Goldfish are among the most popular aquatic pets in the aquarium and pond world. Known for their diversity of colors, shapes, and sizes, goldfish are not limited to the common variety often found in pet stores. From the grace of the Comet goldfish to rarer specimens like the Bristol, each variety of goldfish has its own unique characteristics.
In this comprehensive guide, we introduce you to the different varieties of goldfish, their particularities, as well as the best tips for their care. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced aquarist, this guide will help you choose the ideal goldfish for your aquarium or pond and provide them with a healthy habitat so they can thrive.
1. Common goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus)
The common goldfish is the most basic and robust form of goldfish. It is elongated in shape with a bright orange color, although it can also be red, white, yellow or a combination of these colors. It can reach a length of 30 cm when well maintained in a pond.
Features :
- Size: Up to 30 cm.
- Shape: Elongated body, similar to wild goldfish.
- Needs: Very resistant, it can live in aquariums or outdoor ponds.
- Water temperature: 10-24°C.
2. Shubunkin
The Shubunkin is another popular variety of goldfish. It is best known for its "calico" color that mixes blue, red, orange, yellow, and black spots. It has a slender body similar to the common goldfish but with longer fins.
Features :
- Size: 20-30 cm.
- Colors: Mainly calico (mixture of blue, red, yellow and black).
- Needs: Very resistant, suitable for ponds and large aquariums.
- Water temperature: 10-24°C.
3. Comet
The Comet is very similar to the common goldfish, but it has longer and more elegant fins, especially its caudal fin which is more "comet" shaped. It is a very active fish and appreciated for its graceful movements.
Features :
- Size: 20-30 cm.
- Shape: Slender body with long fins.
- Colors: Red, orange, yellow, or white.
- Needs: Robust and adaptable, it can live in a pond or aquarium.
- Water temperature: 10-24°C.
4. Goldfish Veiltail (Fantail)
Veiltail goldfish have a shorter, rounder body than common goldfish. Their main characteristic is their double, veiled caudal fin that floats gracefully in the water.
Features :
- Size: 15-20 cm.
- Shape: Round body with a long, floating double tail.
- Colors: Orange, red, white or tricolor.
- Requirements: Sensitive to low temperatures; suitable for indoor aquariums.
- Water temperature: 15-24°C.
5. Ryukin
The Ryukin is a variety originating from Japan. This fish is distinguished by its particularly humped back and its stocky shape. Its fins can be quite long and elegant, and it is often confused with the Fantail.
Features :
- Size: 15-20 cm.
- Shape: Stocky body with a humped back and a double caudal fin.
- Colors: Red, white, tricolor, or calico.
- Needs: Suitable for medium to large aquariums.
- Water temperature: 15-24°C.
6. Oranda
The Oranda is one of the most popular varieties of goldfish. It is easily recognizable by its hood or outgrowth called a "wen" on its head. This outgrowth begins to develop when the fish reaches 6 months of age.
Features :
- Size: 15-20 cm.
- Shape: Round body with a wen (growth) on the head.
- Colors: Red, orange, white, blue, or calico.
- Needs: More fragile because of the wen; requires regular water maintenance and a suitable aquarium.
- Water temperature: 18-24°C.
7. Ranchu
The Ranchu is often nicknamed the "king of goldfish". It has a stocky body, without a dorsal fin, which gives it a particular appearance. Like the Oranda, it has a wen on its head, but generally more developed.
Features :
- Size: 12-15 cm.
- Shape: Stocky body, without dorsal fin, with a wen on the head.
- Colors: Red, white, or calico.
- Needs: Aquarium with stable temperature and quality filtration.
- Water temperature: 18-24°C.
8. Dragon Eye Goldfish (Telescope)
This fish is recognizable by its bulging eyes that seem to come out of its head. The most common varieties of telescope fish are black fish, called Black Moor. It can be more susceptible to eye diseases due to its prominent eyes.
Features :
- Size: 10-15 cm.
- Shape: Round body with prominent globular eyes.
- Colors: Black, red, white, calico.
- Needs: Susceptible to eye injuries and diseases, stable aquarium temperature.
- Water temperature: 18-24°C.
9. Celestial Eye Goldfish
The Celestial Eye has eyes that face upwards, giving it a rather strange appearance. It has no dorsal fin and is often smaller than other varieties of goldfish.
Features :
- Size: 10-12 cm.
- Shape: Round body with upward-facing eyes, no dorsal fin.
- Colors: Red, white, or calico.
- Needs: Fragile and requires stable water conditions.
- Water temperature: 18-24°C.
10. Bubble Eye
The Bubble Eye is one of the most unique and delicate varieties of goldfish. It has two large fluid-filled sacs under its eyes, giving it a very distinctive appearance.
Features :
- Size: 10-12 cm.
- Shape: Round body with swollen eye bags.
- Colors: Red, orange, white, calico.
- Needs: Fragile, requires an environment free of sharp objects and a well-maintained aquarium.
- Water temperature: 18-24°C.
11. Bristol
The Bristol goldfish is a rare and elegant variety of veiltail goldfish. It is known for its heart-shaped or clover-shaped tail fin, which is symmetrical and spread wide, giving it a very graceful appearance when swimming. This fish is often prized for its beauty in goldfish competitions.
Features :
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Size : 15-20 cm.
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Shape : Oval body with a wide, double, heart-shaped caudal fin.
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Colors : Mainly red, white, or a mixture of both, sometimes with variations of calico.
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Needs : It requires a clean environment with sufficient swimming space to develop properly.
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Water temperature : 18-24°C.
The Bristol is a hardy fish but, due to its unique tail, it is more suited to aquariums than outdoor ponds. It is important to maintain good water quality to keep its fins in perfect condition.
General Tips for Caring for Goldfish
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Aquarium volume : Goldfish need a lot of space. A minimum of 50 liters per fish is recommended for their well-being.
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Water Quality : Goldfish produce a lot of waste, so proper filtration and regular water quality testing are essential.
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Water Temperature : Although goldfish are tolerant of a range of temperatures, most prefer temperatures between 10 and 24°C.
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Diet : Goldfish are omnivores and need a varied diet, including pellets, flakes, and blanched vegetables (such as spinach or peas).
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Compatibility : Common goldfish can be aggressive with slower and more fragile varieties such as Telescopes or Ranchus. It is important to choose fish with similar behaviors to avoid cohabitation problems.
This guide gives you an overview of the main varieties of goldfish available for aquariums and ponds. These fish can live a long time (up to 20 years or more) if properly cared for, making them long-term aquatic companions.
