Goldfish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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goldfish

[หˆษกoสŠldfษชสƒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal species

Goldfish are small, ornamental freshwater fish that are popular as pets. They are known for their bright orange color and can live for many years with proper care. Goldfish belong to the carp family and have been domesticated for hundreds of years.

Synonyms

carp, fancy goldfish.

Examples of usage

  • My son wants a goldfish for his birthday.
  • The goldfish swam gracefully in the bowl.
  • She has a collection of different goldfish species.
  • They set up a beautiful aquarium with goldfish.
Context #2 | Noun

pet fish

As a common pet, the goldfish is often kept in aquariums or bowls. They require a well-maintained environment to thrive, including clean water and proper feeding.

Synonyms

aquarium fish, pet fish.

Examples of usage

  • He carefully cleaned the goldfish tank.
  • Goldfish are easy pets for beginners.
  • They learned how to care for their goldfish.
  • Goldfish can be quite entertaining to watch.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

History

  • Goldfish were once seen as symbols of good luck and prosperity in ancient cultures.
  • In 1611, goldfish were brought to Europe from Asia and became popular in ornamental ponds.

Science

  • Goldfish have a memory span of about 3 months and can be trained to respond to signals.
  • Unlike most fish, they can see ultraviolet light, which helps them identify food sources.

Pop Culture

  • Goldfish have appeared in various forms of media, often representing innocence and childhood.
  • In 2001, the animated series 'Goldfish' premiered, highlighting the adventures of a talking fish.

Care and Behavior

  • Goldfish can live for over 10 years if properly cared for, and some have even lived for over 20 years!
  • They thrive in tanks with clean water and specific pH levels and can be friendly towards their owners.

Origin of 'goldfish'

Main points about word origin

  • The name comes from the Old English word 'gลldfisc', which literally means 'gold fish'.
  • Originally, they were bred in China over a thousand years ago from a type of carp called the 'carp goldfish'.

The term 'goldfish' originates from the Old English word 'gลldfisc,' where 'gลld' means gold and 'fisc' means fish. The species has been cultivated since the Tang Dynasty in China (around 618-907 AD) and was initially bred for food. Over time, it became popular as an ornamental fish, prized for its beauty and variety. The goldfish was introduced to Europe in the 17th century and quickly gained popularity. Due to selective breeding, many color varieties and forms have been developed, leading to the various types of goldfish we see today. Goldfish continue to be an enduring symbol of luck and prosperity in many cultures.