Universal Pets
Goldfish
Goldfish as we know them today are an interesting mixture of normal life forms, accidents of nature and the achievements of man. Nature did the initial work with the creation of Carassius auratus, goldfish from which today's many varieties are originally taken.
These fish have a tendency to develop peculiar mutations and this is where humans intervene. Humans, particularly the Chinese, Japanese and Koreans, have taken these mutations and exaggerated and developed them over centuries. This has created fish of various colors and types, with features such as enlarged fins and bulging eyes.
History of Goldfish
Goldfish are originally from China and the Chinese appear to be the first to have bred and developed goldfish.
Early Chinese fairy tales from around 700 years B.C. refer to a goldfish leaping from a well, which signified the beginning of rain after a long period of drought.
The first records of goldfish being kept as pets date back to the tenth century A.D., during the Sung Dynasty. Reference to breeders who could change the color of fish was also mentioned during this time. By the end of the thirteenth century, red, gold, black and mottled fish were easy to find and keep as pets. Goldfish had become a fixed part of Chinese society.
Japan also kept goldfish as pets from around 1500 A.D., although they were not cultivated or bred in large numbers until over 200 years later.
Goldfish were brought to England and France in the seventeenth century but it was not until 1878 that the first goldfish were taken to America. Rear Admiral Daniel Ammen brought over a sizable shipment for the United States Fish Commissioner. Once the goldfish were put on display in Washington they created an immediate sensation.
American Goldfish
After their initial introduction in 1878, goldfish quickly became a much sought-after pet. Since goldfish are not native to America any fish caught in the “wild” are either escaped or released pets. However, America has the largest goldfish industry and it mass produces more goldfish than anywhere in the world. Goldfish have since developed into an affordable pet for everyone. They are especially popular with children and can be bought for pocket change. Goldfish are also still extremely popular in China and Japan, selling for similar amounts.