Goldfish types: most popular and rarest

Goldfish are a popular type of freshwater fish that come in many different varieties. Some of the most common types of goldfish include the Common Goldfish, Comet Goldfish, Shubunkin Goldfish, Fantail Goldfish, Oranda Goldfish and Ranchu Goldfish, each with their own unique characteristics and needs. 

Goldfish types

Goldfish are a type of freshwater fish that belong to the Cyprinidae family. There are many different types of goldfish, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular types of goldfish include:

  1. Common Goldfish: This is the most basic and traditional type of goldfish. They have a single tail fin and a slightly curved body shape. They are hardy and adaptable, making them a great choice for beginners. They come in different colors such as orange, yellow, red, white, black and also calico (a mix of orange, yellow, black and white)
Common Goldfish
Common Goldfish
  1. Comet Goldfish: These are similar to the Common Goldfish but have a longer and more pointed tail fin. They are known for their active swimming behavior and are often used for ornamental ponds and water gardens.
Comet Goldfish
Comet Goldfish
  1. Shubunkin Goldfish: These are similar to the Comet Goldfish, but have a calico coloration of orange, yellow, black, and white. They have a long and pointed tail fin, and are known for their hardy nature and ability to thrive in outdoor ponds.
Shubunkin Goldfish
Shubunkin Goldfish
  1. Fantail Goldfish: These are characterized by their double tail fins that are rounded and symmetrical. They come in different colors such as orange, red, yellow, and white. They are known for their hardy nature, slow swimming behavior and are often used as indoor pets.
Fantail Goldfish
Fantail Goldfish
  1. Oranda Goldfish: These are characterized by their distinctive “wen” or fleshy growth on their head. They come in different colors such as red, orange, yellow, and white. They have a rounded body shape, and double tail fins and are known for their hardy nature and ability to thrive in indoor aquariums.
Oranda Goldfish
Oranda Goldfish
  1. Ranchu Goldfish: This is a fancy goldfish which is similar to the Oranda Goldfish but with a more egg-shaped body and a shorter tail fin. They are known for their hardiness, slow swimming behavior, and their distinctive “wen” on their head. They come in different colors such as red, orange, black, and white.
Ranchu Goldfish
Ranchu Goldfish

The rarest types of goldfish

There are many types of goldfish, and some are considered to be more rare than others. The rarest goldfish can depend on various factors such as its origins, its uniqueness, and also the popularity of the species. Some of the rarest goldfish include:

  1. The Black Moor Goldfish: This goldfish is one of the most unique and rare breeds. It is characterized by its jet-black coloration, and distinctive telescope eyes. The black coloration is caused by a genetic mutation that makes the fish produce more melanin in their skin and scales.
The Black Moor Goldfish
The Black Moor Goldfish
  1. The Bubble eye goldfish: This goldfish is known for its distinctive bubble-like sacs that form under its eyes. The sacs are filled with fluid and are sensitive to the fish’s movement, making it a delicate breed that requires special care.
The Bubble eye goldfish
The Bubble eye goldfish
  1. The Celestial Eye Goldfish: This goldfish is known for its distinctive upward-facing eyes, giving it a unique and distinctive appearance. The upward-facing eyes are caused by a genetic mutation that affects the position of the fish’s eyes.
The Celestial Eye Goldfish
  1. The Lionhead Goldfish: This goldfish is known for its distinctive “mane” of skin that surrounds its head, giving it a lion-like appearance. The mane is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the growth of the fish’s head.
The Lionhead Goldfish
The Lionhead Goldfish
  1. The Pearlscale Goldfish: This goldfish is known for its distinctive pearl-like scales that give it a unique and iridescent appearance. The pearl-like scales are caused by a genetic mutation that affects the growth of the fish’s scales.
The Pearlscale Goldfish
The Pearlscale Goldfish

Goldfish surface size

The size of tank you need for one goldfish will depend on the type of goldfish you have. In general, a larger tank is better than a smaller one, as it will provide your goldfish with more space to swim and a better water quality. Here are some guidelines to follow:

  1. A single Common Goldfish or Comet Goldfish requires at least 20 gallons of water.
  2. A single Fancy Goldfish such as Oranda, Lionhead, Pearlscale or Ranchu, require at least 10-15 gallons of water, as they have a more rounded body shape and swim less.
  3. It’s important to note that when keeping goldfish, it’s important to provide them with a tank that is at least 4 times the length of the fish, so that they have enough room to swim and grow.
  4. Goldfish produce a lot of waste, so it’s also important to have a good filtration system in place to keep the water clean and clear.
  5. If you are planning to keep more than one goldfish in the tank, you should add an additional 10 gallons of water for each additional fish.
  6. Keep in mind that goldfish also have a lot of waste so the tank will need more frequent cleaning and water changes to maintain the water quality.

Types of fish raised together

Goldfish are a type of freshwater fish that can be kept with other types of freshwater fish. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some fish may not be compatible with goldfish and can cause harm to your goldfish or the tank environment. Here are a few types of fish that can be kept with goldfish:

Other types of goldfish: Goldfish are a peaceful species, and they can be kept with other types of goldfish, as long as they have enough space to swim and the tank size is appropriate.

Other types of cyprinids: Other types of cyprinids such as danios, rosy barbs, and cherry barbs can be kept with goldfish. They have similar water requirements and are peaceful, active fish.

Tetras: Some tetra species such as neon tetras, cardinal tetras, and rummy-nose tetras can be kept with goldfish, as they are peaceful and have similar water requirements.

Catfish: Some types of catfish such as Corydoras or Otocinclus are compatible with goldfish and can be kept with them.

Snails: Some species of snails such as Nerite snails or Mystery snails, can be kept with goldfish, as they help to keep the tank clean and can be a food source for the goldfish.

It’s important to keep in mind that when introducing new fish to your tank, you should quarantine them for a period of time to observe any signs of disease or illness before adding them to your tank with your goldfish. Additionally, before adding new fish to your tank, it’s important to research their specific requirements and compatibility with goldfish and the tank environment.

Published by

Henry Mark

Mark is Editor at dognamesbest.com covering Information about breeds, naming dogs. He's a graduate in veterinary medicine at the agricultural academy.