2009-03-09

Goldfish of China


 

 Evolution of Goldfish

Goldfish, belonging to the Cyprinidae family of the Cyprinoid order in terms of Zoology, was originally produced in China. Up to the present, Goldfish is still reputed as Chinese Goldfish over the world. Goldfish is famous for its flamboyant color, Junoesque posture, and elegant swimming gesture, as well as quiet and tender temperament. It is described as the "fairy covered with golden scale" or "the peony in water" by Chinese people while crowned with "the oriental saint fish" by scholars in the West.

As far back as the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the fashion of "believing in Buddhism and abstaining the killing of living things" was prevailing. At that time, manyFangshengchi(pools for freeing captive animals) was constructed for breeding captured aureate crucians. As a result, the crucian under protection became a semi-cultivated pet fish. In the Song Dynasty (960-1279), fish cultivation transformed from semi-domestic breeding to domestic breeding, and Goldfish formally became a breed. It is until the last year of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the cultivation of Goldfish enters its heyday, when the double tai-finned fish was cultivated. Since then, many varieties with odd shape and high ornamental value were brought into existence, such as bubble eye, "goose-neck, "reversed gill, and "pompon", etc.

In the Song Dynasty (960-1279), when the Goldfish cultivation transformed to artificial breeding, some varieties were spread to Japan. In the early 17th century, some varieties were introduced to Portugal and Britain. In 1728, the Netherlands started artificial propagation of Goldfish which soon prevailed across Europe. In the 18th century, it was introduced to the United States. At present, Goldfish has pervaded all over the world, with more than 300 definite varieties.

 Varieties of Goldfish

crucian series
Chinese Goldfish, according to their characteristics of head, body, tail fin and the existing of back-fin, can be classified into four strains of breed, i.e., crucian series,Wenseries, dragon series and egg series.

Crucian series, similar to the common crucian in appearance, is the earliest variety living in wild grasses. Long and narrow streamlined body, small eyes, and single tail fin are the main characteristics of it. Theyswimquickly and are not afraid of human. Through long-term domestication, they can swim in ranks following people's ring tone or swarm together to scramble for food. In terms of color and luster, this series can be fallen into following varieties: white-grass crucian, aurum crucian, inkiness crucian, yellow-black crucian, and red-white crucian.    

Wen series
Wen(文)series are characterized by short body conformation, pointed head and lip, round abdomen, small and flat eyes which don't bulge out of the orbital cavity like other types of Goldfish. The name "Wen" is originatedfromits back-fin and big tail fin, which looks like the Chinese character "(wen) ". The body color of "Wenseries" Goldfish mainly consists of red, reddish black, red-white, blue, purple and dapple of five colors. The leading varieties include "WenGoldfish", "lion-head and "pearl-scale".        
dragon series
The "dragon-eye Goldfish" is the representative breed of the "dragon series", which is characterized by short and thick body conformation, back-fin, big tail fin, flat and wide head. It got the name "dragon eye" because its two eyeballs distinctly protrude out of the orbital cavity. Generally, the body color usually contains red, white, black, red-white dapple and dapple of five colors. The leading varieties include "red dragon-eye", "white dragon-eye", "red-white dappled dragon-eye", "blue dragon-eye, purple dragon-eye" "tall-headed dragon-eye" and "redcap dragon-eye"etc.           
egg series
The main features of "egg series" are: no back-fin, fat and short body that looks like an egg. The tail fin has four leaves of different length, flat and wide head, and flat eyes. Its body color usually contains red, white, and dapple of five colors, etc. The main varieties include "egg fish", "egg phoenix", "longevity", "bubble eye" and"Chaotianyan"(with eyes facing upwards).

2009-01-03

Pom Pom 6-7cm



Carassius auratus "Pom Pom Goldfish"
Eli Goldfish Farm
Starting at: $0.99


Pom Pom Goldfish have been selectively bred to have elongated nasal septa which resemble a fleshy pom pom. This variety of goldfish has been around since the end of the 19th century.

Pearscale 6-7cm



Carassius auratus "Pearlscale Goldfish"
Eli Goldfish Farm
Starting at: $0.99


Pearlscales have large rounded bodies, double tails and vairable color like other fancy varieties, but if you look closely, its unique scales have raised centers. These compact little fish look like they're lined with rows of pearls!

Ryukin red,red/white 6-7cm


Carassius auratus "Ryukin Goldfish"
Eli Goldfish Farm
Starting at: $0.99


Ryukins are the Japanese version of a fantail goldfish, Ther have a high curve to their backs, a rounded shape, and a long, wide double tail. These fish come in many colors. Assorted Ryukins are picker's choice, but some specific colors are available periodically.

Lionhead red,red/black 6-7cm


Carassius auratus "Lionhead Goldfish"
Eli Goldfish Farm
Starting at: $0.99


Lionheads have been selectively bred to exhibit some unique traits. The body is heavy and rounded with an arched back and no dorsal fin. The head and face develop a fleshy "mane", hence their name!

Moor red,blue,black,calico,red/black,red/white 6-7cm












Carassius auratus "Telescope Goldfish"
Eli Goldfish Farm
Starting at: $0.99


Moors(Telescopes) have large, bulbous eyes lending to them an almost cartoon-like appearance. They have variable color, slender bodies, and a double tail.

Bubble eye tricolor,red/white,calico,red/black,red 6-7cm






Carassius auratus "Bubble Eye Goldfish"
Eli Goldfish Farm
Starting at: $0.99

Bubble Eye Goldfish have the slender body and double tail of the telescope and the up-turned gaze of the celestial eye, but their unique trait is a large translucent bubble beneath each eye. These delicate, water filled sacs can make mobility difficult, so try to minimize the flow in the tank and avoid equipment with strong intake.

2009-01-02

Oranda blue,red,black,calico,red/white,red/black,chocolate 6-7cm









Carassius auratus "Oranda Goldfish"
Eli Goldfish Farm
Starting at: $0.99

Orandas were developed as a fancy variety in 1590! These fish are immensely popular in the east and in the west. As they mature, these fish develop a fleshy hood-like head growth. They have rounded bodies, split, double tails, and they are available in several color varieties including red, red and white, blue, "Panda", calico, yellow, brown, white, and the ever popular red cap.

Oranda red cap & Celestial 6-7cm

Red Cap Oranda

Scientific Name: Carassius auratus
Recommended Aquarium: 30+ Gallons
Approx. Adult Size: 8 to 10 inches
Temperament: Peaceful
Ease of Care: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Native Waters: Eli Goldfish Farm

The Red Cap Oranda is white with a bright orange "beret." Hand-selected for unique coloration and overall superior health, these exotic goldfish are tended to by the PetSolutions husbandry staff following their importation. Hardy and long-lived, they can survive cooler temperatures. Extended periods below 15ºC or above 25ºC may not be tolerated well. Because they need some vegetable matter, they may cause damage to finer-leaved plants, but typically do no damage to thicker, hardy bog plants. While flake food will suffice for these fish, many aquatic professionals recommend a good-quality pellet food of no more than 30% protein to help keep these premium specimens in ideal health. 




black/golden Butterfly




a pair of panda champion