Goldfish in Hong Kong

About this book

Language: English

From the book's preface:

"Goldfish are probably the oldest aquarium fish in the world. The fish were developed from their wildtype ancestors more than a thousand years ago by the Chinese. Never has man developed a fish species with so many different bizarre forms, fantastic shapes and glamorous colours. The fish have fascinated both the Chinese and other people, and have become popular pets. In the long history of the Chinese civilisation, goldfish are living artistic ornaments for beautifying households as well as public garden ponds. Goldfish are loved by the Chinese because they are considered as the symbols of peace, wealth and prosperity. Goldfish are used extensively in works of Chinese art and craft, too. 

[...]

I have raised many aquarium fishes but later goldfish attracted my full attention. I wrote a book about goldfish for the Urban Council in 1982. The book has drawn much public attention as it was probably the first comprehensive book on the topic published in Hong Kong at that time. However, I was not able to get hold of fine specimens of goldfish and thus some inferior or mmature specimens were used for illustration. The photographs in the previous edition were unable to introduce to the public all the beauty of goldfish. During the past 10 years, I have tried very hard to find fine specimens for taking photographs and used the photographs in this new edition. In the new edition, I have replaced all the photographs of the previous edi¬ tion with new ones, showing fine specimens of each variety.[...].

I have amended and rearranged the text with the addition of lots of information to make the book more comprehensive and interesting. Also, I have attempted to provide some scientific background information about various aspects of goldfish which have long been misunderstood by most people. The book also rectifies some traditional misconceptions. [...]"

Contents

Chapter 1. History   1
   1.1 The Origin of Goldfish   1
   1.2 The Homeland of Goldfish   1
   1.3 Goldfish in Captivity   1
   1.4 Domestication of Goldfish   1
   1.5 Goldfish and Cultural Life of Chinese   2
   1.6 Export of Goldfish   4

Chapter 2. Biology   5
   2.1 Classification   5
   2.2 Extemal and Intemal Features   5
   2.3 Variations of Goldfish   6

Chapter 3. The Evolution of Goldfish   14
   3.1 Phylogeny of Goldfish   14
   3.2 Phylogenetic Relationship of Major Varieties of Goldfish   14
   3.3 New Developments in Varieties of Goldfish   15
   3.4 Role of Man in Evolution of Goldfish   15

Chapter 4. Naming and Selecting Goldfish   16
   4.1 Naming of Goldfish   16
   4.2 Selecting Goldfish   17

Chapter 5. Introduction to Goldfish Varieties   19
   5.1 Carp Type Goldfish   19
   5.2 Wenyu Type Goldfish   22
   5.3 Dragon-eye Type Goldfish   52
   5.4 Egg-fish Type Goldfish   69
   5.5 Koi   91

Chapter 6. Rearing Goldfish in Hong Kong   92
   6.1 Keeping Goldfish at Home   92
   6.2 Culture of Goldfish in Fish Farms   101

Chapter 7. Breeding Goldfish   104
   7.1 Some Basic Requirements for Breeding Goldfish   104
   7.2 Genetics of Goldfish   104
   7.3 Pattern of Inheritance   105
   7.4 Breeding Programmes   107
   7.5 Breeding   109
   7.6 Raising the Young   112
   7.7 Selection of Fry   112

Chapter 8. Ailments   114
   8.1 Prevention of Diseases   114
   8.2 Measures of Preventing Diseases   115
   8.3 Identifying Sick Fish   115
   8.4 Treatment of Diseases   115
   8.5 Common Ailments   116

Glossary    120
Index   123

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