The goldfish was introduced into North America from Asia possibly as early as the 17th Century. This is the same fish that is popular aquarium fish, but in the wild it is slightly a nusaince critter. The only redeeming characteristic is that the goldfish inhabits waters that few other fishes are able to live in. These waters have generally been so modified and degraded by human activity that they are denuded of game species. Goldfish have been collected in various parts of Iowa where poor habitat and water quality exist.