Factfile: Goldfish

Size: Common Goldfish and other slim-bodied varieties can grow up to around 12in (30cm). Fancy varieties are usually considerably smaller, although some exceptionally large Orandas have been bred in aquaria; these are found mainly in the Far East.

Distribution: Native to China and parts of Siberia, but has beed widely introduced into other areas of the world.

Habitat: Slow-flowing and still waters in lowland areas, usually where aquatic vegetation is abundant.

Temperature: From well below 10 degrees C (50F) to above  30 degrees C (86F).

Diet: Will accept a wide range of commercially prepared foods, which must include a vegetable component.

Breeding: An egg-scattered species that displays a distince appetite for its own eggs. Spawning generally occurs when water temperatures rise above 20C (68F) following a cold period. Although the main body of water in temperate-zone ponds may not reach the required level until quite late in spring, shallow areas, for example among pond edge vegetation or above pond shelves, may do so during sunny spring days and this may be sufficient to stimulate spring spawnings. Where this does not happen, spawnings are usually delayed until late spring or early summer.

Popular Goldfish varieties

Common Goldfish
London Shubunkin
Bistol Shubunkin
Comet
Jinkin
Fantail
Ryukin
Veiltail
Oranda
Redcap
Moor
Butterfly Moor
Pearlscale
Hamanishiki
Lionhead
Ranchu
Celestial
Bubble-eye