Carassius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carassius |
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| Crucian carp, Carassius carassius | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cypriniformes |
| Family: | Cyprinidae |
| Subfamily: | Cyprininae |
| Genus: | Carassius Nilsson, 1832 |
| Type species | |
| Carassius carassius Linnaeus, 1758
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Carassius is a group of fish that belong to the Cyprinidae family. This family includes many types of carp. Most fish in the Carassius group are known as crucian carps. However, when people say "crucian carp," they often mean a specific fish called C. carassius. The most famous fish from this group is the goldfish (C. auratus).
These fish are found across Eurasia, which is a large landmass combining Europe and Asia. They seem to have originated more to the west than the typical carps, like the common carp (C. carpio). Even though they are both called "carps," Carassius species are not very closely related to the typical carps of the Cyprinus group. Instead, they form an older branch in the fish family tree, specifically within the subfamily Cyprininae.
Contents
Types of Carassius Fish
There are several different types of fish within the Carassius group. Each one has its own unique features and common names.
The Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
The goldfish (Carassius auratus) is perhaps the most well-known fish in this group. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Goldfish are very popular as pets and come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors.
Goldfish Subspecies
- Carassius auratus grandoculis: This is also known as the Round crucian carp. It was described by Coenraad Jacob Temminck and Hermann Schlegel in 1846.
- Carassius auratus buergeri: This subspecies is sometimes called Kimbuna. It was also described by Temminck and Schlegel in 1846.
- Carassius auratus subspecies 1: This one is known as the Broadfaced Prussian carp or Nagabuna.
The Crucian Carp (Carassius carassius)
The crucian carp (Carassius carassius) is the fish that gives the whole group its common name. It was also described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. These fish are often found in ponds and slow-moving waters across Europe and Asia.
Other Carassius Species
- Carassius cuvieri: This fish is known as the Japanese white crucian carp. It was described by Temminck and Schlegel in 1846.
- Carassius gibelio: This species is called the Prussian carp. It was described by Marcus Elieser Bloch in 1782.
- Carassius langsdorfii: This fish is known as Ginbuna. It was described by Temminck and Schlegel in 1846.
See also
In Spanish: Carassius para niños
