The goldfish is descended from a species of carp called the gibel carp, a fish that still swims in the rivers of eastern Europe and Asia today. The modern day goldfish, which has been kept as a pet for hundreds of years, was originally a species of gibel carp that lived in China over 2000 years ago.
The normal colouration of a gibel carp is a dull brown or green but sometimes mutants appear that have a much brighter colouring. The Chinese bred the brighter coloured fish together and the modern day ornamental goldfish are probably all descended from their breeding programmes.
Today, ornamental goldfish have a huge range of different colours from bright orange to gold to the flamboyant varieties that are variegated with double fins and large flowing tails. Like their relatives the carp, they take well to being kept in captivity and goldfish have been known to live for 30 years.
The normal colouration of a gibel carp is a dull brown or green but sometimes mutants appear that have a much brighter colouring. The Chinese bred the brighter coloured fish together and the modern day ornamental goldfish are probably all descended from their breeding programmes.
Today, ornamental goldfish have a huge range of different colours from bright orange to gold to the flamboyant varieties that are variegated with double fins and large flowing tails. Like their relatives the carp, they take well to being kept in captivity and goldfish have been known to live for 30 years.