Nymph (goldfish)
| Nymph (goldfish) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Size | Variable |
| Tank Level | All |
| Temperament | Peaceful, Schooling |
| Tail Type | Single-tailed |
| Country of Origin | USA |
For an in depth tutorial, see our guide
The Nymph goldfish is a breed of goldfish closely related to the Fantail and Veiltail breeds. Nymphs are rarely bred on purpose, but are instead the product of recessive genes being passed down from Veiltail or Fantail parents. Unlike the Fantail and Veiltail breeds, the Nymph has only a single tail.
Physical description
The color of the relatively deep-bodied Nymph varies according to scale formation - the one shown here shows coloring similar to that of a Ryukin. Unlike its close cousins, the Fantail and Veiltail, this fish has single anal and caudal fins. The dorsal fin is held high. Pectoral and pelvic fins are usually well produced and add to the gracefulness of the fish. The eyes can be normal or protuberant ("telescopic)".
History
Traditionally the Nymph is regarded as a recessive, or anomaly, due to it usually being found among the offspring of a Fantail or a Veiltail. However, this fish should be treated as a separate breed due to the clear differences in ability of the fish to swim. While Fantails and Veiltails are usually slower moving and have difficulty manoeuvring, the Nymph has no such problems, and is in fact one of the faster and more versatile strains of goldfish (second only to the Comet and Common Goldfish).
Not much is known about the origins of the species as far as first sightings, etc., but it is generally accepted that the fish is of western descent, most likely from the USA.
In the aquarium
The Nymph behaves much like any other goldfish, in that it is a peaceful, schooling fish, and will accept all the normal foods. It inhabits all levels of the tank, and is an established swimmer. Nymphs are hardy species, and as such, will not be harmed by "overwintering" in outdoor ponds.
Related Topics
Parent topics
Fish: Any aquatic vertebrate animal that is typically ectothermic (or cold-blooded), covered with scales, and equipped with two sets of paired fins and several unpaired fins. [e]- Animal: A multicellular organism that feeds on other organisms, and is distinguished from plants, fungi, and unicellular organisms. [e]
- Organism: An individual living individual: a complex, adaptive physical system that acts a integrated unit that sustains metabolism and reproduces progeny that resemble it. [e]
- Chordata: Add brief definition or description
- Osteichthyes: Add brief definition or description
- Actinopterygii: Add brief definition or description
- Neopterygii: Add brief definition or description
- Teleostei: Add brief definition or description
- Ostariophysi: Add brief definition or description
- Cypriniformes: Add brief definition or description
- Cyprinioidea: Add brief definition or description
- Cyprinidae: Add brief definition or description
- Carassius: Add brief definition or description
Subtopics
- Comet (goldfish): A goldfish variety developed in 1880 by Hugo Mulertt, and has become one of the best selling aquarium fish since. [e]
- Common Goldfish: Common ancestor for most "fancy goldfish". Color is the only difference between the Common Goldfish and its ancestor, the Prussian Carp. [e]
- Shubunkin: Also known as "poor mans Koi", the Shubunkin is a breed of goldfish first developed in Japan in the 1900's. [e]
- Bubble-eye Goldfish: A breed of Goldfish that sports large fluid filled sacs beneath the eyes, a twin tail, and lacks a dorsal fin. [e]
- Celestial Goldfish: Add brief definition or description
- Fantail Goldfish: Add brief definition or description
- Lionhead (goldfish): Add brief definition or description
- Moor (goldfish): Add brief definition or description
- Red-cap Oranda: Add brief definition or description
- Pearlscale (goldfish): Add brief definition or description
- Pom-pom (goldfish): Add brief definition or description
- Veiltail (goldfish): Add brief definition or description
- Japanese Moor: Add brief definition or description
- Red and White Lionhead: Add brief definition or description
- Comet Shubunkin: Add brief definition or description
- Red Ryukin: Add brief definition or description
- Red and White Ryukin: Add brief definition or description
- Red Ranchu: Add brief definition or description
- Red and White Wakin: Add brief definition or description
- Maltese (dog) [r]: Add brief definition or description
- Dog breed [r]: Add brief definition or description
- Optic tectum [r]: Add brief definition or description
Bibliography
- Mills,Dick. Aquarium Fish. 1 ed. Eyewitness Handbooks. New York, New York: Dorling
- Kindersley, Inc., 1993.