Goldfish Varieties and Genetics

The goldfish, Carassius auratus, a member of the Carp family, Cyprinidae, has been domesticated for many hundreds of years, as a food fish, a laboratory animal and now most important commercially, for ornamental and aesthetic purposes. There are now many scores of recognised varieties, which have been produced over time by selection processes and other methods described in detail in this stimulating book.

Goldfish Varieties and Genetics covers all major aspects relating to goldfish breeding and genetics in a readable and user-friendly style. An account is presented of the domestication and evolution of the goldfish, including comprehensive details of the relevant genetic and biological principles involved in the development strategies and production of new varieties. The book also covers the subject of goldfish appreciation and the international significance of goldfish shows and show standards. The book concludes with an exciting forward look at the potential evolutionary future for the goldfish.

This important and timely book brings together, for the first time, a wealth of scientific information, presented in a clear and understandable manner by Dr Joseph Smartt, who has many years' experience working in fish genetics and breeding. The book is a must-have purchase for all serious goldfish breeders, hobbyists and dealers, fish biologists and geneticists, aquarium keepers and aquaculture personnel.

The author, Joseph Smartt is a Senior Visiting Research Fellow at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, UK.

Introduction to the goldfish (Carassius auratus);.

Domestication of the goldfish in China;.

Goldfish varieties;.

Basic goldfish genetics;.

Reproduction, embryology and development;.

Evolutionary genetics: Introduction;.

Colour variation;.

Variation in Finnage;.

Variation in other characters;.

Practical applications of genetical principles and conclusions

"... well illustrated with precise drawings and colourful plates, and should be of great interest to goldfish enthusiasts if not geneticists."
Fish and Fisheries

Joseph Smartt was a British geneticist with major contributions to the knowledge of crop evolution, especially of grain legumes.

The goldfish is not only the basis of the hobbyist ornamental fish market but is also the aquatic equivalent of the laboratory rat for experimental science and research. The number of varieties is enormous, and this practical manual will be of value not only to professional breeders but also researchers and enthusiastic amateur breeders.