The Chinese have been breeding carp for thousands of years and mutations of the Prussian carp have turned into the wonderful spectrum of goldfish.
As many believe an aquarium in the home brings good luck, managing director Gilbert Chow at Wellon Aquarium Products provides some insight.
Most novices believe maintaining an aquarium is a complex undertaking but Chow disagrees. 'If you keep your water in good condition, then it's very easy to feed your fish,' he says.
'If you add regular tap water to an aquarium without using a conditioner, it could harm your fish's sensitive gills and protective membranes.
'The conditioner helps neutralise chlorine and chloramines in the tap water to reduce bacteria and pathogens that could harm humans.'
Chow recommends getting a water filter, air pump, heater, aquarium top with a fluorescent light and conditioner. 'If your filter is good the tank is easy to keep clean,' says Chow, who started his business in 1983.
When it gets cloudy, he adds, change about a third of the water every one to two weeks, then add some conditioner. 'It's like adding fish medicine.'