Modern goldfish (Carassius auratus) seen in the pet stores began over a thousand years ago as wild carp forms originating in southern China. According to Dr. David Sands, this current species of goldfish, developed by ancient Chinese fish farmers, “is closely related to the Crucian Carp.”
Growth and Lifespan
Goldfish can grow to 8 inches in length and, when kept in optimal conditions, goldfish can easliy live for 20 or 30 years. Optimal conditions are consistent water changes and quality food twice a day at regular intervals. Your goldfish requires frequent water changes to encourage growth. Dr. Sands explains that goldfish “excrete a chemical signal that controls growth. If the chemical is not diluted…growth is restricted.” For optimal growth and overall health of your goldfish, ensure that you have a large enough tank to provide adequate space to dilute the excreted chemical and allow your pet to grow.
Swimbladder
All goldfish have a swimbladder. A swimbladder is simply an internal sac that allows the fish to maintain balance for swimming at various depths by controlling the amount of air held within the air sac. The swimbladder assists in “hearing” by amplifying sound as well.
Sight
Goldfish have relatively large eyes when compared to their body size and do not have eyelids. The eyes move independently of each other which provides a wide view of their surroundings.
Intelligence
Goldfish are not particularly intelligent, compared to other pets such as cats and dogs, but they are capable of eventually recognizing the person responsible for feeding them and will also remember regular feeding times.
Feeding
Goldfish use patches of tiny teeth, called pharyngeal teeth, in the rear of their mouths to shred the food they grabbed with the front of their mouths. Ideal goldfish food contains vitamins for health, carbs and fats for energy, proteins for growth. “Goodfish will eat everything they can find,” advises Dr. Sands, “so you must make sure that you do not overfeed them.”
Just because your goldfish visits the surface of the water don’t be tempted to feed them. Breaking the surface is often a sign the air quality is low and needs at least a partial changing.
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“What is Vitamin D?”
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Sources:
Dr. David Sands, “Caring for Your Pet: Goldfish”; 1996