Search Wildlife
≡
Photo by Duane Raver
Photo Courtesy of U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G5
State (S-rank): SNA
External links
General information
The goldfish, Carassius auratus, is native to Asia, but has become established in many areas of Utah, often in locations with very poor water quality. Although similar to carp, goldfish can be distinguished because individuals lack barbels on their upper jaw.
Goldfish eat invertebrates, including insects, and plant matter. The species spawns during the spring and summer, laying adhesive eggs every ten days or so. The large number of established goldfish populations in Utah indicates that many people have released goldfish into wild. This practice should stop, however, as the presence of goldfish can be detrimental to native fishes.
Species range
Native to Eurasia. Introduced throughout U.S. and in parts of southern Canada.
Habitat
Usually in still water with abundant vegetation: lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers, quiet streams. In clear or turbid water. Spawns in shallow water. Eggs are scattered and stick to objects.
Food habits
Eats aquatic insects, molluscs, crustaceans, worms, and vegetation.
Reproductive characteristics
Spawns in spring and summer. Produces several lots of eggs at intervals of 8-10 days. Eggs hatch in 2-14 days, depending on temperature. Sexually mature in 9 months to 3-4 years, depending on variety. Some European populations are gynogenetic.
References
- Biotics Database. 2005. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, NatureServe, and the network of Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centers.
- Sigler, W. F. and J. W. Sigler. 1996. Fishes of Utah[:] a natural history. University of Utah Press. Salt Lake City. 375 pp.
