The fancy goldfish world features a variety of breeds with distinct shapes and characteristics. These differences are important for aquarists to know for proper care and to understand the results of selective breeding.
Examples include the Veiltail with its flowing fins and the round-bodied Ranchu.
The range of goldfish breeds varies in looks and care requirements. Studying these breeds shows how diversity affects the hobby and the well-being of the fish in homes and businesses.
Oranda Goldfish
The Oranda goldfish is known for its wen, a fleshy growth on its head. This type of goldfish is popular among aquarists for its rounded body and distinctive wen that grows like a raspberry. Orandas come in various colors, with deep red being highly prized.
Orandas typically live for about 12 years. They swim slowly and require careful attention to their environment due to the sensitivity of the wen, which can easily be injured. To prevent infection, a clean tank is necessary, and they need a well-balanced diet for health and wen growth.
Orandas are peaceful and can live with other goldfish with similar temperaments, but they need a large tank. They are a favored variety in the fancy goldfish category.
Fantail Goldfish
Fantail Goldfish have a distinctive double tail fin and a medium-sized body, growing up to 7 inches long. They are favored for their elegant swimming and unique shape, making them a top choice for fancy goldfish collectors. Their double tail spreads out while swimming, and they have a prominent dorsal fin that enhances their overall look.
These goldfish vary in color and pattern, which makes them attractive for decorative aquariums. They can live up to 12 years in the right conditions. They need large aquariums or ponds with plenty of space to swim freely and avoid injury, as their fins are delicate, particularly around sharp decorations.
Fantail Goldfish are peaceful and get along with other non-aggressive fish, making them good for community tanks. They may have limited vision, similar to Telescope goldfish, which should be considered to ensure they get enough food. Their presence is often sought after in tanks due to their aesthetic appeal.
Wakin Goldfish
Wakin Goldfish are sturdy, double-tailed fish suitable for both aquariums and outdoor ponds. They have long bodies and elongated tails, differing from common goldfish. Wakins can grow 8-18 inches long and thrive in various outdoor conditions.
Their coloration is typically a bright red or orange and white mix, which stands out in both tanks and ponds. Wakin Goldfish are adaptable to temperature changes, making them popular among enthusiasts.
In addition to their appearance, Wakin Goldfish are interactive and playful, often responding to their owners. Their double tail moves gracefully, adding to their appeal as ornamental fish.
Ranchu Goldfish
Ranchu Goldfish, often referred to as the ‘King of Goldfish’ in Japan, have a unique and valued body shape, with a noticeable wen and a round, finless body. They lack a dorsal fin, which distinguishes them from other fancy goldfish. Ranchu have a short body with a shoulder hump, giving them a recognizable profile.
The head growth, or wen, is a key characteristic of the Ranchu, which breeders and enthusiasts focus on for its symmetry and size. The wen begins to develop early in the fish’s life and grows continuously, contributing to their royal look.
Ranchu Goldfish have an average lifespan of 8 years and require consistent care. They come in various colors and, despite their ornate look, swim gracefully. They are a popular choice for aquariums that house fancy goldfish.
Butterfly Telescope Goldfish
The Butterfly Telescope Goldfish is known for its large fins and protruding eyes, resembling a butterfly. It is a type of fancy goldfish with a unique shape, known for its ancestry in telescope eye goldfish which gives it its distinctive eyes.
This goldfish has double fins that move like wings when it swims. Their wide tails are similar to butterfly wings. They are popular and need a special aquarium setup. They are friendly, grow to 6-8 inches, and come in various colors.
They need a large tank for their fins and active swimming, and tank mates that won’t harm their fins or eyes. The Butterfly Telescope Goldfish is appealing to both new and experienced fish keepers.
Celestial Eye Goldfish
Celestial Eye Goldfish are known for their unique upward-facing eyes. They lack a dorsal fin, giving them a streamlined body. Their proportionate fins aid in smooth swimming.
In their care, tank safety is crucial due to their delicate eyes and fin structure. The tank should be free from sharp objects, and tank mates should be non-aggressive. A large tank with high-quality filtration is important for their health. Proper water conditions are essential for their wellbeing.
Ryukin Goldfish
Ryukin Goldfish have a noticeable hump behind the head, giving them a unique shape among fancy goldfish. This hump starts behind the head and curves upward, best seen from the side. They are known for their body shape and various colors like calico, red, white, or mixtures, often with red fins.
They can live up to 10 years and need a large tank of at least 20 gallons to have enough space. Sharp or rough decorations should be avoided to prevent injury to their short fins and hump. Their double tails mean they require soft water flow.
For proper care, it’s best to seek advice from experts or experienced breeders.
Black Moor Goldfish
The Black Moor Goldfish is a type of goldfish known for its black color and large eyes. Unlike the Dragon Eye Goldfish, it has a round body and no dorsal fin. They are easy to care for, suitable for beginners and experts in fish keeping.
In aquariums, their slow swimming is noticeable. Their eyesight is not good, so they need a tank with no sharp objects. They can live with other gentle goldfish in a large tank with clean water and good filtration.
The Black Moor is popular among goldfish collectors.
Veiltail Goldfish
Veiltail Goldfish are a type of fancy goldfish known for their long, flowing tail fin and other extended fins. They have a notable high dorsal fin and often double anal fins, setting them apart from other fancy goldfish breeds. Their long single tail is especially distinct compared to breeds with split or shorter tails.
These goldfish have elongated pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins. They are favored by aquarists for their ornamental appearance. However, their fins are fragile, requiring a tank environment without sharp objects and non-aggressive tank mates to prevent injury. It’s important to choose soft tank décor to protect the health of Veiltail Goldfish and allow them to flourish.
Tosakin Goldfish
The Tosakin Goldfish is known for its unique, butterfly-like tail fins and lacks a dorsal fin. Originating from Japan, this rare breed has been of interest to fish hobbyists for many years due to its distinct tail that spreads out flat, resembling butterfly wings. They require large spaces for their fins to move freely.
These goldfish are valued for their beauty and are uncommon in freshwater aquariums. They were traditionally kept in shallow bowls in Japan to showcase their fins.
Tosakin Goldfish need careful maintenance to keep their tail shape and health in good condition. Their numbers decreased notably after World War II due to the destruction of breeding sites. They are still highly sought after by collectors for their impressive appearance and the elegance they bring to aquariums.
Bubble Eye Goldfish
The Tosakin Goldfish is known for its large tail, but the Bubble Eye Goldfish stands out due to its unique eye sacs. These sacs are large, fluid-filled protrusions under each eye that give the fish a distinctive look, much appreciated by goldfish enthusiasts.
Bubble Eye Goldfish are fairly simple to maintain, but they need special care because their eye sacs are easily damaged. Aquarists need to choose tank decorations without sharp edges to prevent injury to the sacs. Also, these fish should not be housed with aggressive species that might harm their eye sacs.
The Bubble Eye Goldfish lacks a dorsal fin, leading to a sleek body shape. They need a spacious environment to swim comfortably since their eye sacs can affect their swimming. With the right care, Bubble Eye Goldfish make a peaceful and attractive addition to a goldfish collection.
Pearlscale Goldfish
The Pearlscale Goldfish is known for its unique, pearl-like scales and rounded body. It is a popular choice among fish enthusiasts due to its distinctive scales and round shape. The Pearlscale is a calm fish, often white with red spots, which makes it suitable for community aquariums.
This type of goldfish may have double fins that contribute to its round appearance. Some have a noticeable hump near the dorsal fin, adding to their distinctive look. They are generally robust and can live up to 8 years with proper care in a good environment.
When setting up a tank for Pearlscale Goldfish, it is important to choose decorations that will not damage their sensitive scales. Their scales are visually striking but can be easily damaged. A safe and well-maintained tank environment is essential for the Pearlscale Goldfish to flourish.
Watonai Goldfish
The Watonai Goldfish is a type of fancy goldfish known for its rounded body and long double tail. Its fin configuration allows for an elegant swimming motion. The body shape is compact and similar to other varieties of fancy goldfish, making it attractive for aquariums.
Available in various bright colors, the Watonai Goldfish is popular among collectors. It grows to an adult size of 6-8 inches and is suitable for home aquariums without needing excessive space.
Owners should provide a tank that can support the breed’s size and activity. A large tank is essential for their health and to allow natural behavior.
The Watonai Goldfish demonstrates the diversity and beauty of fancy goldfish.
Dragon Eye Goldfish
Dragon Eye Goldfish are a type of goldfish known for their unique upward-facing eyes. They come in various colors, with the Red and white combination being particularly popular due to its striking appearance.
These goldfish resemble red Moor goldfish but have distinct eyes and lack the latter’s hood. They require a habitat without sharp objects to prevent eye injuries and benefit from gentle filtration in their tanks.
It is important to feed Dragon Eye Goldfish a varied diet to ensure their health and longevity in captivity. Some Dragon Eye Goldfish may have dorsal fins, which contribute to their swimming elegance.
Jikin Goldfish
Jikin Goldfish are known for their distinctive split tail fins and bright metallic scales, available in red, white, or black. They are large, reaching 8-10 inches, and need a big tank for adequate movement and health.
Their striking colors and sheen are popular with goldfish enthusiasts. Proper care, including a clean tank and good water conditions, is crucial for maintaining their appearance and health.
Jikin Goldfish’s habitat should allow them to feed properly and behave naturally. Attention to water quality, tank conditions, and nutrition is key to their longevity and appeal. With these conditions met, Jikin Goldfish can thrive as a highlight in any collection.
Tamasaba Goldfish
The Tamasaba Goldfish is a strong and agile type of goldfish known for its energetic swimming and distinctive dual-tail feature. It is appreciated in the aquarist community for its graceful behavior and particular shape. This breed has a lean body shape and can grow to be about 10 inches long. It is recognized by its long, flowing double tail.
As a newer variety of decorative fish, Tamasaba Goldfish were bred to be robust like single-tailed goldfish while having the decorative appeal of fancy goldfish. They are available in various colors and patterns, making them a striking addition to aquariums.
They require large tanks to accommodate their active nature and to achieve their full size. A spacious and well-maintained tank is essential for their wellbeing and longevity.
Lionchu Goldfish
The Lionchu Goldfish is a hybrid between the Lionhead and Ranchu goldfish. It is known for its round body and large wen. This fancy goldfish can grow 6 to 8 inches long and comes in various colors.
These goldfish require a large tank and clean water to stay healthy. Regular water changes and filtration are necessary for their well-being. It is important to house them only with non-aggressive fish to protect their wen. With proper care, Lionchu Goldfish can thrive in an aquarium setting.
Pompom Goldfish
Pompom Goldfish are fancy goldfish with fleshy growths near their noses that resemble pompoms. They are different from Comet Goldfish due to their body shape and nasal pompoms. They are peaceful fish that add a sense of balance to aquariums.
These goldfish require tanks without sharp objects to protect their pompoms. When choosing tank mates, select peaceful fish to avoid damage to the pompoms. Good companions include the Metallic Shubunkin or calico goldfish.
Owners should be aware that Pompom Goldfish can face health issues related to their pompoms. It’s important to maintain a safe environment that meets their needs for them to flourish.
Lionhead Goldfish
Lionhead Goldfish are known for their unique wen, a fleshy protrusion on their head, which distinguishes them from other goldfish like the Shubunkin. They have no dorsal fin, contributing to their smooth back profile. Their body shape is round, and they come in various colors and patterns.
Easy to care for, Lionhead Goldfish are suitable for beginners. They require spacious tanks, with at least 20 gallons of water per fish, to live healthily. Adequate space is crucial for their longevity and well-being.
The tank should be free of sharp objects and rough decorations to protect the Lionhead Goldfish’s wen. A gentle filtration system is recommended to prevent strong currents. With appropriate care, these goldfish are a peaceful and attractive choice for freshwater aquariums.