Just under a year ago I introduced 5 goldfish to the pond in the garden and posted about it here. I was asked in response to yesterday's post how they were getting on. They are getting on splendidly thank you. In fact three of them are about 5 or 6 inches (12 to 15 cm) long whilst the other two are about half that length. One of the larger ones has turned almost white. They seem very happy and when all the work was going on levelling the pool edge they didn't even bother going down to the bottom of the pond to hide.
I wonder why they turn white. I have never known, I think koi carp do too.
ReplyDeleteI wondered that too Jenny. I read that It is mostly genetics. Goldfish start out black and then the colors that have been developed through centuries of selective breeding begin. Red/orange, yellow, blonde, and white are possible colors, either self (one color by itself covering the fish) or in combinations. The color changes generally go from darkest to lightest, but it's not set in stone, the genes are so complex. This is why when a goldfish has a missing scale or a cut, the new scale or new tissue starts out as black and then changes later to the current fish color.
DeleteThis makes me miss the pond of goldfish and koi we had in the country. keep up the good care of them, Graham!
ReplyDeleteThanks Norma, I will.
DeleteThanks for the update. I'm glad to hear they are thriving.
ReplyDeleteYes, Pauline, they are safe and well.
DeleteYou must be a dab hand at the fair. You'll have to watch out for heron.
ReplyDeleteGosh, Adrian, thoses were the days. I bet they don't give them away these days. It's bound to be against some regulation or other.
DeleteThey make a lovely splash of colour. I'm surprised they survive the winter?
ReplyDeleteI had been rather concerned Monica but Pat said that they were quite perky all through the winter.
DeleteHappy to hear that they all survived the winter and are doing well....my how they have grown.
ReplyDeleteVirginia, they have fared far better than I even imagined they would I am pleased to say.
DeleteYour goldfish make me think of the ones in the pond on my parents' allotment. I really must go and visit them soon, I always like feeding them. And when my Dad knows I'm coming, he doesn't feed them so I can do it.
ReplyDeleteIt's quite funny Meike but if I feed them or work around the pond they are quite happy but if I walk past the pond they go into hiding.
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