IN AQUARIUMSGoldfish / ikan mas koki and koi are sometimes referred to as coldwater fish, which just means they can survive in an unheated aquarium. It is important to note that most egg-shaped goldfish, with the exception of the fantail, ryukin, and black moor, are not suited to be kept in an outdoor environment such as a pond. Some of the more popular round or egg-shaped goldfish include the ikan mas koki / fantail, ikan mas koki / ryukin, ikan mas koki / veiltail, ikan mas koki / oranda, ikan mas koki / pearlscale, ikan mas koki / telescope-eyed, ikan mas koki / black moor, ikan mas koki / ranchu, ikan mas koki / bubble-eye, and many others. Flat body type goldfish include the common, comet, wakin, jikin, and shubunkin goldfish. The flat body types generally are the hardiest, most competitive, and easiest to care for - thus they are most suited for beginners. They are the egg-shaped body goldfish and the flat body type. GOLDFISH TYPESIkan mas koki / Goldfish may also lose their golden color, or rather any goldfish color, by varying the spectrum of light under which they are kept, thus causing the scales to change color over a period of time. Imperial favour could well have been a very potent influence in fostering the popularity of the goldfish. The emperor Chao Kou, who was something of a goldfish enthusiast, even ordered the collection of these golden fish to help restock his ponds. The fish continued to be popular during the reign of the Song Dynasty. These golden carps were selected and bred over many generations. It was during this period that various genetic mutations caused some of these carps to exhibit a golden coloration instead of their natural dull colors. Other sites for these ponds were in the grounds of monasteries and temples, where monks would watch over them as guardians.
It was common for people to keep private carp ponds in China during the Tang dynasty. The goldfish is considered the oldest domesticated fish its story began long before hobbyists began keeping pet fish in aquariums. All these varieties are thought to have originated from the Crucian carp, which can reach a length of around 40-50 cm. There are actually over 125 varieties of goldfish. HISTORYThe popular image of a ikan mas koki / goldfish in a bowl has been depicted the world over - from ancient pottery created during the Ming Dynasty in China to modern popular comic strips.