Goldfishes In Lakes And Ponds.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 78, 1 April 1931, Page 8

Goldfishes In Lakes And Ponds .

Nature Notes.

By

James Drummond, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

*J»HE COMMON CARP, introduced into New Zealand at least sixty-seven years ago, now is fairly plentiful in lakes and ponds in the Dominion, particularly in the Auckland, Taranaki and Hawke's Bay districts. It wears, gold, brown, or yellow costumes, with a yellowish-white stomacher.

It is tenacious of life, lives to a great age in normal conditions, can be tamed in ponds, and accepts gifts of bread or boiled potatoes. Eggs laid by a female, 101 bin weight, were estimated to number 700,000. This carp, Cyprinus carpio, illustrated here, is a native of the rivers of China, where it has been domesticated for centuries. It was taken to Northern Europe about 300 years ago. It is described as dull and sluggish, preferring shaded, tranquil, and weedy waters. The goldfish, Carassfus auratus, has a varied wardrobe, in which are costumes of gold, red, orange, and silver, with scores of hues. The golden-yellow costumes, according to the authorities, are worn by only domesticated goldfishes. They find many New Zealand waters suitable places of abode. Their New Zealand headquarters seem to be at Rotorua.