Types Of Goldfish: 19 Varieties, Features & Care Tips
Each breed's unique behavior and habitat needs unlock a captivating aquarium display.
The Ultimate Guide to Types of Goldfish: Varieties, Features & Care
Goldfish are among the most popular pet fish worldwide, celebrated for their beauty, diversity, and fascinating behaviors. With centuries of selective breeding, goldfish now come in an astonishing array of types, colors, and shapes. Whether you’re a beginner aquarist or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding the different goldfish varieties can help you create a vibrant, healthy aquarium or pond.
Goldfish Origins and Overview
Goldfish (Carassius auratus) are domesticated descendants of wild carp native to East Asia. Over hundreds of years, breeders have developed more than 200 recognized varieties with distinct body shapes, colors, and fin types. Goldfish are broadly divided into two main categories based on their physique:
- Slim-bodied goldfish â More robust, closely resembling their wild ancestors.
- Fancy goldfish â With unique body shapes, elaborate fins, and ornamental features.
From classic oranges and reds to striking blues and calicoes, goldfish showcase an incredible palette and personality in both home aquariums and garden ponds.
Types of Goldfish
Choosing the right type of goldfish often depends on your aquarium or pond setup, maintenance ability, and personal taste. Below are the key varieties categorized by body type, with their main features and care notes.
Slim-Bodied Goldfish
These goldfish are hardy and active, well-suited for ponds and new aquarists. Their streamlined shape makes them agile swimmers and generally less prone to health issues.
Common Goldfish
The quintessential goldfish, recognized for its slender, torpedo-shaped body and vibrant orange color. However, they can also appear in red, black, blue, yellow, and white.
- Size: Up to 10-12 inches
- Lifespan: 10â15 years in good conditions
- Colors: Wide range; orange most common
- Notes: Social, hardy, great for ponds
Comet Goldfish
Similar to the common goldfish but characterized by a smaller body and much longer, deeply forked tail, giving a âcometâ appearance when swimming.
- Size: Up to 12 inches
- Colors: Orange, red, yellow, and calico variants
- Notes: Extremely active and playful; well-suited for outdoor ponds
Sarasa Comet Goldfish
A popular pond variety with striking red and white patterns. Recognized for their contrasting bright hues and long, flowing tails.
- Size: Up to 12 inches
- Colors: Red and white combinations
- Notes: Hardy and visually appealing; often chosen for garden ponds
Shubunkin Goldfish
Known as the âcalicoâ goldfish, Shubunkins have a slender shape with eye-catching blue coloration and patches of red, orange, black, and white. They feature metallic, pearly scales and are agile swimmers.
- Size: Up to 12â14 inches
- Color Pattern: Blue, orange, black, red, and brown patches
- Notes: Sometimes called âthe poor manâs koiâ due to their similar appearance
Wakin Goldfish
A classic style in Japan, Wakin goldfish have a slim body with a distinct double tail fin, making them more decorative than the common goldfish.
- Size: 8â10 inches
- Colors: Red, white, and combinations thereof
- Notes: Hardy and graceful, favored for large tanks and ponds
Watonai Goldfish
Rare and elegant, the Watonai combines the hardy body of the Wakin with long double tail fins, resembling a double-tailed comet.
- Size: 10â12 inches
- Colors: Various, especially red & white
- Notes: Prized in Japan, suitable for ponds
Tamasaba Goldfish
An elegant Japanese variety, Tamasaba have elongated bodies, flowing fins, and a single tail, standing out for their unique swimming style.
- Size: Medium to large
- Colors: Red and white, with other variations
- Notes: Require spacious settings due to active nature
Fancy Goldfish
Fancy goldfish are prized for their ornamental looks and distinct features. These varieties typically have rounded, egg-shaped bodies, elaborate fins, and unique head growths or eye shapes. Most thrive best in indoor aquariums with gentle currents.
Ryukin Goldfish
Renowned for their prominent humped backs, round bellies, and short, triangular fins. Their unique physiognomy makes them slow but graceful swimmers.
- Size: 6â8 inches
- Colors: Red, white, calico, and metallic
- Notes: Popular in Japan, often kept in aquariums
Oranda Goldfish
Distinct for their âwen,â a bulbous growth on top of the head. Orandas come in many colors, including red, black, and calico. The headgrowth develops as the fish matures.
- Size: 6â8 inches
- Colors: Red, black, blue, wen can be colorful or white
- Notes: Gentle, best in calm tanks without sharp decorations
Ranchu Goldfish
Sometimes called the âking of goldfishâ in Japan, Ranchus lack a dorsal fin and have a steeply arched back with pronounced head growth. Their charming rounded bodies and âhoodedâ heads make them highly sought-after.
- Size: 6â8 inches
- Colors: Various, including calico
- Notes: Prone to floating issues; require stable, clean water
Lionhead Goldfish
Similar to Ranchu but with an even more prominent âhoodâ and no dorsal fin. Their unique, bumpy head growths give them their name.
- Size: 5â8 inches
- Colors: Red, orange, white, and more
- Notes: Popular in fancy goldfish circles, requires extra care with head growth
Lionchu Goldfish
A modern crossbreed combining the qualities of Lionhead and Ranchuâround body, well-developed hood, and no dorsal fin. Highly decorative and endearing.
- Size: 5â8 inches
- Colors: Various
- Notes: Sought after by competitive goldfish keepers
Pearlscale Goldfish
Easy to identify by their âgolf-ballâ bodies and raised, pearl-like scales. They are slow and gentle swimmers, making them ideal for tanks with similarly-tempered goldfish.
- Size: 5â6 inches
- Colors: Orange, calico, white, and combinations
- Notes: Sensitive to tank conditions due to their body shape
Telescope Goldfish
Named for their protruding eyes, which resemble telescopes, this variety is visually distinctive but more delicate than others. Clear, gentle water flow is important for their well-being.
- Size: 5â8 inches
- Colors: Black, red, calico, panda (black and white)
- Notes: Eyes are vulnerable; keep away from sharp objects
Bubble Eye Goldfish
Features upward-turned eyes accompanied by large, fluid-filled cheek sacs. These pouches are delicate and can be damaged by sharp objects or vigorous tankmates.
- Size: 4â6 inches
- Colors: Orange, red, white, calico
- Notes: Require specially set-up tanks to avoid injuries
Celestial Eye Goldfish
Known for their upturned, sky-gazing eyes that gradually develop as the fish mature. They lack a dorsal fin and are gentle but less active swimmers.
- Size: 4â6 inches
- Colors: Orange, red, white, calico
- Notes: Require calm tankmates and minimal obstacles
Butterfly Tail Goldfish
Prized for their spectacular, butterfly-shaped tail fins when viewed from above. Butterfly tails appear in several varieties, especially among telescope and oranda types.
- Size: Varies (depends on breed)
- Colors: Various
- Notes: Require gentle currents to display tail fully
Tosakin Goldfish
An exceedingly rare Japanese breed recognized for its horizontally-spread, fan-shaped double tail that curls at the tips.
- Size: 5â8 inches
- Colors: Red, white, or mixed
- Notes: Unique tail structure, mostly kept by enthusiasts
Curled-Gill Goldfish
An uncommon variety where the gill covers curve outward. Highly specialized and seen mainly among collectors.
- Size: Varies
- Colors: Varies
- Notes: Requires specialist care
Goldfish Comparison Table
| Type | Body Shape | Fin Structure | Common Colors | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common | Slim | Single tail | Orange, red, white | Ponds, beginners |
| Comet | Slim | Long, forked tail | Orange, red, calico | Ponds, active display |
| Shubunkin | Slim | Single tail | Blue, calico | Ponds, outdoor |
| Oranda | Rounded | Single/double tail | Red, calico, black | Indoor tanks |
| Ranchu | Rounded | Double tail, no dorsal | Various | Experienced keepers |
| Bubble Eye | Egg-shaped | Double tail, no dorsal | Red, white, calico | Specialty tanks |
| Butterfly Tail | Rounded | Butterfly tail | Varies | Display tanks |
Caring for Different Goldfish Types
- Tank Size: Provide at least 20 gallons per goldfish for slim-bodied types; 10+ gallons for each fancy goldfish.
- Filtration: Strong filtration is essential as goldfish produce considerable waste.
- Water Quality: Maintain regular water changes and monitor ammonia and nitrite levels.
- Tankmates: Keep goldfish with other goldfish only, as they have unique temperature and dietary needs.
- Diet: Offer a varied diet of pellets, flakes, and occasional vegetables or live foods for balanced nutrition.
- Tank Decor: Avoid sharp objects, especially for delicate or pop-eyed fancy varieties.
What others are reading
Goldfish FAQ
- Q: What is the difference between slim-bodied and fancy goldfish?
Slim-bodied goldfish such as Common and Comet types are hardier and more active, ideal for outdoor ponds. Fancy goldfish have modified bodies and ornamental features (like wen or special fins) but may be less robust and better suited for indoor aquariums.
- Q: How large do goldfish get?
Goldfish can reach from 4 inches (small fancies) to up to 12 inches (common and comet varieties) depending on species, space, and care.
- Q: Can you keep different goldfish types together?
Yes, but only if their size and swimming abilities are compatible. Avoid mixing slim-bodied and fancy goldfish, as faster types may outcompete fancies for food.
- Q: What is the lifespan of a goldfish?
With optimal care, goldfish can live 10â20 years; some have been reported to live over 30 years.
- Q: Why is water quality important for goldfish?
Poor water quality leads to disease and stress, especially for sensitive fancy breeds. Frequent water changes and strong filtration are vital.
- Q: Are there goldfish that can live outdoors year-round?
Slim-bodied types like Common, Comet, Shubunkin, and Wakin handle outdoor pond environments well, and can survive in mild climates all year with proper care.
Final Thoughts
The fascinating diversity of goldfish, from the classic orange comet to the extravagant lionhead or celestial eye, ensures thereâs a perfect variety for every enthusiast. By understanding the unique needs of each type and providing attentive care, goldfish can flourish and bring vibrant life to your aquarium or pond for many years to come.
References
- https://aquariumstoredepot.com/blogs/news/types-of-goldfish
- https://toledogoldfish.com/blogs/news/a-complete-guide-to-popular-types-of-goldfish
- https://www.kodamakoifarm.com/goldfish-101/
- https://www.chewy.com/education/fish/goldfish/types-of-goldfish
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_goldfish_varieties
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