The Goldfish is one of the most common fish kept in a bowl or tank. Most children have these as their first attempt at a fish. This freshwater fish is actually a domesticated Carp. The goldfish started in China when they started to breed their less colorful carp for fish food over 1000 years ago. Many more breeds have been created that vary in almost all colors, shape and size.

The pro to keeping a goldfish is that most species do not require heat. This makes a fishbowl an easy thing for a child to keep. Keeping your house thermostat between 68 and 72 is the prime temperature for most goldfish. Goldfish need light, if they are left in the dark for long periods of time you might notice your “gold” fish has turned “grey”. They have pigments in their scales just like we have pigment in our skin. Goldfish will eat plants, so a plastic plant or two for decoration is your safest choice.

Goldfish will breed in captivity and usually when the seasons change from cold to warm (in the spring). The male will chase the female, trying to get them to release their eggs by bumping into them. The Goldfish is an egg layer. The female will attach her eggs to any plants in the tank, and within 48-72 hours the fry will emerge.

Goldfish are known to have a memory of at least 3 months. Scientist also believe that a goldfish has learning skills including social skills. They can recognize their owners by begging for food or if it’s someone they don’t know, hide behind plants in their tank.

Since there are over 300 recorded breeds, I will just introduce a few more common breeds:
Common Goldfish
Black Moor
Bubble Eye
Comet
Fantail
Lionhead
Butterfly Tail


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