[Ebook] Encyclopedia of Aquarium & Pond Fish – Directory of Pond Fish – Goldfish

Directory of Pond Fish

Goldfish

Undoubtedly the most widely kept of all fish, goldfish exist in a far wider range of colors than their name implies. Goldfish are suitable for both home aquariums and ponds, although the different color forms vary in terms of their hardiness, and not all are suited to being kept outdoors all year in temperate areas. Goldfish are members of the carp family, but unlike most fish in this group, they lack any barbels around the mouth. This characteristic allows them to be distinguished at a glance from koi.

Common Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

This is not only the most popular goldfish variety but also the hardiest and potentially the largest. It occurs in a range of colors, but solid (“self-colored”) fish are usually preferred.

Good specimens display body symmetry, with even curves on the upper and lower body. A short, broad caudal peduncle and a wide, slightly forked caudal fin make common goldfish strong swimmers. These fish can survive in frozen ponds for short periods, provided the water is deep enough for them to avoid becoming trapped in the ice itself.

• Red-and-White Common Goldfish The white areas of these variably patterned fish have a silvery sheen.
• White Common Goldfish This variety, sometimes called the Pearl, is less popular than its colored cousin, but it proves to be equally hardy.
• Common Goldfish These fish vary from yellow through bright orange to a deep blood-red. In exceptional circumstances, they may reach over 24 in (60 cm) long.

Comet (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

This elegant variety originated in the United States during the late 1800s. It is distinguished by its slim, streamlined body and its deeply forked caudal fin, which should be longer than the body when fully extended. Comets are usually variegated in color; the most popular variety is the Sarasa, which is easily recognizable by the deep red-and-white patterning extending over the body and fins. Comets are active by nature and require a spacious aquarium if kept indoors. They will thrive in pond surroundings, although they may prove vulnerable to fin congestion during periods of severe cold weather.

• Comet The Comet’s caudal and dorsal fins are greatly enlarged. This individual displays some chocolate body patterning.
• Sarasa Orange may replace the more common red color of these fish. The variegated patterning differs widely between individuals.

PIGMENTATION AND SHEEN

The protective scales on a goldfish form part of the outer layer of the body known as the epidermis. Beneath this is a layer called the dermis, which itself overlies layers of fat and muscle. Distributed among these layers are the pigments that give goldfish their vibrant skin colors. These include reddish-orange and yellow pigments known as lipochromes, and melanin, a black pigment. Lipochromes usually occur in the upper layers, but the location of the black pigment is more variable. If melanin is present just below the scales, the goldfish looks jet black; if located in the lower layers, the fish looks blue (for example, the Blue Pom-Pon, bottom right).

When both types of pigment are present in different layers, this creates chocolate or coppery shades. A goldfish that completely lacks pigmentation is silvery in color. Another factor influencing the appearance of goldfish is the presence in the dermis of cells known as iridocytes. These cells are normally distributed over the entire body, giving goldfish, such as the Blue Pom-Pon, a shiny appearance. However, the upper iridocytes are missing in some goldfish varieties. In such cases, the lower level of cells has a direct effect on the appearance of the goldfish, resulting in a kind of mother-of-pearl sheen. Such individuals are described as nacreous. Shubunkins, for example, are nacreous goldfish (see p.335). When the iridocytes are totally absent, a matt appearance results, as typified by the Black Moor shown above.

ORIGINS AND ANCESTRY

Goldfish are descended from carp that were kept in China about 1,700 years ago. The first records of orange-marked carp date back to 300 CE, but it was only from around 800 CE, during the Sung Dynasty, that people started to breed these colorful cyprinids for ornamental purposes. Goldfish feature prominently in Oriental literature and many other forms of art, including ceramics, and it is possible to track their early development from such sources.

Ancestral lines displaying many of the features seen in today’s varieties, including telescope-eyes, were well established by 1600, as were numerous color variants, including some with variegated coloring. The different body shapes and fin types that characterize many of the modern varieties were also beginning to emerge by the early 17th century. Goldfish were imported to Japan in the 16th century, where still more varieties were bred, but it was to be another 200 years before they became available in the West. They soon became highly sought after, as the pond fish of first choice for the estates of the European aristocracy and were kept in decorative bowls in grand houses. Rather surprisingly, they did not reach North America until 1874. Nevertheless, their popularity grew so rapidly that the first commercial goldfish breeding farm was established in the United States just 15 years later.

Shubunkin (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

This popular variety is very close in appearance to the Common Goldfish. This is especially so in the case of the London Shubunkin, which has an identical body and differs only in terms of the arrangement of its iridocytes. This particular variety was developed by London breeders during the 1920s, by which time enthusiasts in the U.S. had already created the long-tailed American Shubunkin. In due course, the two varieties were crossed by breeders of the Bristol Aquarist Society in western England, creating the Bristol Shubunkin—a very distinctive and different form with large, flowing lobes on its caudal fin, which must not be allowed to droop. Shubunkin coloration is generally very variable, but the orange areas tend to be paler than those of Common Goldfish. They may also display dark speckling, as well as bluish shades that range from pale-whitish through to violet. Darkly marked Shubunkins are highly attractive when seen at close range, but they are less conspicuous in ponds unless the water is particularly clear.

• London Shubunkin This is the most commonly seen form of the Shubunkin, with a caudal fin resembling that of the Common Goldfish.
• Bristol Shubunkin This form has rounded lobes on its caudal fin. Enthusiasts strive to breed this and other goldfish varieties to prescribed exhibition standards.
• American Shubunkin The caudal fin lobes of this variety are much narrower than those of the Bristol Shubunkin; they are tapering rather than rounded in shape.

 

Pearlscale (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

This ancient Chinese variety can be identified by its rotund body, double caudal fins, and pearl-like markings on the sides of its body. Each scale has a raised whitish center, making it look as if a pearl is embedded in it. The variegated redand-white form is the most common Pearlscale, but there is also a nacreous variety (see p.333) that resembles the Shubunkin in coloration. Pearlscales are not strong swimmers and are usually kept in aquariums rather than ponds, where their distinctive appearance is easier to appreciate.

• Chocolate Pearlscale The depth of chocolate coloration can vary from reddish-brown to a much darker brown.
• Variegated Pearlscale The pearl-like markings are evident on this goldfish, even against the white areas of the body. These goldfish do not grow especially large.

Ryukin (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

The most obvious feature of this goldfish is the hump between the dorsal fin and the head. The body is relatively short and deep, the dorsal fin is tall, and the elongated caudal fin is divided to form a double tail. Ryukins are generally brightly colored, with a deep-red-and-white coloration being the preferred form. The markings on these goldfish should be symmetrical as far as possible. Chocolate (coppery) individuals are often recognized as a separate form, the Tetsuonaga, especially in Japan. Tetsuonagas have a reputation for both hardiness and the quality of their fin shape, so they are useful in Ryukin breeding. The Ryukin is named after Japan’s Ryukyu Islands, where the ancestors of this goldfish were first introduced from China.

• Calico Ryukin Nacreous patterning (see p.333) is not common in doubletailed goldfish but is seen in the Ryukin. Calico Ryukins often have bold, contrasting markings.
• Orange-and-White Ryukin Ryukins have either normal eyes, as shown in this largely orange form, or, occasionally, telescope-eyes.

Wakin (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

This form displays a variegated pattern of orange and white body markings. The vibrantly colored areas, which can vary from yellow through to reddish-orange, should extend around the body so that the white areas do not predominate. Purewhite Wakins, which occasionally occur, are not favored by breeders. Although the reflective metallic form is the most common, a nacreous variety (see p.333) also exists. The Wakin has a body shape similar to the Common Goldfish, but it can be instantly distinguished by its double caudal fin. Wakins are lively by nature and grow rapidly; fish reared in ponds can reach 8 in (20 cm) in length by three years of age.

Jikin (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

Descended from Japanese Wakin stock, the Jikin is often known in the West as the Peacock Tail. The raised upper lobes of its double caudal fin form an X-shape when viewed from behind. The Jikin’s body should be mainly silvery, with red areas restricted to the fins and around the lips. However, breeding Jikins with this desired arrangement of markings and a well-balanced caudal fin shape always proves difficult, even when the parent fish are both well marked and from a long-established line.

Black Moor (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

The matt-black color of the Black Moor is highly distinctive, as is its corpulent body shape. This goldfish is a telescope-eye variety, with eyes extending out from the sides of the head. The Black Moor is a selective color form of the Veiltail (see p.339). Although developed in the UK, it is now kept worldwide. These fish are not very hardy and are better suited to an aquarium than an outdoor pond, especially through the winter (in temperate areas). Their coloration makes for an attractive contrast with brightly colored goldfish.

FEEDING BEHAVIOR OF GOLDFISH

Although many of the foods marketed for goldfish float, and therefore encourage these cyprinids to feed at the surface, this is contrary to their instincts. Like their carp ancestors, goldfish are bottom-feeding fish by nature; they scavenge in the substrate for foods such as worms and other invertebrates. This means that they can be fairly destructive to the decor in the aquarium, since they will instinctively dig around in search of edible items. Larger goldfish varieties can move quite considerable amounts of gravel in this way, sometimes concentrating on a particular area of the tank and even digging right down to the undergravel filter. Plants in an aquarium for goldfish should therefore have their bases well protected by rockwork in order to minimize the likelihood that they will be uprooted. This type of behavior is most likely to arise when the fish are hungry and the goldfish may even resort to eating some of the plants in their tank. Substrate digging does not reflect a desire to spawn, as it does in some other fish, notably various cichlids.

Goldfish are unusual in that they lack a stomach at the start of the digestive tract where food can be stored, so they need to eat small quantities of food on a frequent basis. Offering them a large amount of food just once a day will therefore be wasteful and will also lead to a deterioration in water quality as the unwanted food breaks down and pollutes the water. Instead, give them a small amount of food four or five times a day, which will meet their appetite.

There is now a wide range of different goldfish foods available. Some types are designed to be used as growth foods for young goldfish. Others are tailored to suit specific varieties or to enhance particular characteristics, such as to aid the growth of the distinctive hoods seen in Lionheads and Orandas (see p.338). Goldfish in ponds can benefit from wheat-germ foods, which will prove more digestible at lower water temperatures than most other food types.

Lionhead (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

The absence of a dorsal fin is a key feature of the Lionhead. The result is a smooth back that curves gently to the double caudal fin, the curvature accentuated by the fish’s relatively long body. As Lionheads grow older, they develop a distinctive hood that covers the entire head area. This usually starts to become evident at the very top of the head and takes several years to develop to its full extent, when it has a raspberrylike appearance. The hood is more developed in this variety than in any other. Lionheads exist in a wide range of colors, although solid colors such as orange are most commonly seen. They do not thrive at high temperatures, nor are they hardy in temperate areas.

• Red-and-White Lionhead (above) This young fish has yet to develop its hood. Special diets are available to promote the hood’s growth.
• Blue Lionhead When fully grown, the hood should cover the entire head, encircling the eyes. The head has a wide appearance when viewed from above.

Oranda (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

The dorsal fin on the back of an Oranda allows it to be distinguished at a glance from other types of hooded goldfish. The Oranda also has a longer body shape and is a more powerful swimmer. The hood, or wen as it is called in Japan, is normally restricted to the top of the head, extending back over the eyes. In mature individuals, the area between the folds of the hood may appear whitish. Although this can look like a sign of disease, it is actually an accumulation of the protective mucus produced by the fish’s body.

The coloration of these goldfish is sometimes unstable, just as it can be in other hooded varieties. This is particularly true of black-and-orange individuals, in which the orange areas often become more prominent over time.

• Red-Capped Oranda One of the most common Orandas, this silvery variety is a relatively hardy fish. The red patterning on the head will develop to form the hood.
• Blue Oranda In this increasingly popular color variety, the underparts are usually a lighter shade

Ranchu (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

Sporting a hood similar to the Lionhead’s, the Ranchu is the Japanese counterpart of that ancient Chinese breed. The Ranchu can be differentiated from the Lionhead by its shorter, more steeply curved body. As with Lionheads, not all Ranchus display smooth body curvature from head to tail, and an individual with slight humps along its back is considered to be seriously flawed. The double caudal fin may be only partially divided. In Ranchus of the highest quality, the top edge of the caudal fin should ideally form an angle of 90 degrees with the caudal peduncle. Ranchus, which are also known as Buffaloheads, are the most popular Japanese goldfish. Four principal founding lines are recognized, each of which is named after its creator. The dominant variety is the Ishikawa lineage; the others are Sakuri, Uno, and Takahashi. All these forms display a hood, but some lesscommon varieties lack this feature. They include the Osaka Ranchu, named after its city of origin, which also has a more rounded body. Another hoodless variety is the Nankin Ranchu, from the Shimane area of Japan, a silvery-white fish with red gill covers, lips, and fins. In addition, there is the rare Nacreous Ranchu, also called the Edonishiki, in which the hood is poorly developed.

• Red-and-White Ranchu A mature individual with hood growth on the side of the face is described as okame (the name of a Japanese theatrical mask indicating a fat girl)
• Red Ranchu All the Ranchu’s fins are relatively short; the caudal fin is carried high. The hood has yet to develop in the young specimen shown above.
• Black Ranchu This is the darkest variety. Ranchus are not hardy and need to overwinter in aquariums in temperate areas.

Veiltail (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

The elegant fins of the Veiltail are easily damaged, so this goldfish should be housed in a spacious aquarium—free from obstructions such as large rocks—rather than in a pond. The long caudal fin of the Veiltail is fully divided so that it hangs down in folds. The dorsal fin is tall, and in a well-proportioned Veiltail it should match the height of the body. The overall body shape of this variety is rounded rather than elongated.

The anal fin is paired and relatively long and tends to flow vertically when the fish is swimming. In addition to individuals with normal eyes, telescope-eye examples of this variety are not uncommon. The breed was developed from Ryukin stock by American breeders around Philadelphia in the late 1800s.

• Red-Capped Veiltail This fish has a variable reddish area on top of its head. Its fins are semitransparent.
• Bronze Veiltail The Veiltail has been bred in a wide range of colors, including bronze, as seen in this young fish. Even the juveniles display elongated fins.
• Calico Veiltail The nacreous patterning of the Calico Veiltail is highly variable, with darker streaking usually evident in the fins.

Fantail (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

This striking goldfish gets its name from its relatively stiff, double caudal fin, which does not droop. The dorsal fin is also enlarged and is typically about one-third of the fish’s body length. Fantails are probably most closely related to Ryukins, but they differ in having a smooth upper profile, with no sign of a hump. The body shape is longer and less rotund than many other double-tailed varieties. Fantails have been developed in a wide range of colors, and telescope-eye forms have also been bred. This is an adaptable variety, suitable for ponds or aquariums.

• Red Fantail These fish rank among the most popular goldfish. When their fins have a ragged appearance, it is usually an indication of poor environmental conditions.
• Nacreous Fantail Although not often available, this attractive color variant has a pale bluish-white background, coppery orange patches, and dark markings.

Butterfly (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

The tail lobes of these goldfish, when extended and viewed from above, resemble the wings of a butterfly. A good specimen should have a strong caudal fin that does not droop down. The fin also needs to be compact and rounded in shape, rather than tapering to a point. There are no embellishments on the head of the Butterfly; however, the telescope-eye characteristic has been bred into this variety.

It is possible that a number of the fry from a single spawning may develop with one eye being normal and the other telescoped, although such individuals are not favored. Butterflies, which exist in a wide range of color forms, have proved to be relatively hardy goldfish, although care should be taken, as with other fancy varieties, not to expose them to very low water temperatures.

• Panda Butterfly The blackand-white coloration of these goldfish is highly individual, with distinct patches being desirable.
• Chocolate Butterfly An even depth of color is an important feature of this goldfish, which is sometimes called the Copper or Iron-Colored Butterfly.
• Calico Butterfly (right) This is an attractive, lightly marked nacreous variety of the Butterfly.

BREEDING GOLDFISH IN PONDS AND AQUARIUMS

Goldfish can be spawned successfully in both aquariums and ponds. Outdoors, spawning typically occurs in the mornings on warm days. The males chase after the females and nudge at their flanks to encourage them to release their eggs. It is advisable to cover the pond with a net when the fish are likely to spawn, because they often break the surface at this time. The resulting disturbance can attract predators, such as cats, herons, and seagulls.

A special breeding tank is recommended for aquarium fish, which are otherwise likely to eat all their spawn. In a well-planted pond, however, with a good undergrowth of oxygenators, some eggs are likely to survive through to hatching. The female lays 500 tiny eggs at a time, which swell on contact with water and then start to sink. The sticky eggs anchor readily to the leaves of plants and other objects. It is vital that the eggs are fertilized immediately after they are laid, because it will be too late once the eggs have absorbed water and become swollen.

Infertile eggs are soon attacked by fungus. Fertilized eggs hatch in about four days at a temperature of 68°F (20°C), but at 50°F (10°C) hatching takes about two weeks; this delay increases the vulnerability of fertile eggs to fungal attack. Young aquarium fish need to be reared on a suitable fry food once they are freeswimming. Supplementary feeding is not usually required for those hatched in ponds.

• Male goldfish in breeding condition have white swellings on the gill plates. This should not be confused with the disease whitespot (see p.58), which affects the entire body.
• White swellings also extend along the top edge of the pectoral fins in males.

Celestial (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

Selective breeding of the goldfish has brought into being numerous variations in eye shape. The Celestial has eyes that protrude very obviously. They are not on the sides of the head, as in most goldfish, but rather in a semihorizontal plane so that they point upward, as if toward the stars (hence the name). The fry hatch with a normal eye arrangement, but the eyes rotate and shift position soon afterward. The bodies of these goldfish are relatively elongated, and they have slightly curved backs, with no dorsal fins. Both metallic and nacreous forms of the Celestial exist.

• Orange Celestial Rich orange is common in these fish. The eyes should be equal in size and symmetrically positioned.
• Celestial Pom-Pon This unusual form has both the Celestial eye position and the enlarged nasal flaps known as pom-pons (see opposite).

Bubble-Eye (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

This unmistakable variety is characterized by the presence of large, bubblelike sacs under its eyes. As in the case of Celestials, Bubble-Eyes have a long body shape, lack a dorsal fin, and have a double caudal fin. Symmetry is a very important feature of this variety, with the sacs ideally being equal in size and shape.These fluid-filled sacs wobble when the fish swims and become compressed when it searches for food on the floor of the aquarium. In a good specimen, the combined width of the bubbles and head should match that of the body. Bubble-Eyes are suitable only for aquarium surroundings. The tank setup needs to minimize the risk that the fish will damage their bubbles and provide them with plenty of swimming space. Rockwork should not be included, and plants should be restricted to the back and sides of the tank. If a sac is accidentally punctured, it is likely to deflate.

• Black Bubble-Eye The color of the beanshaped sacs under the eyes corresponds to the goldfish’s overall coloration.
• Orange Bubble-Eye The coloration of the bubblelike eye sacs can vary; veins in the sacs are sometimes conspicuous as thin red streaks.
• Calico Bubble-Eye The Calico’s under-eye sacs are often almost transparent, although in some individuals they may display orange or bluish markings.

Telescope-Eye Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

True to its name, this fish has exaggeratedly protruding eyes. Ideally, the eyes should be of equal size, and it is not unusual for them to have a different color from the head. A short, round body and a large dorsal fin are other typical features associated with this breed. If a Telescope-Eye Goldfish is allowed to mate with a goldfish that has normal eyes, all their young will have normal eyes. However, some of their offspring will carry the telescope-eye gene, and when two of these mate together, a small percentage of the resulting fry will display the telescope-eye characteristic.

• Black-and-Gold Telescope-Eye Telescope-Eye Goldfish look as if they are staring intently
• Dragon-Eye The telescope-eye characteristic can be combined with any color variety

Pom-Pon (Carassius auratus)

• ORIGINS: Asia, originally from waterways in southern China.
• SIZE: Highly variable; often exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds.
• DIET: Goldfish food (flakes or pellets) and live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 50–77°F (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0).
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively social, but does not shoal.

The nasal flaps, which are inconspicuous in other goldfish, are greatly enlarged in this variety. Known as pom-pons, the flaps may match the surrounding coloration, or they may be entirely different. It is important that the pom-pons are equal in size on a particular specimen, although they may be larger in some individuals than others. The pom-pon characteristic has been introduced to other breeds, notably the Oranda, Lionhead, and Ranchu. It is not uncommon for mature Pom-Pons to develop a small raised area on top of the head.

• Orange Pom-Pon Pom-Pons can be bred in any color, and the size of the pom-pons can vary considerably.
• Red Magpie Pom-Pon In this color variant, the brilliant orange pom-pons are highlighted by the black around the head.

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