The origins of the goldfish are that they came from a species of fish called the Crucian carp. The origins of the goldfishes domestication are not certain, but ancient Chinese art and literature suggests they have been kept in Chinese homes since 800 AD. The goldfish were kept in outside ponds and were not housed indoors until the late 1800s.

The average lifespan of a goldfish is 5-10 years.

Goldfish or their official name Carassius auratus, are living in Eastern Europe across to China and inhabit well-vegetated pools and lakes.

Goldfish breed in the summer and many males chase the females desperate to fertilise the female. They distribute the fertilised eggs over aquatic vegetation, and the eggs hatch after about a week. Goldfish feed on crustaceans, insect larvae, molluscs and some vegetation.