What Are The Popular Breeds of Goldfish

Goldfish have been revered in Asia. Due to their characteristics like brilliant hues (most commonly red, orange and white) and graceful movements, the fish are found depicted in many forms, from paintings to Nian Gao (Lunar New Year cake).

In ancient China, these ornamental beauties were kept in special ceramic pots for the enjoyment of the emperors. Today, these hardy and low-maintenance fish are popular pets found in home and office aquariums, and garden ponds.

Various Types of Goldfish

There are many different varieties of goldfish. The shape and size of their caudal (tail), pelvic, and pectoral fins vary, depending on the breed. Some have single tails, and some double tails. Some have dorsal fins and some do not. Some have protrusions growing from their heads, eyes, or nostrils. Some varieties are hardier than others.

Some Popular Varieties of Goldfish

Common: These fish have slender body, and a short and sleek single tail. They are usually used as feeder fish (food for larger fish).

Comet: These fish have a slender body and long single tail. They are very hardy and can grow on average 12 to 14 inches long. This quick-moving fish commonly has an orange or white body and a red head.

Shubunkin: Like the Comet, these are hardy, narrow-bodied fish, except their tails are shorter. They are best known for their white bodies and spots of color in shades of yellow, orange, blue, and black.

Fan Tail: This is the species from which the fancy breeds have been developed. It has an egg-shaped body and a double tail. Those with long tails are the Veil Tail species.

Ranchu (Lionhead): These egg-shaped fish have a head growth and no dorsal fin.

Oranda: This species is similar to the Ranchu, but with a dorsal fin. They have a red cap-like growth on their heads, and long and flowing fins.

Ryukin: This breed was developed in China and further developed in Japan. They are usually red-orange or red and white, and display a butterfly-like double tail that’s best appreciated from a top-down view.

Telescope Eye: These fish come in a variety of colors. They have large, protruding, telescope-like eyes and long flowing fins.

Black Moor: These egg-shaped fish are velvety black in color, double-tailed, and have telescope-like eyes.

Bubble Eye: These have a bubble sac under each eye and no dorsal fin.

Pompom: They have small growths called pompoms near their nostrils.

Pearl Scale: These fish have round bodies that bulge in the middle. Their scales have a pearl-like luminescence.

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