they don’t require a lot of special care or attention. As long as you provide them with clean water and the right amount of food, they should be happy and healthy.

What does a goldfish eat?

Goldfish are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. They will typically feed on a variety of live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex worms, and other commercial fish foods. It is important to provide a balanced diet for your goldfish by feeding them a variety of different types of food. In addition to the previously mentioned food sources, you can also feed your goldfish fresh vegetables such as lettuce and spinach. Goldfish can also benefit from occasional treats like cooked peas or boiled potatoes.

Conclusion

We hope you have enjoyed this guide and we’ve helped give you a little more of an understanding of the history of goldfish. Now that you know how to care for your fish, it’s time to take them home and enjoy their company! If there are any other questions or comments about our article please feel free to contact us. Good luck with finding the perfect pet goldfish for your tank!

As a Reference: Wikipedia

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