| Nov 13, 2018
Fantail Goldfish (Carassius auratus of the Cyprinidae family)
A happy accidental discovery stemming from the breeding of multitudes of carp for food, the ancestor for this domesticated version of wild carp from east Asia was a "silver-grey" carp known as "chi" and was one of the most commonly eaten fish in China at the time. Fantail goldfish are specifically western versions of the Japanese Ryukin, another fancy goldfish, which also has an egg-shaped body and long quadruple tail fins.
Typically, in the wild red, yellow, or orange fish would stick out too much and get eaten by their predators, but in the ninth century Buddhist monks began keeping the colorful chi fish in ponds so as not to become prey. Over time, as it was a good deed to set an animal free in Buddhist tradition, the colorful carp were also released into public "Pond(s) of Mercy" which spared them from getting eaten by predators and humans alike. They then also became a symbol of wealth and good luck to the imperial royals and wealthy families as their popularity grew.
Between the 1200's and 1500's it slowly became common to keep these goldfish in ponds, bowls, and to be bred for their distinct color patterns. Fantail goldfish were the basis for all modern fancy goldfish species, originating in the 1400's during the Ming dynasty in China. By the 1500's, China began trading goldfish to Japan. The goldfish was then domestically distributed to Europe in the 1600's and America in the 1800's. Eventually we wound up with the domestic fantail goldfish we keep today in all their variations and different characteristics.
Fantail goldfish are fairly
hardy in the correct conditions, easy to care for, and can make a
great choice for first time fish keepers. Along with basic aquarium requirements, they need a temperature range of 60-78 degrees, but do best between 73-74 degrees F.
They can grow up to 6-10 inches long and can live up to 10-15 years of age and even longer with the right care and environment. They can come in a few scale types:
solid color;
metallic;
matte; and
nacreous, which is speckled pattern.
Fun Fact: Goldfish are one of the most studied creatures in the scientific field for their
visual perception and level of
cognition. They can actually perceive all of the same colors as humans do, with the addition of even seeing ultraviolet light! They are very
social fish and thrive in a community tank full of similarly
friendly fish. Fantail goldfish are also quite interactive with their pet parents, even to go as far as anticipating their pet parent's arrival at home or to show excitement over their company!
Right now
until December 10th, you can get your very own fancy Fantail Goldfish for only
$1.99 each at Uncle Bill's Pet Centers!