Goldfish live up to their name as the true kings of the aquarium!?!

Goldfish are often overlooked and underrated when choosing livestock for an aquarium, yet it has been estimated that a third of all fish sales in the UK are actually goldfish!! These beautiful and hardy fish are a real joy to keep, so in honour of our favourite fish we have compiled a few interesting titbits about the humble goldfish – enjoy!!

· The original wild goldfish were kept by the ancient Chinese over 1600 years ago and actually had very little colour. The fish were selectively bred until the bright and clear colour that we know in today’s goldfish became apparent.

· The more unusual types of goldfish were developed about 500 years ago by the Japanese, and even though there are now many different colours and varieties of goldfish available they are all derived from one species – carassius auratus.

· The average goldfish will live up to the grand old age of 20 if they are looked after correctly.

· The optimum water temperature for goldfish is ideally between 15°C and 20°C, although they can actually tolerate temperatures from just above freezing to 30°C!!!

· The world’s oldest goldfish lived for a very impressive 49 years and has been recognised by the Guinness Book of Records.

· Goldfish can’t actually close their eyes so they sleep at the bottom of the tank with their eyes open!!!

· Goldfish like any other fish cannot urinate, but as any goldfish owner will tell you – they more than compensate with poop!?!

· Goldfish are able to see ultra violet and infra red light meaning they have a greater spectrum of visual colours than us humans!!!

Hopefully we have managed to convince you that the humble goldfish really is the king of the aquarium!?! Here at the Aquatic and Pet Warehouse we stock a huge range of aquatic supplies and accessories – and remember we’re only an e-mail or phone call away if you need any advice!!!