The Chinese name, jin yu, sounds identical to “gold in abundance” so goldfish may be given as a wedding present, wishing plenty and wealth to the couple.   A goldfish in a pond wishes a prosperous household.  With lotus it signifies gold and jade together.  A pair of goldfish is a symbol of fertility.

The famous artist Xu Gu (1823 – 1896), a Buddhist monk of the Chan (Zen) sect,  painted goldfish many times, often with wisteria.

Henry Li videos of how to paint goldfish: basics, goldfish and water weed, nine goldfish.

Moon Bear World’s demonstration of plump goldfish: lovely flowing brush strokes.