33 Different Types of Goldfish Breeds

If you want to know how to identify what type of goldfish you have, you need to look at its features. Here are some unique features that make identifying your goldfish simple. There are hundreds of types of goldfish, many that have been cross bred which take on a mix of different features.

List of Goldfish

Common vs Comet vs Shubunkin Goldfish

Oranda vs Ranchu vs Lionhead Goldfish

Ryukin vs Fantail Goldfish

The reason there are so many types of goldfish breeds is due to years of selective breeding.

The Common Goldfish

The common goldfish, scientifically known as Carassius Auratus, is an Asian fish species belonging to the Cyprindae family.. This fish species is related to various breeds of carp, koi, and other similar types. The name Auratus refers to the gold coloration that overlays the fish’s body – it literally means “overlaid with gold”. For over a thousand years, humans have been raising goldfish, and during this period, they have become popular family pets.

Common goldfish is a hardy breed and an excellent choice for beginners. They can survive in temperatures ranging from 55-80°F (12-26°C), and a pH of 6-8, which is similar to tap water. They don’t require a heater and minimal care if kept in a well-filtered 10-gallon aquarium. In the wild, common goldfish can be found in freshwater, lakes, rivers, canals, and even ditches that have adequate vegetation. They prefer cooler water temperatures around the low 70s (21s°C).

While common goldfish can thrive alone in an aquarium, they are social animals and will benefit from having a tank mate. You can keep two or three small goldfish in a 10-gallon tank, but as they grow, you will need to upgrade to a larger tank size. A properly cared for goldfish can live for well over five years and grow to around 12 inches long, with an average of 4 inches. It’s not recommended to keep a goldfish in a small space such as a one-gallon goldfish bowl as the water can quickly become dirty and harm the fish’s health.

If space is an issue, consider getting a fancy Beta fish or cold-water minnows, which are better suited for smaller spaces than goldfish. Beta fish have the ability to breathe oxygen through their mouth, making them capable of living in stagnant water with low oxygen levels. Even with these fish species, routine maintenance is necessary to ensure their well-being.

You might also be interested in knowing what the difference between a goldfish and a koi is.

Comet

The Comet Goldfish is a popular breed that originated in the late 1800s from the state of Washington. This fish species comes in several variations, with the orange metallic comet being the most popular due to its vibrant color that shows well in goldfish ponds. Other variations come in an array of calicos, including the red and silver sarassa comet. The color combinations of these goldfish can range from red and white to black and orange, yellow, red, black, and of course, goldfish orange.

Although the Comet Goldfish is similar to the common goldfish, it has a more slender body and more noticeable, elongated fins, particularly the caudal fin. The caudal fin is more than half to three-quarters the size of the fish’s body, and its ends are much more pointed than those of the common goldfish. The Comet Goldfish also has two pectoral fins and pelvic fins, while the dorsal fin, anal fin, and caudal fin are single.

When keeping Comet Goldfish, they require a minimum of a 55-gallon (208 liter) tank or pond as they grow up to 12 inches long (30.48cm). Additionally, they need a well-maintained filtration system and regular water changes to maintain good water quality. Comet Goldfish are omnivorous and will eat both plant and animal matter, but it’s essential to feed them a varied diet that includes high-quality fish food, vegetables, and live or frozen food.

Comet Goldfish are also social creatures and can coexist peacefully with other fish species as long as they’re similar in size and temperament. However, avoid keeping them with aggressive fish as they may become stressed and susceptible to disease. By providing proper care, Comet Goldfish can live for over a decade and bring beauty and joy to any aquarium or pond.

Shubunkin

The shubunkin goldfish is a stunning breed that combines the body shape of common or comet goldfish with the vibrant colors of fancy goldfish types. There are two varieties of shubunkin goldfish: the London shubunkin and the Bristol shubunkin. The Bristol shubunkin is larger and has a more rounded caudal fin compared to the London shubunkin.

Shubunkin goldfish are considered to be hardy and can thrive in both indoor aquariums and outdoor ponds. When choosing shubunkins for your pond or tank, it’s important to avoid mixing them with slower-moving goldfish types like bubble eyes or celestial goldfish. Shubunkins are fast swimmers and can out-eat these other breeds, which may result in malnutrition and starvation for the slower fish.

The ideal coloration for shubunkin goldfish is calico, with about 25% of the body covered in a blue-silver color that serves as a background for the other colors. A uniform coat of black dots and colors that run into the fins is desirable for show-quality shubunkins.

In terms of physical characteristics, shubunkin goldfish have a single caudal tail fin, one dorsal fin, and paired pectoral and pelvic fins. They are similar to common and comet goldfish, but their fins are more elongated and noticeable.

Overall, the shubunkin goldfish is an excellent choice for beginner goldfish enthusiasts as they are hardy and relatively easy to care for.

Wakin

The wakin goldfish is a beloved and popular breed in Japan, thought to be the common goldfish of East Asia. With its elongated body and double caudal tail fin, it closely resembles the comet goldfish, but with a shorter, fantail-like tail. It is one of only two goldfish breeds, along with the jikin goldfish, to have this unique combination of elongated body and double anal and caudal fins.

This hardy breed is best suited for goldfish ponds, but if kept in a goldfish tank, it should be housed in a large enough tank to allow for its growth of over a foot long (30cm). While not an aggressive breed, the wakin goldfish is a fast swimmer and has a big appetite, making it less suitable for slower swimming goldfish breeds as tank mates. Additionally, if the tank or pond contains live aquatic plants that the wakin finds tasty, its appetite could pose a problem.

The wakin goldfish is typically found in solid red or variegated red and white colors. The ideal balance of red and white should be half and half, but some individuals may have only a few small stripes of red on an otherwise white body, or vice versa. The red color should be deep and vibrant, making it a stunning addition to any goldfish pond. Other color variations include metallics and variegated colors such as oranges, yellows, browns, and blacks.

Japanese Ryukin

The Japanese Ryukin goldfish is a unique breed that is highly sought after by goldfish enthusiasts. Originating from the Ryukyu Islands, this goldfish has a distinct appearance that sets it apart from other goldfish types. It resembles the fantail goldfish in body shape, but what makes it unique is the prominent hump on its back that elevates the dorsal fin. Additionally, the long caudal tail fins can have three or four lobes, giving it a stunning cherry blossom petal tail.

There are several types of ryukin goldfish, including the yamagata kingyo, sabao, and tamasaba. These types have been bred to have only a single caudal tail fin, which further adds to their distinctiveness.

When it comes to colors, the ryukin goldfish offers a wide variety of color combinations, including solid colors and multiple colors of deep red, red and white, blue, white, calico, and more. They are a hardy breed and can thrive in an outdoor goldfish pond or an indoor goldfish aquarium with other goldfish breeds such as the oranda, lionhead, or Ranchu Goldfish.

However, it’s essential to be cautious when introducing them to other goldfish types. The ryukin goldfish is a tough breed and can bully slower-moving breeds like the bubble eye and telescope goldfish. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the interactions between the different breeds.

Care Guides

• Pond Goldfish
• Aquarium Tanks
• Goldfish Bowls

Fancy Fantail

The Fancy Fantail goldfish is a popular and well-known variety of fancy goldfish. It is easily distinguished from other goldfish breeds by its egg-shaped body that makes up about three-fifths of its overall length. The Fantail Goldfish has a single dorsal fin, but all other fins are paired, including the caudal fin which is split down the middle with a forked appearance on each fin. The fins are sturdy and rounded at the end, resembling blades of a fan. This is most noticeable when viewing the caudal tail fin from directly above.

Fancy Fantail goldfish come in a wide range of colors and patterns, from metallic self-colored (single color) to variegated (multiple colors), including calico. The ideal coloration of the variegated variety should extend into the fins, and the calico variety should be mainly blue with patches of other colors. Colors of the fantail goldfish usually come in a few solids or a mix of orange, blue (silver), black, bronze, and red. A high-quality fantail will have a good balance of color on both sides of its body.

Despite being a fancy goldfish breed often bred for show, the Fancy Fantail is a very hardy species and an excellent choice for beginners or outdoor goldfish ponds. With proper care, fantails can live for more than ten to twenty years. At maturity, the fantail can grow up to six to eight inches long.

Fancy Fantail goldfish are peaceful and social creatures that get along well with other goldfish breeds. They are relatively easy to care for, but it is important to maintain a clean and well-aerated environment for their optimal health. They are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including live, frozen, and flake foods.

Veiltail

The veiltail goldfish is a popular type of goldfish among collectors and hobbyists, but it is a variety that is difficult to breed for showing. Its long, flowing, paired caudal tail is the veiltail’s most prominent feature. The caudal tail fins should not be forked or have pointed tips but be completely divided when viewed from above. When your veiltail goldfish swims, the caudal tail fins should flow elegantly in the water. Its dorsal fin should not fold over or sag but rather sway like a flag in the wind. The pectoral and pelvic fins should be long and narrow.

Color-wise, the veiltail goldfish can be metallic self-colored (solid), variegated (multiple colors), or calico in color. The colors should be strong and run into their fins. This goldfish type is not as hardy as the common, comet, or ryukin goldfish, but it can survive in an outdoor goldfish pond if the conditions are not too extreme. Most goldfish owners will choose to place their veiltail goldfish into their indoor aquariums.

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• Dwarf Hamsters
• Aquatic Turtles
• Popular Dogs
• Expensive Cats

Globe Eye or Telescope

The Telescope Goldfish, also known as the Globe Eye Goldfish or Dragon Fish in the Far East, is a fancy goldfish type that is easy to recognize due to its protruding eyes. These eyes start to develop around six months of age and are located on the outermost tip of its globe-shaped protuberance. The body of the Telescope Goldfish is similar to that of the Veiltail Goldfish, with a short, deep, rounded body.

A high-quality Telescope Goldfish should have good symmetrical placement of its two eyes, with each eye located on the outermost tip of its globe-shaped protuberance. Aside from the single dorsal fin, all of the Telescope Goldfish’s fins are paired and pointed, including the caudal tail fin. The dorsal fin is high on the back with a slightly elevated appearance, similar to the Ryukin Goldfish. When swimming, the dorsal fin should be sturdy and upright.

The Telescope Goldfish’s fully divided caudal fins should be about three-quarters the length of its body, and forked about a quarter of the overall length of the caudal tail fins. When swimming, the caudal tail fin should flow elegantly like that of the Oranda Goldfish. The Telescope Goldfish comes in a variety of colors, including self-colored (red, blue, chocolate, or white), bi-colors (black/white and red/white), and calico. The calico type should have a blue background with a symmetrical balance of bright brown, orange, red, yellow, and violet patches, with small black spots over its entire body.

There are also some varieties of the Telescope Goldfish, such as the Panda Butterfly Telescope, which is predominantly black and white, and the popular Broadtail Moor or Black Moor Goldfish. The Telescope Goldfish is hardy and can survive in cold waters but should not be kept in an outdoor goldfish pond. This is because it has poor vision and cannot compete with other goldfish types for food. Additionally, due to their protruding eyes, Telescope Goldfish are susceptible to infections and injuries, so they should only be placed among other slow-moving or delicate breeds.

Broadtail Moor

The Broadtail Moor goldfish, also known as the Black Moor, is a fancy goldfish type that is entirely black in color, although some specimens may contain shades of brown or silver. Show quality Black Moors have a flat sooty color. The Black Moor closely resembles the Veiltail Goldfish, with a single dorsal fin located high on its back, and all other fins paired. Its paired and flowing caudal fin should be fully divided with rounded tips and an absence of a forked appearance. However, unlike Veiltail Goldfish, the Black Moor has protruding eyes that resemble the Telescope Goldfish, with its eyes placed on the extreme tips of its protuberances. Due to its poor vision, it is not recommended to keep Black Moors with more agile breeds of goldfish as they may outcompete the slower Black Moor when it comes to feeding.

Oranda

The Oranda Goldfish is a fancier type of goldfish that requires special care. It does not do well in waters with temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.33°C) and is not suitable for outdoor ponds. It is best to keep them in an aquarium with other slow-moving fancy breeds and aquatic plants. Due to their body shape, Oranda Goldfish are slow-moving and should be fed a balanced diet to avoid swim bladder or constipation problems.

Breeding Oranda Goldfish is a challenge for breeders as it is difficult to determine their sex out of mating season. Typically, males are smaller and slenderer than females. During mating season, males produce white dots on the hoods on their heads, which should not be mistaken for goldfish ich. If breeders are successful in mating two Oranda Goldfish, it is rare to get high-quality fry.

A high-quality Oranda Goldfish has a short, deep body that is about two-thirds of its body length. The dorsal fin should be high on its body, similar to the Ryukin Goldfish. All other fins should be long, flowing, and paired. The caudal fin should be divided and flow gracefully like the Veiltail Goldfish, with slightly squared trailing edges. The appearance of the caudal tail varies depending on the geographic location of the Oranda’s breeding. The caudal tail should be deeply forked in the Far East, but points are deducted for this in the West.

Oranda Goldfish are easily recognizable by the soft, wart-like hood cover around their head. As they mature, these hoods should develop around their head and face. Some Orandas develop more hood than others, while some may not develop any at all. A good hood will have lumps of similar size that cover the entire head back to its gills.

The Oranda Goldfish comes in a variety of colors, including metallic, solid (self-colored), multiple colors (variegated), and calico. The Redcap Oranda Goldfish should have a deep red hood and a silver body. Other colors include black, blue, chocolate, red, and silver.

Pearlscale

The pearlscale goldfish has a distinctive spherical body shape and dome-like scales made of calcium carbonate, resembling a golf ball. Its small pointed head contains a little mouth that doesn’t stand out, making the body more noticeable. The single dorsal fin starts at the middle of the back and extends all the way to the caudal peduncle, while all other fins are paired with rounded ends. The sturdy caudal fins should be divided with mildly forked lobes that sit high and don’t drop down as the goldfish swims. Pearlscale goldfish come in a range of colors including metallic self-colored, variegated, and calico. They can live in an outdoor goldfish pond but are best suited for aquariums to showcase their unique features.

Hama Nishiki Goldfish

A cross bred between the pearlscale and the oranda. This goldfish bred looks a lot like the pearlscale, but its fins are slightly longer, and it has a small wen hood cover on top of its face that it gets from the oranda. It also grows slightly larger than the pearlscale.

Ranchu

The ranchu goldfish is a full-bodied fancy goldfish with a distinct appearance. One of the most obvious features of a ranchu is the absence of a dorsal fin. A show-quality specimen should have a clean, arched back with no sign of a dorsal fin. The back of the ranchu should have a pronounced upward arch, curving sharply downwards at the peduncle and caudal fins. This curve directs the pair of divided caudal fins downwards, and the optimal angle of the back curve and the direction of the upper lobes of the caudal fins should be 90 degrees.

Another distinctive feature of the ranchu goldfish is its wen hood cover, which should be larger than that of the oranda. The wen hood cover should cover the entire head and face but not the eyes, and a full wen hood cover can also cover the cheeks and gill covers, resembling the mane of a lion. In fact, the Chinese version of the ranchu is called the lionhead for this reason. The ranchu goldfish from Japan and the lionhead goldfish from China are virtually the same breed with only minor differences in appearance.

A ranchu goldfish can come in a variety of colors, including metallic self-colored orange, red-and-black, or variegated multiple colors, usually red and white. There are also red-and-white nacreous varieties that give it a mother of pearl color called ‘sakura nishiki’ and calico nacreous-colored ranchu goldfish that are called ‘edo nishiki’. The ranchu is suitable for both indoor and outdoor living environments, but it is important to keep them in a tank with low flow rates to prevent injury and disease.

Pompon

The pompon goldfish is a fancy goldfish breed named after its fleshy lobed nasal septa that resemble pompons. These growths are connected to the goldfish’s nasal septum and act as sensors for smelling airborne chemicals and odors. The body of a true pompon goldfish should look like the body of ranchu types without a dorsal fin. They come in metallic and calico colors. A quality pompon specimen should have a solid uniform growth and be spherical in shape, with the pompon lobes not hanging down into the mouth. They are best suited for goldfish aquariums with water no colder than 55*F (12.8°C) and should not be placed in an outdoor pond. Tank mates should only include other delicate and slow-moving breeds like the telescope, oranda, bubble eye, or celestial.

Bubble Eye

The bubble eye goldfish is a fancy goldfish breed that is characterized by its fluid-filled sacs or pouches that protrude from its cheeks. These pouches, which are filled with water or air, give the bubble eye goldfish its distinctive appearance. The pouches are delicate and require careful attention to avoid damage. The goldfish’s eyes are upward-pointing, similar to the celestial, and the body shape and fins are also similar. A high-quality bubble eye goldfish will have two equally developed pouches that sit right below its eyes. The colors of the bubble eye goldfish include metallic self-colored, variegated, and calico.

Because of the delicate nature of the pouches, it is important to consider the aquarium environment and tank mates carefully. The bubble eye goldfish is a slow swimmer with poor eyesight, so it is important to avoid sharp edges in the tank and to choose decorations, substrate, and filters that will not damage the pouches or create a strong current. Low wattage aquarium lights are recommended. Tank mates should include other slow-moving and poor seeing goldfish breeds like the celestial, pompon, ranchu, or telescope. The bubble eye goldfish is not well-suited to outdoor ponds and is best kept in an aquarium with water no colder than 55°F (12.8°C).

Celestial

The celestial goldfish is a small and delicate fancy breed of goldfish that requires special care to ensure its health, making it not suitable for beginner goldfish hobbyists. One of the most unique features of the celestial goldfish is its protruding eyes that are always set to face upwards. This feature means that the celestial goldfish should not be kept in a tank with any decoration that can scrape or poke its eyes. The tank should also not have a bright light since the celestial goldfish is always looking up while at rest.

The celestial goldfish lacks a dorsal fin, and when it swims, it pushes its head downward to see straight ahead. This lifts its body and caudal fins upwards, making it a slow swimmer and not suitable for a tank with a water current. Tank mates should only include other celestial goldfish, bubble eyes, pompons, or telescopes.

The celestial goldfish comes in metallic, variegated, and calico colors, and a high-quality specimen will have a well-rounded body with a smooth and even curvature. Its tail should be well-divided and slightly curved downward, and its anal fins should be well-joined with the body.

It’s important to monitor the water temperature of the tank, as celestial goldfish prefer warmer waters ranging from 70-80°F (21-27°C). Additionally, their delicate fins can easily become damaged, so it’s important to choose a filter with a gentle flow and avoid placing any sharp-edged decorations or substrates in the tank.

Complete Goldfish Comparison Chart

Article Citations and Resources

• Johnson, Erik DR., and Richard Hess. Fancy Goldfish: Complete Guide To Care And Collecting. Weatherhill, 2001.
• Boruchowitz, David. Aquarium Care of Goldfish. T.F.H Publication, 2008.
• Brewster, Bernice. An Essential Guide to Keeping Goldfish. Interpet Publishing, 2003.
• Halls, Steve. Your Healthy Garden Pond. Howell Book House, 2000.
• Sweeney, Mary. The 101 Best Aquarium Plants. T.F.H, 2008.
• Watson, Craig A., et al. “Species Profile: Koi and Goldfish.” SRAC Publication No. 7201, Southern Regional Aquaculture Center, September 2004.

Photo credits: biodork , [email protected], sheffield_tiger, stwbrypocky, norman_baboo, cliche, peterrosbjerg, astrid-goes-usa/, kerjsi, amymyou, hand-nor-glove, [email protected], angiehu

Reviewed By: Tim Winter

Tim Winter has an unwavering affection for animals and his extensive experience in caring for various pets has motivated him to impart his personal successes and failures to enlighten others on the best practices in pet care. Tim obtained his Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communications.

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