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Fantail domestic goldfish — left-facing AI-generated side-view illustration

Goldfish

16 varieties

Explore Ranchu, Ryukin, Oranda, Pearlscale and other goldfish. Compare body shapes, tails and head features, then open a picture for details.

Read the full guide
Pearlscale goldfish — left-facing AI adult side-view illustration
Pearlscale goldfishAbout 10 cmA rounded body covered with regularly domed pearl-like scales
Fantail domestic goldfish — left-facing AI-generated side-view illustration
Fantail goldfishAbout 10 cmRounded body, ordinary eyes and a divided fan-shaped tail
Lionhead goldfish — left-facing AI adult side-view illustration
Lionhead goldfishAbout 10 cmDeveloped headgrowth, no dorsal fin and a relatively flat back
Broadtail moor — left-facing AI adult side-view illustration
Broadtail moorAbout 10 cmBlack colour, prominent eyes and a broad flowing double tail
Bubble-eye goldfish — left-facing AI adult side-view illustration
Bubble-eye goldfishAbout 10 cmPaired sacs beneath the eyes and normally no dorsal fin
London shubunkin — left-facing AI adult side-view illustration
London shubunkinAbout 10 cmA short single tail with blue-grey, red and black calico colour
Comet goldfish — left-facing AI adult side-view illustration
Comet goldfishAbout 10 cmSlender body with a long, deeply forked single tail
Ryukin goldfish — left-facing AI adult side-view illustration
Ryukin goldfishAbout 10 cmA deep body with a pronounced shoulder hump behind the head
Wakin goldfish — left-facing AI adult side-view illustration
Wakin goldfishAbout 10 cmAn elongated body with a short divided double tail
Redcap oranda — left-facing AI adult side-view illustration
Redcap orandaAbout 10 cmA white body with red headgrowth concentrated on the crown
Oranda goldfish — left-facing AI adult side-view illustration
Oranda goldfishAbout 10 cmDeveloped headgrowth together with an erect dorsal fin
Ranchu goldfish — left-facing AI adult side-view illustration
Ranchu goldfishAbout 10 cmNo dorsal fin, with the rear back curving down toward the tail
Common goldfish — left-facing AI adult side-view illustration
Common goldfishAbout 10 cmLong body, a single short tail and a smooth head

Goldfish types: body shape, fins and variety differences

Recognising familiar goldfish

Ranchu have no dorsal fin and a curved back towards the tail. Ryukin have a deep body and a pronounced rise behind the head. Pearlscale have raised, pearl-like scales. Start with these visible features, then open a picture to explore the differences.

Start with the outline, then colour

Make a simple observation list: body proportions, tail outline, head features and eyes. Record what you can actually see before trying to match a sales name. Selective breeding has produced different bodies, colours and fins, and some varieties develop conspicuous head growth. Colour alone is not enough to settle a variety name. Use several views when identifying an individual; an illustration is a starting point.

Watch swimming and feeding ability

OATA notes that faster common goldfish can out-compete fancy varieties for food. When choosing companions, consider swimming, balance and feeding ability as well as appearance.

Coldwater does not mean a small bowl

Allow for adult growth and provide filtration and stable water quality. Fancy forms also need attention to current strength and decoration that could damage delicate fins or eyes. This page introduces variety differences; the species profile holds the detailed, sourced measurements and care information. Avoid combining recommendations for different forms into one unexplained universal number.

Explore the goldfish you like

Open a picture above for appearance and care details, or add it to comparison or the virtual aquarium. Return to the group directory to explore koi and other pond fish. The virtual aquarium shows a composition; fitting on screen does not establish adequate living space.

Sources

www.bristol-aquarists.org.uk/goldfish/goldfish.htm

www.aqueon.com/resources/care-guides/goldfish

How to look after fancy goldfish

PeekFish · Ornamental fish

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