History of The Goldfish

The History of the Goldfish

The goldfish being one the first fish species to be kept as a pet, also the simplest to maintain in freshwater aquariums or tanks.

The Origin

A thousand years ago the goldfish was domesticated in China, since then there has been many variations added to this abundant category of fish. The Prussian Carp being the goldfish's closest living relative was cross-bred in China creating the goldfish. Others believe that the Crucian carp is the wild version of the domesticated goldfish, but they have several different traits that negate this theory.

Mid 19th Century glass freshwater aquarium,

containing vallisneria spiralis, goldfish, roach, and minnow.

The Introduction to the United States of America

           There are many different speculations on when and where the goldfish was first introduced to the U.S. Dekay; a researcher believes that the goldfish was introduced in the early period after the 17th century. Other researchers like Courtenay and Stauffer report that the first documented goldfish in the U.S. was in the late 16th century, they also believe that they were purposely introduced by settlers that wanted to add to the North American fish fauna. To see more interesting theories on the goldfish from various researchers, go here.

 

The Effect of the Introduction of the Goldfish

            Goldfish in North America have not been recorded as a "pest species", yet U. S. fresh water supplies provide goldfish with a great source for breeding. Even though in most cases they do not pose as a threat, other native species become predators of goldfish guppies and in some areas, for instance in Illinois, the goldfish population is minute comparatively to others. In other cases the goldfish do negatively impact other species; one example of a fish hurt by the presence of goldfish is the Sacramento Sucker, Catostomus occidentalis.