Goldfish Varieties and Genetics: Handbook for Breeders

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.

By: Joseph Smartt

Hardcover, 224 pages 2001

ISBN: 978-0-85238-265-3

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.

  • no other book available at this level, for professional breeders, the keen amateur and researchers
  • substantial interest, not only in Britain, USA and Europe but also in Japan and the Far East
  • it has recently been realised that goldfish are polyploid: previous attempts to analyse inheritance patterns on a diploid model were therefore only partially successful. This book is perhaps the first attempt in explaining the genetics of a polyploid fish