To many people, goldfish are brightly colored (as the name suggests), active but peaceful, not too long, and have a simple, streamlined body shape and large friendly looking eyes. There’s also an attractive mouth, which incessantly seems to be drinking in water. Finally, there is an endearing and immediate response to the owner every time he or she approaches. While all this is true, it only represents a basic understanding of what a goldfish actually is. The common goldfish that everyone knows, despite its very basic finnage and body shape, is already at least one step removed from the real goldfish. I say this because any development or amplification of finnage, body color or pattern signifies a step away from the wild form.

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