Goldfish is the most popular and one of the most wanted aquarium species and certainly one of the first domesticated fish. It is from the carp family (Cyprinidae).
They are very grateful as pets because they can tolerat all seasons well and are very sociable, so they can live with several different species of fish. There are various myths circulating about these fishes, and we are here to answer them!
Ideal for beginners because they live a short life – Goldfish in a glass ball
When you hear goldfish, the image that is created in your head is a glass ball and one fish that does not require much attention. Unfortunately, due to this so common misconception, the lifespan of these fish ranges from 6 to 8 years, while they would actually live up to 50 years in ideal conditions. Goldfish require a lot of oxygen and clean water, so it is better to keep them in an aquarium that has water purifiers and air pumps.
Three seconds – You have a memory like a goldfish
Another widespread myth used when we want to describe someone who is deconcentrated and unable to remember something. However, in reality this is not true. It has been proven that goldfish remember better than most other fish. They remember certain shapes, colors and sounds for up to three months. Research has shown that in that period they can also distinguish the people who feed them from others, and in time they will get rid of the fear so much that they will often accept food directly from the owner’s hand.
The goldfish fulfills wishes
We don’t know when exactly the legend that goldfish fulfill wishes was used for the first time, but that motif has been running through various prose for a long time. In that exact version, goldfish first appears in Pushkin’s The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish. In the story the fisherman caught goldfish which promised to fulfill one wish if she was released. However, an old legend says that goldfish really can fulfill the wishes but it will work only for some people. How can you tell if you are one of the chosen ones? Stand in front of the aquarium full of the goldfishes and if they all swim up to you, that is your sign! If this happens to you make a wish, just in case 🙂