Goldfish Carassius auratus Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cypriniformes Family: Cyprinidae Characteristics: There are many different varieties of goldfish that vary greatly in color and appearance. Common, wild goldfish range in color from orange to olive green to milky white. These goldfish have a general fin pattern that is two sets of paired fins - the pectoral fins and pelvic fins, and three single fins- the dorsal, caudal, and anal fin. Goldfish can grow to be 1.5 feet long, but are usually smaller. They have large eyes and no scales on the head. (Animal Range & Habitat: Diversity) Native to Eastern Asia, including China and adjacent Behavior: Goldfish are somewhat social fish and tend to school with regions. Goldfish can now be other fish of similar size. They live well with other varieties of found almost everywhere there goldfish and different fish species. Goldfish are very common as pets is fresh water. Goldfish are and ornamental pond fish. If properly cared for, they do well in mostly kept as pets in these environments. Goldfish are also commonly used in research. aquariums or small ponds. Reproduction: Females will spawn multiple times during the breeding period. The eggs are sticky and will hold on underwater vegetation for development. The juveniles need high temperatures to grow properly (Fishbase). Goldfish can hybridize with common carp and in some places the hybrids outnumber the pure goldfish. (blue:native red:introduced) Diet: Wild: Goldfish are opportunistic feeders and will feed on most Lifespan: up to 25 years in captivity, 6-7 years in the wild. available items like crustaceans, insects, and various plant matter. Zoo: Pelleted fish food Special Adaptations: Goldfish were domesticated from carp Conservation: IUCN evaluated the goldfish as least concern. more than a thousand years ago in Goldfish can be found most places that fresh water exists. The China. Goldfish are smaller and species has been introduced worldwide. In the USA, goldfish in the more colorful than common carp. wild are considered a pest species. (USGS) IUCN Conservation Status: FYI: Least Concern - Goldfish have a good memory and can even recognize faces and voices of its owners. -They can be trained to swim through hoops and play soccer. .