The Texas Koi and Fancy Goldfish Society will be hosting its 16th Annual Show at the Water Garden Gems, just east of San Antonio on IH 10, from October 11 to October 12, 2008.

There will be a large variety of koi and goldfish on show, together with hobbyists, lecturers, and vendors from across the country.

The goldfish show aquariums will be sheltered in a large tent, together with the show vendors. The koi show tanks will be nearby in the beautiful grounds of Water Garden Gems.

The show is open from 10:00am - 5:00pm on Saturday, and from 10:00am - 2:00pm on Sunday. There will be raffle drawings throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, and an auction of show and pond quality fish on Sunday afternoon at 1:30pm.

Click here to visit Texas Koi and Fancy Goldfish Society ]]> Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:15:00 GMT item911 http://www.telegraph.co.uk

Goldfish have specialised eyes, which have the same effect as wearing Polaroid sunglasses, to help them catch their prey.

Scientists at the University of Manchester say light sensitive cells in the goldfish's retina are able to detect polarised light, improving contrast, and this specialised form of vision also seems to be present in most species of fish they have tested.

"If you are a young salmon hunting food such as water fleas, they are transparent and not easy to see" reports Dr Nicholas Roberts of the university. "But if the fish eye is sensitive to polarised light, it is actually quite amazing how it improves the contrast."

The researchers say this latest research is important because it is the first direct experimental evidence of a polarisation detection mechanism in vertebrates. "Just as fishermen wear Polaroid sunglasses to help improve contrast, many animals - including fish - have evolved to do the very same thing without the need of sunglasses" said Dr Roberts. "It is a surprisingly common ability throughout the animal kingdom."

Source: Telegraph Group Limited ]]> Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:32:00 GMT item910 http://www.telegraph.co.uk

That statement is not quite as crazy as it sounds. Research studies over the last three decades have identified that watching fish has a calming effect on the human mind. It helps to reduce stress levels, tackle insomnia and treat a range of health issues such as high blood pressure.

A leading UK hotel company has picked up on this and launched the first goldfish hire service in the UK.

A spokesperson for the company said: "We are always looking at ways to give our customers a better night's sleep, and watching goldfish is proving to be a popular choice."

In a recent study of 2,000 UK consumers conducted by the hotel company, two thirds of respondents said that they associated an aquarium with tranquillity and serenity. A third believed watching fish swim creates serenity, and the goldfish was voted Britain's top favourite pet fish.

Source: Telegraph Group Limited ]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:47:00 GMT item909 http://www.goldfishdoctor.com/news

The Inland Empire Water Garden and Koi Society will be holding its 8th Annual Koi and Goldfish Show in the Cafe Meadow of Riverfront park in downtown Spokane, WA. from August 18th - August 19th, 2007.

Information regarding the show for vendors or those interested in showing fish can be obtained through the society's web site or from:

Ralph or Claudia McGowen, 509-926-5419
Mary or Dennis Bates, 509-466-2082
John Seifert 509-536-7672

Click here to visit Inland Empire Water Garden and Koi Society ]]> Mon, 13 Aug 2007 14:27:00 GMT item908 http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/4126766a6579.html

Wild goldfish have officially been classed as pests in Waikato waterways in New Zealand.

Their new classification follows a submission to the regional council by Waikato University's Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research.

Professor Brendan Hicks, of the university's Biological Sciences Department, said goldfish are popular tank fish but when they are released into the environment they become a real menace. They consistently eat plants, which means native plant communities are under direct threat from them, and they are prolific breeders, capable of laying 250,000 eggs per female. They can also increase the growth of blue-green algae, and the university has found them in nearly every waterway it monitors under its pest fish programme.

The Environment Waikato pest management plan sets out strategies for tackling biodiversity threats in the region, and under the revised plan, the release of goldfish into new parts of the region will be prohibited.

Source: Waikato Times ]]> Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:56:00 GMT item907 http://www.goldfishdoctor.com/news The Northwest Koi and Goldfish Club will be holding its 27th Annual Show at The World Forestry Center, Portland, Oregon on Saturday, July 28, 2007, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, July 29, 2007, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is free to the public.

Activities scheduled to include:

Koi and Goldfish Show and Competition
NWKG Awards Banquet
Vendor Fair - fish and related products
Snack Bar / Hot Dog Stand
Raffle Prizes

For more information contact Leo Marsh (503)789-2625

Click here to visit Northwest Koi and Goldfish Club ]]> Wed, 04 Jul 2007 16:57:00 GMT item906 http://www.goldfishdoctor.com/news Association of Midland Goldfish Keepers, UK will be holding its Open Show at West Orchard Church Hall, Baginton Road, Stivichall, Coventry, Warwickshire, on Saturday 30th June 2007, Doors Open 1:00pm.

From experienced enthusiast to novice goldfish keeper, all are welcome to come along to the show.

For more information contact Linda Malpas on 01604 451515. ]]> Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:47:00 GMT item905 http://www.goldfishdoctor.com/news

The Texas Koi and Fancy Goldfish Society Spring Fish Sale and Seminars will take place at San Antonio, Texas from March 31 to April 1, 2007.

Mike Christenson, who owns a fish farm in Louisiana, will be selling a mixture of goldfish that he breeds and imports. All imports will be quarantined for at least six weeks. Some of the varieties that will be available include: orandas; calico and panda ranchus; calico lionheads; assorted bubble eyes or dragon eyes; and pearlscales.

The majority of the fish will be in the 2-3 inch range and priced at $7.50 each or 4 for $25. Mike will also have a few larger fish at 4-5 inches in the $15-30 range. Mike will be donating $50 worth of goldfish in the Saturday and Sunday raffles.

Click here to visit Texas Koi and Fancy Goldfish Society ]]> Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:31:00 GMT item904 http://www.goldfishdoctor.com/news

The FBAS Festival of Fishkeeping will take place at Hayling Island, Hampshire, England on Saturday, October 7th and Sunday, October 8th, 2006.

The Festival is an aquarists' extravaganza with competitions, exhibitions, and trade stalls covering interests such as goldfish, koi carp, freshwater and marine tropical, discus, catfish, reptiles, and amphibians; with a programme of presentations and talks throughout the weekend.

Saturday, 7th October: Goldfish Society of Great Britain Open Show at the Festival of Fishkeeping

Sunday, 8th October: Goldfish Society of Great Britain Exhibition of Goldfish varieties

The Festival is open to both residents and day visitors.

Click here to visit Goldfish Society of Great Britain ]]> Thu, 05 Oct 2006 09:25:00 GMT item903 http://www.goldfishdoctor.com/news

The Goldfish Society of Great Britain will be holding its Open Show and Auction Sale at St. Paul's Church Hall, Chigwell Road, Woodford Bridge, Essex on Saturday, 30 September 2006.

This is the largest Goldfish Show in the UK, and with 59 different classes for Goldfish varieties, it is the most comprehensive competitive Goldfish Show in the world.

There will be hundreds of pounds worth of aquatic prizes, provided by the Show sponsors: Chiltern Aquatics and Aquarian.

Click here to visit Goldfish Society of Great Britain ]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2006 10:40:00 GMT item902 http://www.goldfishdoctor.com/news

The Texas Koi and Fancy Goldfish Society will be hosting its 14th Annual Show at the Water Garden Gems, just east of San Antonio on IH 10, from September 30 to October 1, 2006.

The show and seminars are free and open to the public. The show competition is for hobbyists only. The show is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am to 3:00pm on Sunday.

The Koi and Goldfish shows, and vendor/exhibition areas, will be covered. Vendors from across the country will be selling koi, goldfish, pond and water gardening products, and non-pond related items. View some of the very best show koi, goldfish, and long finned koi in the United States.

A special Koi and Goldfish auction will be held at 1:00pm on Sunday, along with club fundraising raffles of donated pond-related products all weekend. Internationally known speakers will be conducting free educational seminars on building ponds, pond filters, and how to select, care for, and grow the best fish. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pond keeper these seminars will be helpful and entertaining and are not to be missed.

For more information about the Goldfish Show contact Joan Berryman at 210-657-4217.

Click here to visit Texas Koi and Fancy Goldfish Society ]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2006 15:05:00 GMT item901 http://www.goldfishdoctor.com/news

The 14th annual Midwest Pond and Koi Society show was held in conjunction with the Goldfish Society of America national show in Darien, IL. in August 2006.

The show attracted 141 goldfish entrants, and included seminars by Hanson Man, John Parker, Terry Cusick, and Tony Reynolds. Tony Reynolds acted as head goldfish judge, and Jim Castillo acted as Show Chairman.

A live goldfish judging competition was held, which allowed the public to interact with five goldfish judges. It is anticipated that in future, all GFSA sponsored shows will hold interactive classes, which will allow the public to take part in judging exercises.

Click here to visit Midwest Pond and Koi Society ]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2006 14:00:00 GMT item900 http://www.goldfishdoctor.com/news The Midwest Pond and Koi Society will be holding its 14th Annual Koi and Goldfish Show from August 25 - 27, 2006 at the Darien Sportsplex, Darien, IL.

Friday August 25th, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday, August 26th, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, August 27th, 10:00am to 3:00pm

Admission $3 for adults and kids 12 and over. Club members free.

The show will be a combined koi and goldfish show, and the goldfish portion will be held in conjunction with the Goldfish Society of America.

The following seminars will be held on Saturday and Sunday:

Saturday, August 26, 2006
09:00am - 10:00am Goldfish in China and Hong Kong - Hanson Man

10:00am - 11:00am Koi Breeding, Kloubec Farms - Myron Kloubec

11:00am - 12:00pm Goldfish Varieties, Veiltails and Shubunkins - John Parker

12:00pm - 1:00 pm The Koi Dealer's Art - Ray Abell

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Ask the Judges and Public Judging of Goldfish
Tony Reynolds, John Parker, Terry Cusick, Peter Ponzio

3:00 pm - 5:30 pm Goldfish Roundtable - Hanson Man, Tony Reynolds,
John Parker, Terry Cusick, Peter Ponzio, Jim Castillo

Sunday, August 27, 2006
09:00am - 10:00am How New Koi are Developed - Lester Berkow

10:00am - 12:00pm Ask the Judges and Public Judging of Koi
Lester Berkow, Charles Phelps, Jan Thompson, Bryan Bateman

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Goldfish Varieties, Orandas and Ryukins - Terry Cusick

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Goldfish Varieties, Ranchu and Lionhead - Tony Reynolds

Click here to visit Midwest Pond and Koi Society ]]> Wed, 16 Aug 2006 16:45:00 GMT item800 http://www.goldfishdoctor.com/news The Inland Empire Water Garden and Koi Society will be holding its 7th Annual Koi and Goldfish Show at Riverfront park in downtown Spokane, WA. on Saturday, August 19th, 2006, 10:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday, August 20th, 10:00am to 2:00pm. Admission is free to the public.

AKCA Koi Judges, Charles Phelps, Steve Childers, and candidate judge Peter Ponzio will be judging the Koi. Peter Ponzio will also judge the Goldfish.

Check-in for the fish will be from 3:00pm to dusk on Friday, August 18th and before 8:00am on Saturday, August 19th.

Registration packets can be obtained through the society's web site or from:

Ralph McGowen, 509-926-5419
Dennis Bates, 509-466-2082
John Seifert 509-924-7672

Click here to visit Inland Empire Water Garden and Koi Society ]]> Tue, 08 Aug 2006 10:35:00 GMT item700 http://www.goldfishdoctor.com/news The Northwest Koi and Goldfish Club will be holding its 26th Annual Show at The World Forestry Center, Portland, Oregon on Saturday, July 29, 2006, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, July 30, 2006, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is free to the public.

Activities scheduled to include:

Koi and Goldfish Show and Competition
NWKG Awards Banquet
Vendor Fair - fish and related products
Snack Bar / Hot Dog Stand
Raffle Prizes

See hundreds of great Koi and Goldfish, wander the vendor booths, and enjoy a Fish Hobby getaway.

Larry Christensen, Show Chairman

Click here to visit Northwest Koi and Goldfish Club ]]> Wed, 12 Jul 2006 09:50:00 GMT item600 http://www.goldfishdoctor.com/news Association of Midland Goldfish Keepers, UK will be holding its Open Show at West Orchard Church Hall, Baginton Road, Stivichall, Coventry on 24th June 2006, Doors Open 1:00pm.

A wide variety of goldfish will be on show, as breeders from around the country exhibit their fish in the first open show of the year.

From experienced enthusiast to novice goldfish keeper, all are welcome to come along to the show. ]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2006 15:47:00 GMT item500 http://www.telegraph.co.uk The urban legend of the amnesiac fish has been dealt a new blow by a study which shows that goldfish can learn to avoid parts of their tanks where they receive electric shocks for at least 24 hours, probably longer. The new study was conducted by Rebecca Dunlop, Sarah Millsopp and Peter Laming at the Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland, and is published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

The paper shows that pain avoidance in fish does not seem to be a reflex response, rather one that is learned, remembered and is changed according to different circumstances. The Belfast team showed that goldfish could remember accurately where in their tanks they received electric shocks. The stronger the shocks, the less likely the fish were to return to the sector of the tank where they had received them. The team reported similar results with trout.

Source: Telegraph Group Limited ]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2006 18:47:00 GMT item400 http://www.telegraph.co.uk Mansfield, England, a 10-inch long goldfish is thought to have been plucked from an ornamental pond by a heron that carried it to a roof in preparation for dinner.

But the bird's carelessness allowed Sooty to slip out of the frying pan, as it were, and into the fire. Sooty's luck held, however. He bounced off a pile of potato peelings that had just been thrown on the fire and landed on the hearth, where the surprised home-owner scooped him up and put him in a washbasin filled with warm water.

Despite being bitten, blackened and a little flame-grilled, Sooty seemed none the worse for his ordeal yesterday and was enjoying a second lease of life in an aquarium at a local pet shop.

Source: Telegraph Group Limited ]]> Sat, 31 Dec 2005 16:10:00 GMT item300 http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=2145012005 Rome, Italy have banned sales of goldfish bowls as they are cruel to goldfish.

The classic spherical fish bowls are banned under a new by-law which also stops fish being given away as fairground prizes. Many fish experts say fish have nowhere to go in a small spherical bowl which typically has too little oxygen in the water for fish to breathe comfortably.

Source: The Scotsman ]]> Wed, 26 Oct 2005 01:22:00 GMT item200 http://news.scotsman.com/politics.cfm?id=48492005 The Government had intended to forbid showmen giving goldfish as prizes on grounds of animal cruelty. But now a compromise has been reached which would mean fish could only be given away to children if they were accompanied by an adult.

Source: The Scotsman ]]> Fri, 14 Jan 2005 12:54:00 GMT item100