Carassius auratus
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Vernacular names
English : Goldfish
French : Carassin doré
Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Cypriniformes
Family : Cyprinidae
Notes : No subspecies known.
Identification
The species grows to 48 cm in length. Body covered with large scales, long dorsal fin and very wide tail fin base. Wild coloration is brown with a strong golden tinge on flanks. Numerous other colorations known, including white or red.
Range and habitat
The species is native to eastern Asia and occurs from China to Korea and Japan. It has been introduced widely around the world. Lives in stagnant or slow-moving waters, mostly in lowlands.
Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is very adaptable and has been introduced successfully worldwide to the point of being treated as a pest.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known
Observation
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