After spending over a decade keeping and breeding goldfish, I've come to appreciate the incredible diversity within what many people think is just one type of fish. The truth is, there are over 200 recognized goldfish varieties worldwide, each with unique characteristics that have been carefully developed through centuries of selective breeding.
When I first started keeping goldfish, I had no idea that the common goldfish at the pet store was just one of dozens of varieties available. Through years of research, breeding programs, and countless hours observing these fascinating fish, I've learned to identify and appreciate the subtle differences between breeds. Today, I'll share everything I know about goldfish varieties to help you understand and choose the right type for your aquarium or pond.
Recent genomic research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has revealed that all goldfish varieties descended from Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) approximately 1,000 years ago in China. What started as selective breeding for color has evolved into an incredible array of body shapes, fin configurations, and features that would seem impossible if you hadn't seen them yourself.
Understanding Goldfish Categories: Single-Tailed vs Fancy
The first thing to understand about goldfish varieties is that they fall into two main categories: single-tailed and fancy (double-tailed) goldfish. This fundamental distinction affects everything from swimming ability to tank requirements.
Single-tailed goldfish are closer to their wild carp ancestors. They have streamlined bodies, single caudal fins, and are generally hardier and faster swimmers. These varieties can grow quite large (12-14 inches in some cases) and are suitable for both aquariums and outdoor ponds. They're what I recommend for beginners because of their resilience and lower maintenance requirements.
Fancy goldfish, on the other hand, have been bred for specific aesthetic features that often compromise their swimming ability. They typically have double or split tail fins, rounded bodies, and various unique features like telescope eyes, head growths, or bubble sacs. While absolutely stunning, these varieties require more careful attention to water quality, diet, and tank setup. In my experience, fancy goldfish do best in aquariums rather than ponds, where their slower swimming speed won't disadvantage them.
The genetic mutations that create these fancy varieties are fascinating. Research from the National Human Genome Research Institute's Goldfish Genome Project has identified specific genes responsible for features like the double tail (a mutation in the chordin gene) and telescope eyes (mutations affecting eye development pathways). Understanding this genetics helps explain why certain varieties are more challenging to breed than others.
Single-Tailed Goldfish Varieties
1. Common Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
The common goldfish is the foundation of all goldfish breeding. These fish closely resemble their Prussian carp ancestors with elongated bodies, single tails, and remarkable hardiness. In my experience, common goldfish are virtually indestructible when given proper care. They can live 20-30 years and grow to 12-14 inches in adequate space.
What many people don't realize is that common goldfish come in various colors beyond the typical orange. I've kept red, white, yellow, black, and even calico commons. They're perfect for outdoor ponds where their hardy nature allows them to survive temperature fluctuations and their fast swimming helps them escape predators.
2. Comet Goldfish
Developed in the United States in the 1880s, comet goldfish are my favorite single-tailed variety. They're distinguished by their deeply forked tail fins that can be as long as their body. This flowing tail makes them incredibly graceful swimmers - watching a school of comets in a pond is like observing underwater ballet.
Comets are slightly smaller than common goldfish, typically reaching 10-12 inches. They're equally hardy but their longer fins make them slightly more susceptible to fin damage in environments with sharp decorations. I always recommend smooth river rocks and live plants for comet tanks.
3. Shubunkin Goldfish
Shubunkins are essentially calico-colored single-tailed goldfish with a unique scale type called nacreous scales, which give them a pearlescent appearance. The most prized shubunkins have a blue background with patches of red, orange, black, and white - what we call the "Bristol Blue" coloration.
There are actually three types of shubunkins: London (similar to common goldfish), Bristol (with larger, more rounded tails), and American (similar to comets). In my breeding programs, I've found Bristol shubunkins to be particularly striking, though they're harder to find than the other varieties.
4. Wakin Goldfish
The wakin is a Japanese variety that represents a transitional form between single-tailed and fancy goldfish. While they have a double tail, their body remains elongated and they're strong swimmers. I consider them the perfect "starter fancy" goldfish because they combine the hardiness of single-tails with the aesthetic appeal of a split tail.
Wakins typically display red and white coloration in various patterns. They grow to about 10 inches and do well in both ponds and large aquariums. Their active nature means they need more swimming space than other fancy varieties - I recommend at least 30 gallons for the first fish and 10-15 gallons for each additional wakin.
5. Jikin Goldfish
The jikin is one of the rarest goldfish varieties outside of Japan. They're similar to wakins but with a very specific color pattern called "rokurin" (six scales), where the fins, lips, and gill covers are red while the body remains white. Achieving this perfect pattern is incredibly difficult, making true jikins extremely valuable.
I've only successfully bred jikins twice in my career, and getting the correct coloration required selective breeding over multiple generations. They're hardy fish but their rarity means they're typically kept by advanced hobbyists and breeders.
Fancy Goldfish Varieties: Egg-Shaped Bodies
6. Fantail Goldfish
The fantail is the most basic fancy goldfish and serves as the foundation for many other fancy varieties. They have egg-shaped bodies with a double tail that, when viewed from above, spreads out like a fan. For anyone starting with fancy goldfish, I always recommend beginning with fantails.
Fantails are relatively hardy for fancy goldfish, tolerating a wider range of temperatures and water conditions than more extreme varieties. They typically grow to 6-8 inches and come in all goldfish colors. Their moderate body shape means they're still decent swimmers, though they can't compete with single-tailed varieties for food. When keeping them in my fantail goldfish care guide, I explain how proper tank setup is crucial for their health.
7. Ryukin Goldfish
The ryukin is characterized by its extremely high back, creating a pronounced hump behind the head. This Japanese variety is one of my personal favorites due to their active personality and striking appearance. The body depth should ideally be 3/4 of the body length, creating an almost triangular profile.
Ryukins are surprisingly hardy despite their extreme body shape. They're active swimmers and can grow quite large (8-10 inches). However, their deep bodies make them prone to buoyancy issues if overfed. I feed my ryukin goldfish sinking pellets to prevent them from gulping air at the surface.
8. Oranda Goldfish
Orandas are distinguished by their raspberry-like head growth called a "wen." This fleshy growth develops as the fish matures, typically starting around 4-6 months of age. The wen requires special attention as it can trap food and debris, potentially leading to infections.
In my experience, orandas are one of the most personable goldfish varieties. They seem to recognize their owners and will often "beg" for food at the glass. They grow to 8-10 inches and come in many colors, with red cap orandas (white body, red wen) being particularly popular. The wen can sometimes overgrow and obstruct vision, requiring careful trimming by experienced aquarists.
9. Ranchu Goldfish
Often called the "king of goldfish" in Japan, ranchus are similar to orandas but lack a dorsal fin. This absence creates a smooth back curve from head to tail. The best ranchus have a 45-degree downward angle to their tail, allowing them to swim with a distinctive wiggling motion.
Ranchus are one of the most challenging fancy varieties to keep. Their lack of a dorsal fin significantly impacts their stability in the water, and they're particularly susceptible to swim bladder problems. I maintain my ranchus in shallow water (no more than 8-10 inches deep) to reduce the pressure on their swim bladders.
10. Lionhead Goldfish
Lionheads are the Chinese precursor to the Japanese ranchu. They have a more rectangular body shape compared to the ranchu's rounded form, and their wen growth is typically more pronounced. Like ranchus, they lack a dorsal fin.
The main challenge with lionheads is maintaining their wen health. I perform weekly water changes of 30-40% and regularly check for any signs of infection in the wen folds. They're slow swimmers and do best in species-only tanks where they won't have to compete for food.
Fancy Goldfish Varieties: Eye Variations
11. Telescope Eye Goldfish (Demekin)
Telescope goldfish have protruding eyes that extend from the sides of their head on stalks. These eyes can be spherical, cone-shaped, or cylindrical. While striking, these eyes are extremely delicate and prone to injury. I keep my telescopes in tanks with no sharp decorations and use pre-filters on all intakes to prevent eye damage.
The telescope eye trait can be combined with other varieties - I've kept telescope orandas, telescope ryukins, and even telescope pearlscales. Black moor goldfish are actually just black telescope goldfish, though they often fade to bronze or gold as they age due to environmental factors and genetics.
12. Black Moor Goldfish
Black moors are one of the most popular fancy goldfish varieties, especially among beginners attracted to their velvety black coloration and protruding eyes. What many new keepers don't realize is that black moors often change color as they age, developing bronze or gold patches.
In my experience, maintaining the deep black coloration requires cooler water temperatures (65-72°F) and specific lighting conditions. They're surprisingly hardy despite their poor eyesight, but I always feed them sinking foods and make sure they get their share when housed with faster swimmers.
13. Bubble Eye Goldfish
Bubble eyes are perhaps the most delicate goldfish variety, with fluid-filled sacs beneath each eye that wobble as they swim. These bubbles are essentially modified swim bladders that have migrated to beneath the eyes. If punctured, they can regrow, but the new bubble is rarely as symmetrical as the original.
I only recommend bubble eyes for experienced keepers. They require bare-bottom tanks or fine sand substrates, no decorations whatsoever, and extremely gentle filtration. Even live plants can pose a risk. Despite these challenges, their unique appearance and gentle nature make them fascinating pets for dedicated aquarists.
14. Celestial Eye Goldfish
Celestial goldfish have eyes that point permanently upward, supposedly to gaze at the heavens. This trait developed in China where they were kept in shallow ceramic bowls and viewed from above. The upward-gazing eyes develop as the fish matures - juveniles have normal eyes that gradually rotate upward.
Celestials have no dorsal fin and poor vision, making them terrible competitors for food. I hand-feed my celestials or use feeding rings to ensure they get adequate nutrition. They're best kept with other slow-moving varieties like bubble eyes or lionheads.
Fancy Goldfish Varieties: Unique Features
15. Pearlscale Goldfish
Pearlscales have scales with raised centers that resemble pearls, giving them a distinctive golf ball-like appearance. Each scale has calcium carbonate deposits that create this unique texture. The rounder the body and more pronounced the scales, the higher the quality of the specimen.
These fish are prone to dropsy due to their extreme body shape, and their scales don't regenerate properly if lost. I maintain pristine water conditions for my pearlscale goldfish and avoid any situation where they might scrape against objects. Despite their delicate nature, they're active swimmers with engaging personalities.
16. Pompom Goldfish
Pompom goldfish have enlarged nasal septa that form fleshy growths resembling cheerleader pompoms. These narial bouquets can grow quite large, sometimes obscuring the fish's vision. The pompom trait can appear in various goldfish varieties - I've seen pompom orandas and pompom lionheads.
The pompoms are prone to bacterial infections if water quality deteriorates. I've found that pompom goldfish do best in well-oxygenated water with gentle current. The pompoms can occasionally be nibbled by tank mates, so careful selection of companions is important.
17. Butterfly Tail Goldfish
When viewed from above, butterfly tail goldfish have tails that spread horizontally like butterfly wings. This variety was developed relatively recently, with breeding programs focusing on achieving perfect 180-degree tail spreads. The tail should remain horizontal even when the fish is swimming.
Butterfly tails can be combined with other traits - butterfly telescope goldfish are particularly popular. The broad tail makes them slower swimmers, and they're prone to tail damage in tanks with strong filtration. I use sponge filters in my butterfly tail tanks to provide gentle water movement.
18. Veiltail Goldfish
Veiltails have extremely long, flowing fins that trail behind them like a wedding veil. The tail should be at least as long as the body and should not have any forks or indentations. High-quality veiltails have fins that flow smoothly without any kinks or folds.
The long fins make veiltails susceptible to fin rot and tears. I maintain water temperatures around 72-74°F for my veiltails, as cooler water can lead to clamped fins. They're peaceful fish but should not be kept with fin-nippers or very active swimmers that might damage their delicate fins.
19. Tosakin Goldfish
The tosakin is an extremely rare Japanese variety with a unique tail that curls under the body. When viewed from above, the tail forms a complete circle. This variety nearly went extinct after World War II but was saved by dedicated breeders in Kochi Prefecture.
Tosakins are traditionally kept in shallow ceramic bowls in Japan to best display their tail structure. They're weak swimmers and extremely delicate. In my limited experience with tosakins (I've only kept three), they require specialized care and are best suited for advanced collectors.
20. Tamasaba Goldfish
The tamasaba or sabao is a rare variety that combines the body shape of a ryukin with a single tail like a comet. They were developed in Japan and are prized for their unique combination of fancy body and single tail. This makes them stronger swimmers than most fancy varieties.
Tamasabas are extremely rare outside of Japan. They're hardy fish that can be kept in ponds or aquariums. Their single tail gives them better swimming ability than double-tailed ryukins, making them suitable for mixed community tanks with other active goldfish.
Rare and Regional Goldfish Varieties
21. Izumo Nankin Goldfish
The Izumo Nankin is a Japanese variety developed in the Shimane Prefecture. They have egg-shaped bodies without dorsal fins and distinctive white and red coloration. What sets them apart is their specific body proportions and the requirement for a perfectly triangular head when viewed from above.
These goldfish are virtually unknown outside of Japan, where they're considered a cultural treasure. The breeding standards are incredibly strict, with most fish failing to meet the exacting requirements for show quality specimens.
22. Egg-Fish Goldfish (Dan Yu)
The egg-fish or dan yu is a Chinese variety similar to the ranchu but with an even more egg-like body shape. They lack a dorsal fin and have a very short, compact body. The name literally translates to "egg fish" due to their nearly spherical appearance.
Egg-fish are extremely prone to swim bladder problems due to their compressed organs. They require shallow water and very careful feeding. I've only seen these in specialized import shipments, and they require expert-level care.
23. Shukin Goldfish
The shukin is a rare Japanese variety that combines features of the ranchu and oranda. They have a ranchu-like body with no dorsal fin but develop a wen like an oranda. This combination creates a unique appearance that's highly prized in Japan.
Shukins face the combined challenges of both parent varieties - swim bladder issues from the ranchu body type and wen maintenance from the oranda heritage. They're best suited for experienced keepers who understand the specific needs of both varieties.
24. Curled-Gill Goldfish
The curled-gill or reversed-gill goldfish has gill covers that curl outward, exposing the red gill filaments. This trait is controversial as it can impact the fish's ability to breathe efficiently. While striking in appearance, many consider this variety problematic from a welfare perspective.
I personally don't keep or recommend curled-gill goldfish due to the potential health implications. The exposed gills are susceptible to infection and damage, and these fish often have shortened lifespans compared to other varieties.
25. Dragon Eye Goldfish (Long Jing)
Dragon eye goldfish are a Chinese variety similar to telescope goldfish but with eyes that protrude even further and point slightly forward. The eyes should be perfectly symmetrical and can extend up to 3/4 inch from the head in prize specimens.
These fish have even worse vision than regular telescope goldfish and require special feeding considerations. I use floating food rings and ensure they're housed only with other slow-moving, poor-sighted varieties to prevent competition issues.
Choosing the Right Goldfish Type for Your Setup
After keeping and breeding goldfish for years, I've learned that choosing the right variety is crucial for success. Your experience level, available space, and maintenance commitment all factor into this decision.
For Beginners
If you're new to goldfish keeping, I strongly recommend starting with single-tailed varieties. Common goldfish, comets, and shubunkins are incredibly forgiving of beginner mistakes. They tolerate a wider range of water parameters, are less prone to health issues, and their active swimming makes them engaging pets.
For those interested in fancy goldfish, fantails are the best starting point. They're hardier than other fancy varieties while still offering the appeal of a double tail and egg-shaped body. Once you've successfully kept fantails for a year, you can consider moving to more delicate varieties.
Tank Size Considerations
Single-tailed goldfish need significantly more space than most people realize. I recommend a minimum of 75 gallons for one common or comet goldfish, with 20-30 gallons for each additional fish. These active swimmers need horizontal swimming space more than depth.
Fancy goldfish can manage in smaller spaces due to their reduced swimming ability. A 30-gallon tank can house two small fancy goldfish, though I prefer 40 gallons minimum. Remember that goldfish are social and should ideally be kept in groups of at least two.
Pond vs Aquarium
Single-tailed varieties thrive in ponds where they have room to reach their full size and swimming potential. They're also hardy enough to overwinter in most climates if the pond is deep enough (at least 3 feet in freezing climates).
Most fancy goldfish should not be kept in ponds. Their poor swimming ability makes them vulnerable to predators, and they struggle to compete for food in large spaces. The exceptions are hardier fancies like fantails and ryukins, which can do well in ponds in warmer climates.
Compatibility Between Varieties
Never mix single-tailed and fancy goldfish in the same tank. The speed difference means fancies will be outcompeted for food and may be bullied. I've seen comets accidentally injure bubble eyes simply through their rapid movements.
Among fancy varieties, group fish with similar swimming abilities. Orandas, ryukins, and fantails can coexist well. Bubble eyes, celestials, and lionheads should be kept together or in species-only tanks. For detailed compatibility information, check out my guide on goldfish tank mates.
Caring for Different Goldfish Types
While all goldfish share basic care requirements, different varieties have specific needs that must be addressed for optimal health.
Water Quality Requirements
All goldfish are messy fish that produce significant bioload. However, fancy varieties are more sensitive to poor water quality than single-tailed varieties. I maintain ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm for all goldfish, but I'm especially vigilant with delicate varieties like bubble eyes and celestials.
Temperature requirements vary slightly between varieties. Single-tailed goldfish tolerate temperatures from 32-80°F, though 65-72°F is optimal. Fancy goldfish prefer slightly warmer water, 68-74°F, as cooler temperatures can exacerbate swim bladder issues.
Feeding Considerations
Single-tailed goldfish are aggressive feeders that will eat almost anything. I feed them a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and vegetables. They can handle floating foods without issue.
Fancy goldfish require more careful feeding. Their compressed bodies make them prone to constipation and swim bladder problems. I feed sinking pellets to prevent air gulping and include blanched peas weekly as a laxative. For specific feeding amounts and schedules, refer to my comprehensive goldfish feeding guide.
Common Health Issues by Variety
Single-tailed goldfish are generally healthy but can suffer from parasites if kept in ponds. Regular observation and quarantine of new additions prevents most issues.
Fancy goldfish face variety-specific challenges. Telescope-eyed varieties are prone to eye infections and injuries. Wen-bearing varieties (orandas, lionheads) can develop wen infections. Extreme-bodied varieties (pearlscales, ryukins) frequently experience swim bladder disorders.
Breeding Considerations for Different Types
Breeding goldfish is both an art and a science, with each variety presenting unique challenges. Success rates vary dramatically between types.
Single-tailed varieties are the easiest to breed. They reach sexual maturity at 1-2 years and spawn readily in outdoor ponds. A single spawning can produce 500-1000 eggs, with high survival rates if water quality is maintained.
Fancy goldfish breeding requires more expertise. The extreme body shapes can make natural spawning difficult - I often need to hand-spawn my ranchus and bubble eyes. Additionally, many fancy traits are recessive, meaning only a percentage of offspring will display the desired characteristics. From a spawn of 500 oranda eggs, perhaps only 10-20 will develop show-quality wens.
The Future of Goldfish Varieties
New goldfish varieties continue to emerge as breeders push the boundaries of selective breeding. Recent developments include the blue-scale oranda (a metallic blue variety) and the yuan bao oranda (with an extremely pronounced wen).
However, there's growing concern about welfare in extreme varieties. Some European countries are considering legislation limiting the breeding of varieties with compromised swimming ability or vision. As goldfish keepers, we must balance our appreciation for unique varieties with consideration for the fish's quality of life.
Scientific advances are also shaping goldfish breeding. The complete sequencing of the goldfish genome in 2019 has opened new possibilities for understanding the genetic basis of various traits. This knowledge could lead to more predictable breeding outcomes and potentially the development of healthier fancy varieties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of goldfish are there?
There are over 200 recognized goldfish varieties worldwide, though only about 50-75 are commonly available in the aquarium trade. The exact number varies as new varieties are developed and others fall out of favor. The varieties range from simple single-tailed fish to complex fancy varieties with multiple unique features.
What is the easiest type of goldfish to keep?
Common goldfish and comets are by far the easiest goldfish to keep. They're hardy, adaptable, and forgiving of water quality fluctuations. Among fancy varieties, fantails are the most beginner-friendly due to their moderate body shape and relatively robust constitution.
What is the rarest type of goldfish?
The tosakin is arguably the rarest goldfish variety in the western world, with very few breeders outside Japan. The Izumo Nankin and genuine jikin are also extremely rare. In terms of color varieties, the blue-scaled goldfish and true chocolate orandas are among the rarest.
Can different types of goldfish breed together?
Yes, all goldfish varieties can interbreed as they're the same species (Carassius auratus). However, the offspring usually don't display the refined characteristics of either parent. This is why serious breeders maintain pure variety lines. Mixed breeding typically produces fish that revert toward the common goldfish type.
What type of goldfish gets the biggest?
Common goldfish and comets grow the largest, potentially reaching 12-14 inches in ponds with adequate space. Among fancy varieties, orandas can reach 8-10 inches. The smallest varieties are typically extreme fancies like bubble eyes and celestials, which rarely exceed 5-6 inches.
Which goldfish types can live together?
Group goldfish by swimming ability and competitive feeding capacity. Single-tailed varieties (commons, comets, shubunkins) should be kept together. Hardy fancies (fantails, ryukins, orandas) can coexist. Delicate varieties (bubble eyes, celestials, lionheads) need to be housed separately or together. Never mix fast swimmers with slow swimmers.
What type of goldfish changes color?
All goldfish can change color, but black moors are most notorious for fading to bronze or gold. Color changes are influenced by genetics, diet, light exposure, and water temperature. Young goldfish often start brown or black and develop their adult coloration over the first year.
Are fancy goldfish natural?
No, fancy goldfish are not natural. They're the result of over 1,000 years of selective breeding by humans. All the extreme body shapes, double tails, and unique features like telescope eyes and head growths are mutations that have been selectively bred and wouldn't survive in the wild.
What determines goldfish type classification?
Goldfish varieties are classified based on body shape, fin configuration, presence or absence of dorsal fin, eye type, head growths, scale type, and color pattern. Each variety has specific standards set by breeding associations that determine whether a fish qualifies as that variety.
How do I identify my goldfish type?
Start by determining if your goldfish is single-tailed or fancy (double-tailed). Then look for distinguishing features: body shape (elongated vs egg-shaped), presence of head growth (wen), eye type (normal, telescope, upturned, or bubble), dorsal fin (present or absent), and unique features like pearlscales or pompoms. Color pattern can help but is less reliable as many varieties come in multiple colors.
Conclusion
The world of goldfish varieties is far more diverse than most people realize. From the hardy common goldfish that can thrive in a backyard pond to the delicate bubble eye that requires specialized care, each variety offers unique challenges and rewards.
Through my years of keeping and breeding these remarkable fish, I've developed a deep appreciation for the centuries of selective breeding that created such diversity from a single ancestral species. Whether you're drawn to the graceful swimming of a comet, the quirky personality of an oranda, or the extreme beauty of a ranchu, there's a goldfish variety to match every aquarist's preferences and skill level.
The key to success with any goldfish variety is understanding their specific needs and limitations. Single-tailed varieties offer hardiness and active behavior but need substantial space. Fancy varieties provide unique aesthetics and personalities but require more careful management. By matching the right variety to your experience level and setup, you can enjoy these fascinating fish for decades - remember, goldfish are long-lived pets that deserve our commitment to their proper care.
As we continue to learn more about goldfish genetics and welfare needs, the future of goldfish keeping looks bright. New varieties will emerge, care standards will improve, and hopefully, we'll strike a better balance between aesthetic breeding goals and fish welfare. Whether you're keeping common goldfish or the rarest fancy variety, remember that each fish is a living creature descended from a remarkable evolutionary and cultural history spanning over a millennium.
