15 Awesome Types of Goldfish: The Complete Goldfish Species Guide Looking to get into goldfish keeping? If you’ve never set up a goldfish tank before, the first thing that comes to mind is probably that typical torpedo-shaped orange fish you can win at the fair.
Little do many aquarists know that there is a whole world of goldfish (Carassius auratus) out there. Breeders have worked for over a thousand years to produce all sorts of selectively bred varieties. We’re not kidding here – this species was very popular in Ancient China.
As a result of all this, the amount of (fancy) goldfish varieties available today is extremely varied. It ranges from fish that are very similar to the ancestor of our modern day goldfish (the Prussian carp, Carassius gibelio) to varieties so far removed from it you can barely recognize them.
Interested in finding out which types of goldfish you own or which variety would work best for aquarium? Keep reading for a description of 13 goldfish types, ranging from very popular to quite rare. Looking for general information on goldfish care instead? We included care tips for both fancy and common goldfish at the bottom of this article.
#SingleTailedGoldfish
Single-tailed goldfish are so called because – you guessed it – they have a single tail. They are “non-fancy” goldfish, which means that physically they still resemble their Prussian carp ancestor pretty closely. Their bodies are slender without any extensive modifications aside from color and possibly a selectively bred long, flowy tail.
#CommonGoldfish
The most unassuming of all goldfish is the one every fishkeeper and non-fishkeeper has seen and likely even owned at one point. Common goldfish are your average orange, yellow or white childhood pet and also a common feeder fish.
This variety features an elongated body and a short, single tail. It can grow to a rather impressive adult size that many aquarists might not expect: the largest goldfish in the world was a whopping 19 inches. Although not all common goldfish grow this large, they still generally reach a size of at least around 10 inches if conditions are favorable.
Comet goldfish are another common single-tailed goldfish type. The difference between comets and common goldfish is in the tail. Commons have a short tail (also referred to as caudal fin), whereas comet goldfish feature a longer and flowier caudal. Quite a decorative sight when viewed from above in a pond!
Like commons, comet goldfish can be found in orange, yellow or white. Additionally, you might also be able to find white comets with blotchy orange coloration. Comets, too, grow quite large and can reach sizes similar to those of common goldfish.
#ShubunkinGoldfish
Shubunkin are a type of goldfish bred almost exclusively for their coloration. The “standard” version of this variety (known as the American Shubunkin) is almost identical to comet goldfish save for its calico pattern. Shubunkin’s spotted patterns appear in a range of colors including orange, blue, white and black. Pretty decorative, especially considering their mix of matte and shimmering scales.
Looking for a Shubunkin that looks more similar to the classic common goldfish? You might like the short-finned London Shubunkin. For something a little more dramatic you can consider getting Bristol Shubunkin, which have long heart-shaped tails. Both of these sub-varieties will be more difficult to find, but you can try contacting other hobbyists to see if they’re selling any.
#WakinGoldfish
The Wakin goldfish is a bit of an odd duck. It almost seems half fancy and half non-fancy, with a double tail but an elongated body. It is suspected to be the ancestor of the fancy goldfish types we know today, but most sources categorize it as a common due to its body shape.
Long-bodied goldfish like commons and Wakins grow larger than stockier fancies. Additionally, they are much more active swimmers. For this reason the Wakin is seen as a pond fish; in fact, in its country of origin you’ll likely see more Wakins in ponds than the commons we keep here.
#FancyGoldfish
“Fancy goldfish” is a collective name for goldfish types that have been selectively bred to exhibit all sorts of physical traits that single-tails don’t. As a rule of thumb, all fancy goldfish have double tails. Additionally, they feature a different body shape than commons.
Rather than elongated and torpedo shaped, fancies have short and stocky bodies. They are generally slower swimmers and more sensitive. Most don’t respond well to very low temperatures and are best kept indoors. Don’t mix fancies and commons: the latter will outcompete the former for food, leaving the fancies hungry.
#FantailGoldfish
#ranchu_goldfish
#koi_carp
#perlscale_goldfish
#oranda_goldfish
#coment_goldfish
#ryunkin_goldfish
#blackmoor
#bubble_eye_goldfish
#lionhead_goldfish
#pompom_goldfish
#Butterfly_tail_goldfish
#redcap_goldfish
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