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Common Goldfish

Sicuro

Carassius auratus

Conosciuto anche come: Goldfish, Crucian Carp (wild type), Gibel Carp (wild type)

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Descrizione

Carassius auratus, commonly known as the goldfish, is a freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae of order Cypriniformes. It is one of the most domesticated fish, originating from selective breeding of a species of wild carp native to East Asia. Goldfish are characterized by their diverse forms, sizes, and colors, a result of centuries of artificial selection. In their wild form, they are typically olive-green to brownish-grey, while domesticated varieties exhibit a wide spectrum of colors including red, orange, yellow, white, and black, often with metallic or nacreous scales. They are known for their hardiness and adaptability, making them popular ornamental fish.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo
rounded
Colorazione
Highly variable; wild forms are olive-green to brownish-grey. Domesticated forms range from red, orange, yellow, white, black, and combinations thereof. Scales can be metallic, nacreous (matte), or matte (without iridescence).
Tipo di squame
cycloid
Posizione della bocca
terminal
Caratteristiche distintive
Lack of barbels (distinguishes from common carp), Serrated dorsal and anal fin spines (present in wild type and some common varieties, reduced or absent in some fancy varieties), Highly variable body and fin shapes in domesticated forms (e.g., fantail, oranda, ryukin, celestial eye)
Pinna dorsale
Single, long dorsal fin, often with a serrated spine in wild types. Can be highly modified in fancy varieties (e.g., short, high, or absent in some).
Pinna caudale
Typically forked in wild types and common goldfish. Can be highly modified, ranging from deeply forked to short, rounded, or multiple lobes (e.g., fantail, butterfly tail) in fancy varieties.
Pinna pettorale
Paired, typically rounded or slightly pointed.
Pinne distintive
Pelvic fins are paired and abdominal. Anal fin is single, often with a serrated spine in wild types, can be paired or highly modified in fancy varieties.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Barbels

Goldfish (Carassius auratus) lack barbels around their mouth, which distinguishes them from the Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) which has two pairs of prominent barbels.

Dorsal Fin Spine

Wild-type goldfish and common goldfish typically have a strong, serrated spine at the front of their dorsal fin. This can be a key identifier, though some fancy varieties may have reduced or absent spines.

Body Shape and Coloration

While highly variable, the absence of barbels combined with the typical rounded body shape and often vibrant coloration (in domesticated forms) helps distinguish them from other cyprinids. Wild forms are more slender and olive-brown.

Lateral Line

The lateral line is complete and slightly curved, with 25-31 scales.

Habitat

Tipo di acqua
freshwater
Profondità
Typically found in shallow to moderately deep waters, often near the bottom or in vegetated areas.
Ambiente
Native to slow-moving or stagnant freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and ditches with abundant aquatic vegetation. Highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including low oxygen levels and varying temperatures. Introduced populations thrive in similar environments globally.
Areale geografico
Originally native to East Asia (China, Japan, Korea). Due to extensive domestication and introduction, it is now found worldwide in freshwater systems on every continent except Antarctica.

Informazioni sull'acquario

  • Livello di cura: beginner
  • Temperamento: peaceful
  • Dieta: omnivore
  • Dimensione minima della vasca: 75 liters (for a single common goldfish, larger for fancy varieties or multiple fish)
  • Temperatura: 18-24°C (65-75°F)
  • Livello di pH: 6.0-8.0
  • Durezza: 5-19 dGH
  • Compatibilità: Best kept with other goldfish or peaceful, coldwater fish that do not nip fins. Avoid small fish that can be eaten or aggressive species.
  • Requisiti speciali: Requires good filtration due to high waste production. Needs ample swimming space and can benefit from live plants (though they may eat them) and smooth substrate. Avoid overcrowding. Regular water changes are crucial.

Informazioni in natura

  • Stato di conservazione: least concern
  • Stagionalità: Breeding typically occurs in spring and early summer when water temperatures rise.
  • Prezzo di mercato: Low (for common varieties), Moderate to High (for rare or show-quality fancy varieties)
  • Importanza commerciale: high
  • Sapore: Mild, somewhat earthy
  • Consistenza: Flaky, soft
  • Metodi di cottura: Frying, Baking, Steaming
  • Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though not commonly consumed in Western cultures.

Fatti chiave

Ancient Domesticationevolution

Goldfish were first domesticated in China over a thousand years ago, making them one of the oldest domesticated fish species.

Memory Span Mythbehavior

Contrary to popular belief, goldfish have a memory span of several months, not just a few seconds. They can be trained to perform tricks and recognize their owners.

Color Changeinteresting

The vibrant colors of domesticated goldfish are largely due to selective breeding. Wild goldfish are typically dull olive-green or brown, providing camouflage.

Invasive Speciesbehavior

Due to their hardiness and ability to reproduce rapidly, released pet goldfish can become invasive in natural waterways, outcompeting native species and disrupting ecosystems.

Longevityrecord

With proper care, goldfish can live for 10-15 years, and some individuals have been known to live for over 20 years, with the oldest recorded living for 43 years.

Informazioni di sicurezza

Sicuro
  • Livello di sicurezza: safe
  • Velenoso: No
  • Commestibilità: edible
  • Note sul maneggio: Goldfish are generally safe to handle, but care should be taken to avoid damaging their delicate fins and scales. Use wet hands or a fine-mesh net to minimize stress and injury. They do not possess venomous spines or teeth that pose a threat to humans.

Specie simili

Crucian Carp

Carassius carassius

The Crucian Carp typically has a deeper, more compressed body and a more convex dorsal fin profile. Its caudal fin is less deeply forked than the wild-type goldfish. While both lack barbels, C. carassius generally has a more golden-bronze coloration and a more rounded caudal peduncle.

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

The most significant difference is the presence of two pairs of prominent barbels around the mouth of the Common Carp, which are entirely absent in Carassius auratus. Common Carp also tend to grow much larger and have a more elongated body shape.

Gibel Carp

Carassius gibelio

Carassius gibelio is often considered the wild ancestor of the goldfish or a very closely related species. Differentiation can be challenging, often requiring genetic analysis or careful examination of meristic counts (e.g., gill raker count, which is typically higher in C. gibelio). Morphologically, C. gibelio tends to be more silvery-grey and slightly more elongated than the wild-type C. auratus.

Classificazione scientifica

Regno
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordine
Cypriniformes
Famiglia
Cyprinidae
Genere
Carassius
Specie
auratus

Esplora Common Goldfish

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