From China With Love - An Introduction to Gold Fish

It is believed that gold fish originated in China during the 12th century. A member of the same species as carp, goldfish were originally found in the wild. After centuries of breeding, more than 125 varieties now exist.

During the Song Dynasty in 1162, the empress ordered that a pond be built specifically for the red and gold variety of these fish to live. During this time, only members of the imperial family were allowed to keep yellow gold fish because yellow was the imperial color. This may be the reason that there are so many more orange gold fish swimming in fish tanks then yellow gold fish in existence today.

The year 1276 is the first time in history that it was reported that there were gold fish of colors other then yellow and red. This is when the fancy tailed gold fish was first recorded. According to early records kept by Japanese scholar, Matsui, the first goldfish bred in China began to appear in Japan in 1502.

For the duration of the 1620’s, people in Southern Europe believed that gold fish were a symbol of good fortune and luck because of their metallic scales. Traditionally men would give gold fish to their wives on their first anniversary as a sign of the prosperous years ahead. In time, this tradition faded as gold fish became readily available. During the 17th century they were brought into the UK and the US during the mid 1800’s.

Although there are many different varieties, they all belong to the same species. Chinese tradition has gold fish divided into four groups.

– Ce goldfish also referred to as grass goldfish. These fish are simply the common goldfish that most people are used to seeing. They can be found in colors including a lemony yellow, black, orange, and white, along with the gold color that are most commonly seen.

– Wen goldfish feature a decorative tail and a dorsal fin. One of the members of this group, the Fantail goldfish can grow as long as 3 inches.

– Dragon Eye goldfish have eyes that protrude. Goldfish that are part of this group are the Telescope goldfish and the Bubble Eye goldfish.

– Egg goldfish are a variation that does not have a dorsal fin.

In some countries such as Rome, the sale of traditional fish bowls has been banned. Also banned in Rome and in other countries is the availability to use gold fish in plastic bags as carnival or fair prizes. The reason for these bans is, in part, due to nitrite poisoning in an environment that is so small. The gold fish is still a popular choice of many fish owners. Some of the more vulnerable species must be kept in an aquarium while others including the Shubunkin can survive living in a pond outside.

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