According to Wikipedia, goldfish belong to the carp family and are a species of crucian carp. Goldfish have been a household ornament since ancient times—goldfish were already bred in China over 1,500 years ago. Buddhist monks and emperors used them to decorate their home ponds and fountains. By the 13th century, this exquisite aquarium species became available to ordinary Chinese people, decorating their homes.
A bit of history
By the beginning of the 16th century, goldfish had spread to Indochina and had become established as beloved pets in Japan. These exotic aquarium inhabitants were beloved by the Japanese with their love of beauty and harmony.
Around the same time, Dutch and Portuguese merchants also brought goldfish to Europe. By the 18th century, these exquisite pets had gained widespread popularity and were spreading throughout Europe.
Caravan routes connected East and West, Asia and Europe, and passed through Russia. The Great Silk Road facilitated the active exchange of goods between countries The river flowed between the East and Russia, carrying treats and oriental silk fabrics. Goldfish, a rare and incredibly expensive commodity at the time, were also soon brought to Russia. Chronicles mentioning exotic gifts can be found as early as the 15th century, during the reign of Vasily the Dark. Ivan the Terrible also received exquisite gifts from foreign envoys—glass balls with goldfish in them were brought from overseas.
In the 17th century, during the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, goldfish swam in an exquisite vase and adorned the Apothecary Garden. This expensive gift was received from the English, and court fish breeders were hired specifically to care for these unusual pets.
In the 17th century, during the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, goldfish swam in an exquisite vase and adorned the Apothecary Garden. This expensive gift was received from the English, and court fish breeders were hired specifically to care for these unusual pets.During the time of Peter I unusually expensive and fashionable vessels with exotic fish Some courtiers acquired goldfish. In 1790, Grigory Potemkin hosted a special evening in honor of Catherine II and presented goldfish at the gathering—a curiosity of fabulous value, according to the standards of the time.
Goldfish were brought to the United States around 1874–78, and the specimens brought became the basis for the future collection of the Washington State Hatchery.
Varieties
Aquarium goldfish are divided into many speciesThey delight aquarists and wildlife enthusiasts with their unusual beauty, varied coloration (yellow, red, burgundy, yellow-black, and other shades), and amazing shapes.
Wikipedia divides goldfish into two main varieties based on their body shape:
- long-bodied
- short-bodied
Scientists distinguish several species and subspecies of goldfish, including:
- butterfly,
- fantail,
- comet
- pearl,
- telescope,
- veiltail,
- pompom and many others.
Maintenance and care
In ancient times, gold the fish were kept in small pondsIn ponds, they were dammed and housed in large wooden tubs or barrels. Later, more exotic water bodies were recreated—spherical clay vats, ceramic or porcelain vases. Naturally, such vessels and their aquarium inhabitants were intended for wealthy homeowners and members of the court.
In 1369, the Chinese Emperor Hong commissioned the production of special porcelain vats for customers who wanted to keep silverfish at home. These vessels became the first examples of home aquariums, and were called fish ponds or even dragon urns when larger. These early home aquariums had wide openings, allowing visitors to easily observe the behavior of their pets.
Porcelain vases for aquarium fish They were very expensive and exquisitely decorated, often covered in stucco or exquisite paintings. The feet of such vessels could be stylized to resemble animal paws, fish fins, or other natural motifs. Such pieces were considered works of art and were considered the pride of the artist or sculptor, a demonstration of their skill. A small amount of sand might be sprinkled on the bottom of the vessel and plants might be planted, but more often, these exotic pets floated in an empty vessel filled with clean, clear water.
In modern life goldfish are widespreadThis species, despite its elegance, is quite undemanding and poses no major challenges to modern aquarium owners. The water in the aquarium does not need to be heated, but intensive aeration is essential, especially in small aquariums. The aquarium water should be actively aerated, and the water should be changed weekly. Gravel is ideal for the substrate, although small pebbles are also acceptable. Excessively bright lighting is not recommended. Biofilters are also necessary, and the aquarium should be kept meticulously clean.
Aquarium It is recommended to use a large volume, 80-100 liters or more, as this species originates from natural bodies of water, such as ponds and pools. Sharp rocks and knotty driftwood are inappropriate in an aquarium designed for goldfish, as they can injure the aquarium inhabitants. As a reminder, being crucian carp by origin, these aquarium inhabitants love to dig in the substrate. It's best to use hard-leaved plants (such as water lilies, sagittaria, vallisneria, and elodea), as the aquarium inhabitants may nibble on them. At the same time, you can add nutritious plants to the aquarium, such as wolffia, riccia, and duckweed, which will become part of their diet.
Golden the fish are slow and blind and therefore are poorly adapted to competition, including being inactive in foraging for food. It's best to keep goldfish of the same species in an aquarium. Some species of aquarium inhabitants (for example, telescope fish and veiltails) are best kept in bare aquariums, without any decoration.
Nutrition
Goldfish eat a wide variety of foods. In addition to the aforementioned aquarium plants, their diet may include nettle leaves, lettuce, and sorrel. Commonly used animal-based foods include:
- bloodworm,
- Artemia,
- tubifex,
- daphnia,
- earthworm,
- rotifers and others.
bloodworm,Boiled and washed porridges without salt - rice, millet, buckwheat and others - aquarium inhabitants also readily eatYou can use white bread, pieces of meat or liver, ground meat, and some fruit (oranges, kiwi). Dry food is also possible. The fry can be fed with compound feed, microworms, and brine shrimp.
Avoid overfeeding your aquarium pets to ensure they remain active and mobile. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and illness in your aquarium inhabitants.
Science
Goldfish on Wikipedia Goldfish have been described in detail as a subject for scientific study and artistic creativity. It is well known that goldfish have successfully served modern Russian science. They have been used in scientific research as laboratory animals and have even been used to study the behavior of aquarium fish in zero gravity.
Holidays
In Iran, goldfish are used as decorations for New Year's feasts. New Year's in Iran coincides with the vernal equinox and is called Novruz.
Art
Since the most ancient times, when goldfish have become popular For home breeding, their images began to decorate various objects, including metal souvenirs. Today, there are numerous stylized ornaments made of wood or stone, glass or cast metal, clay or modern plastic. Such souvenirs or art objects can be miniature or quite large, intended to decorate the home or placed in a dacha or garden plot, complementing the interior of a country house or a modern playground or play complex.
Artists embody the images of goldfishThey paint jugs and vases, exquisite dinnerware sets, and more modest kitchenware, and they decorate gift miniatures with them—snuffboxes and lacquered boxes. Fairy tales and stories, poems, and songs are written about goldfish—one of the most famous poetic tales is by A.S. Pushkin.
