Types Of Goldfish: 13 Stunning Varieties And Care Tips
Discover the beautiful diversity of goldfish breeds and learn how to care for each variety for a thriving aquarium.
13 Types of Goldfish: From Comets to Fantails
Goldfish are among the most popular and beloved freshwater fish worldwide, admired for their dazzling colors, distinct shapes, and relatively easy care requirements. With over 100 recognized varieties, there’s a goldfish to suit nearly every aquarist’s taste—from beginner-friendly to more challenging breeds. In this guide, you’ll discover 13 of the most fascinating goldfish types and learn about their unique characteristics, care requirements, and tank compatibility to help you build a thriving, beautiful aquarium.
Contents
- How to Take Care of Goldfish
- 1. Comet Goldfish
- 2. Shubunkin Goldfish
- 3. Sarasa Goldfish
- 4. Fantail Goldfish
- 5. Ryukin Goldfish
- 6. Veiltail Goldfish
- 7. Oranda Goldfish
- 8. Pearlscale Goldfish
- 9. Telescope Goldfish
- 10. Ranchu Goldfish
- 11. Lionhead Goldfish
- 12. Bubble Eye Goldfish
- 13. Celestial Eye Goldfish
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Take Care of Goldfish
Before selecting your preferred goldfish varieties, it’s important to understand their basic care needs:
- Tank Size: Goldfish grow rapidly and need space. Small aquariums lead to stunted growth and poor health. Start with a minimum of 20-30 gallons for a single fancy goldfish and at least 50 gallons for long-bodied types like comets.
- Filtration: Goldfish produce a lot of waste, so a powerful filter is essential. Perform regular water changes to prevent ammonia buildup.
- Temperature: Most goldfish thrive in cool water (65–75°F/18–24°C), unlike tropical aquarium fish.
- Lifespan: With proper care, goldfish often live 10–20 years, and some reach 30 years or longer.
- Diet: Feed high-quality pellets, flakes, and supplement with vegetables (peas, lettuce). Some types need special attention due to swimming challenges.
1. Comet Goldfish
The Comet Goldfish is the standard goldfish and perhaps the most instantly recognizable. They are favored for their sleek, long bodies, swift movement, and wide range of colors.
- Length: 12 to 14 inches
- Lifespan: 20+ years
- Physical Characteristics: Long-bodied; vivid red, white, gold, or brown colorations
- Tank Size: Minimum 50 gallons
- Notes: Well-suited for large indoor tanks or outdoor ponds; very hardy
2. Shubunkin Goldfish
Shubunkin Goldfish stand out due to their distinctive calico coloration—a speckled mix of blue, red, gold, and black. They come in three main varieties (London, Bristol, American), varying mostly in tail shape.
- Length: Up to 12 inches
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Physical Characteristics: Long, slender body; transparent fins; speckled blue and calico colors
- Tank Size: Minimum 50 gallons
- Notes: Active, fast swimmers; best housed with similarly agile tankmates
3. Sarasa Goldfish
Sarasa Goldfish resemble comets but have bold, red and white color patterns similar to koi. Highly popular for outdoor ponds due to their beauty and hardiness.
- Length: 8–12 inches
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Physical Characteristics: Long-bodied; distinct red and white coloration
- Tank Size: Minimum 50 gallons
- Notes: Hardy; peaceful, does well with other long-bodied goldfish
4. Fantail Goldfish
The Fantail Goldfish serves as the basic fancy goldfish. It has a rounded body and clearly split, flowing double tail.
- Length: 6–8 inches
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Physical Characteristics: Egg-shaped body; double caudal (tail) fin; various colors
- Tank Size: 20–30 gallons
- Notes: More delicate than single-tail types; slow swimmers; best kept with other fancies
5. Ryukin Goldfish
Ryukin Goldfish are recognized by their pronounced shoulder hump, deep body, and long flowing fins.
- Length: 6–8 inches
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Physical Characteristics: Deep, round body; pointed head; prominent hump behind the head; wide range of colors
- Tank Size: 20–30 gallons
- Notes: Can outcompete slower fancies for food; slightly more aggressive eater
6. Veiltail Goldfish
The Veiltail Goldfish boasts exceptionally long, trailing tail and anal fins. They are elegant but require very gentle water flow due to their delicate fins.
- Length: 7 inches
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Physical Characteristics: Round body; long, flowing tail and fins; variety of colors
- Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Notes: Avoid sharp ornaments; best with other delicate, slow goldfish
7. Oranda Goldfish
Oranda Goldfish are immediately identifiable by the fleshy cap, or “wen,” on their heads. Their gentle temperament and spectacular appearance make them aquarium favorites.
- Length: 8–12 inches
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Physical Characteristics: Rounded body; double tail; prominent head growth (wen); multiple colors
- Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Notes: Watch for infections in the wen; provide a clean, safe environment
8. Pearlscale Goldfish
The Pearlscale Goldfish is instantly recognizable thanks to its rotund, golf-ball-like body and raised, pearl-like scales. They are delicate and require special care.
- Length: 4 inches
- Lifespan: 8 years
- Physical Characteristics: Very round belly; domed scales that look like pearls; can have a small wen
- Tank Size: 20–30 gallons
- Notes: Poor swimmers; need easily accessible food; gentle tankmates only
9. Telescope Goldfish
Telescope Goldfish are famed for their large, protruding eyes, which make them visually striking but vulnerable to injury.
- Length: 6–8 inches
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Physical Characteristics: Egg-shaped body; huge, projecting eyes; double tail; many colors
- Tank Size: 20–30 gallons
- Notes: Sensitive to water quality; avoid sharp tank decor
10. Ranchu Goldfish
Known as the “King of Goldfish” in Japan, Ranchu Goldfish have a robust, egg-shaped body, pronounced back curve, and no dorsal fin.
- Length: 5–8 inches
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Physical Characteristics: Egg-shaped; curved back; no dorsal fin; head cap (wen)
- Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Notes: Poor swimmers; gentle companions only; sensitive to water parameters
11. Lionhead Goldfish
The Lionhead Goldfish is closely related to the Ranchu but has an even more massive head growth, resembling a lion’s mane, and also lacks a dorsal fin.
- Length: 5–8 inches
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Physical Characteristics: Rounded body; dorsal finless; heavy head growth (wen)
- Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Notes: Handle carefully; provide soft substrate and gentle tankmates
12. Bubble Eye Goldfish
Bubble Eye Goldfish are one of the most unique varieties, sporting two large, fluid-filled sacs under their eyes. Careful handling is crucial.
- Length: 3–4 inches
- Lifespan: 10 years
- Physical Characteristics: Egg-shaped body; no dorsal fin; prominent eye sacs
- Tank Size: 20–30 gallons
- Notes: Extremely vulnerable to injury; gentle water flow, no sharp objects
13. Celestial Eye Goldfish
Celestial Eye Goldfish are famed for their upturned, skyward-pointing eyes. Their vision is impaired, making specialized care a must.
- Length: 5–6 inches
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Physical Characteristics: Egg-shaped body; no dorsal fin; eyes always fixed upward
- Tank Size: 20–30 gallons
- Notes: Poor vision; best kept only with others of their type
Comparison Table: Popular Goldfish Types
| Goldfish Type | Size (inches) | Lifespan (years) | Physical Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comet | 12-14 | 20+ | Long-bodied, strong swimmer, single tail | Ponds/Large tanks |
| Shubunkin | Up to 12 | 10-15 | Calico color, long tail | Ponds/Large tanks |
| Sarasa | 8-12 | 10-15 | Red/white, long tail | Ponds/Big tanks |
| Fantail | 6-8 | 10-15 | Egg-shaped, double tail | Indoor aquariums |
| Ryukin | 6-8 | 10-15 | Shoulder hump, deep body | Indoor aquariums |
| Veiltail | 7 | 10-15 | Long tail, round body | Display tanks |
| Oranda | 8-12 | 10-15 | Head cap (wen), double tail | Experienced keepers |
| Pearlscale | 4 | 8 | Round body, pearl-like scales | Gentle tanks |
| Telescope | 6-8 | 10-15 | Protruding eyes | Careful owners |
| Ranchu | 5-8 | 10-15 | No dorsal fin, curved back, head growth | Collectors |
| Lionhead | 5-8 | 10-15 | Dorsal finless, large wen | Collectors |
| Bubble Eye | 3-4 | 10 | Fluid-filled sacs under eyes | Specialty tanks |
| Celestial Eye | 5-6 | 10-15 | Upturned eyes | Specialty tanks |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do goldfish live?
Goldfish can live from 5 up to 30+ years, depending on the variety and the quality of care. Single-tailed goldfish such as comets often surpass 20 years, while fancy goldfish commonly live 10–15 years, sometimes longer with optimal care.
Can different types of goldfish live together?
While it is possible to keep multiple goldfish types together, it’s best to group fish with similar body shapes and swimming abilities. Long-bodied, fast swimmers may outcompete round-bodied, slow goldfish for food and cause injury or stress.
What is the minimum tank size for goldfish?
Single-tailed types like comets and shubunkins need at least 50 gallons per fish, especially as adults. Fancy goldfish should have 20–30 gallons each to thrive. Overcrowding leads to health problems and stunted growth.
What do goldfish eat?
Goldfish eat high-quality pellets, flakes, freeze-dried or live foods, and fresh vegetables like peas and lettuce. Pearlscales, bubble eyes, and other poor swimmers may need food placed closer or food types that are easy to catch.
Can goldfish live with other fish?
Goldfish do best with other goldfish or coldwater tankmates such as white cloud minnows or zebra danios. Avoid aggressive or tropical fish species, as goldfish prefer cool water and peaceful company.
Conclusion
Goldfish offer endless variety, from the swift comet to the elegant veiltail and the quirky bubble eye. Whether you are an experienced collector or a first-time fishkeeper, understanding each goldfish’s unique needs ensures a healthy and thriving aquarium. Consider the size, swimming ability, and special care of each type before making your selection, and enjoy watching these iconic aquarium fish bring color and life to your home.
References
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/12-types-of-goldfish-5525618
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/how-long-do-goldfish-live-5223675
- https://www.aqueon.com/articles/what-fish-can-live-with-goldfish
- https://www.thespruce.com/grow-columnea-gloriosa-indoors-1902642
- https://www.barkandwhiskers.com/2018-02-08-nl-goldfish-care/
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