Opphav til gullfisk
The common but still intriguing goldfish is a familiar sight in home aquariums and is often the first pet that many young children own. Their easy care and cheerful appearance make them a favorite for people of all ages. Goldfish have a long history as an ornamental fish, going back to the ancient Chinese dynasties. Many different species of goldfish are available, which are bred for specific characteristics such as color, eye shape and tail shape.
Gullfiskvarianter
- The ancestor of the commonly known goldfish is the crucian carp, a small fish that originally had an olive-brown or dark gray color, according to the AquaticCommunity website. These fish were gradually bred for the more yellow color during the Song and Tang Dynasties from A.D. 900 to 1100. The royal family was the only ones that could possess the yellow-colored fish by law. Orange types were available to commoners. In 1502, goldfish were introduced to Japan, and by 1611 they had been brought to Portugal. They soon became popular throughout Europe.
Gullfisk som kjæledyr
- The Chinese often kept goldfish in ponds on their property. As breeding efforts made the fish smaller, people began to keep them in smaller containers, such as jars and small aquariums. Along with breeding efforts to genetically choose for the bright orange color, goldfish were bred to produce long, trailing tail fins, enlarged eyes, multiple colorings and oval-shaped bodies. Some of the varieties available today retain the basic characteristics of the carp shape, while others may have exaggerated features such as large, bulging eyes.
Gullfisk pleie
- One of the main reasons for the goldfish's popularity as ornamental fish and pets over the ages, besides its attractive coloring, is its easy maintenance. Goldfish are cold water fish, which means you do not have to have a heater for the tank. They can be kept in almost any type of container, as long as the water quality is kept free of chemicals and organic contaminants.