Which of the following species is NOT covered under the regulations of the Animal Welfare Act?

The goldfish is not covered under the regulations of the Animal Welfare Act because this legislation primarily focuses on vertebrate animals used in research, exhibition, or as pets that are considered to have the potential for experiencing pain and suffering. The Act explicitly excludes certain species, including fish, from its coverage. While guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters are protected under the Act due to their classification as warm-blooded vertebrates, goldfish, as cold-blooded animals, do not fall under these protections. This differentiation is important in understanding the nuances of animal welfare legislation and the varying degrees of protections afforded to different species.