Goldfish

Japanese Name

きんぎょ

kingyo

Description

The goldfish is a small, ornamental freshwater fish, known for its bright colors.
It belongs to the carp family and is one of the most popular aquarium pets.
Goldfish come in many varieties with different shapes, sizes, and fin styles.
Their colors include orange, red, white, black, and combinations of these.
They are social, peaceful fish that do well in tanks or outdoor ponds.
Goldfish can live for over 10 years with proper care—some even decades.
They have good memory and can recognize their owners over time.
Goldfish are omnivores and eat plants, insects, and specialized fish food.

Goldfish were first domesticated in ancient China over 1,000 years ago.
They descended from wild carp that had occasional gold or yellow coloring.
During the Tang dynasty (7th–10th century), people began breeding them for beauty.
By the Song dynasty (10th–13th century), goldfish were kept in ornamental ponds.
The practice spread to Japan in the 16th century, then to Europe in the 17th.
In Europe, they became symbols of luck and wealth among aristocrats.
Over time, selective breeding led to the wide variety of types we see today.
Goldfish are now beloved pets all over the world, both for beauty and tradition.