Fancy goldfish are a type of domesticated goldfish that are kept as pets. They are bred to have certain physical traits that make them different from other goldfish.
Are you interested in fancy goldfish types? Let’s learn more about them!
18 Popular Fancy Goldfish Types for Your Aquarium
When it comes to fancy goldfish, you might come across a few different types. Let’s find out what the difference is between the types.
1. Butterfly Goldfish
Adult size: 6-8 inches
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Color pattern: Varied
Unique traits: 180 degree horizontal paired caudal fins
Care level: Intermediate
Butterfly Goldfish is a type of fancy goldfish that is characterized by its long fins and unique color patterns. They are a popular choice for aquariums and fishponds and are relatively easy to care for.
Butterfly Goldfish are native to China, and have been bred for their unique appearance for centuries. They were first introduced to the West in the early 1800s and have been a popular aquarium fish ever since.
There are many different types of Butterfly Goldfish, and they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The most common coloration is orange with black markings, but they can also be found in white, red, and yellow.
Butterfly Goldfish are generally peaceful fish and do well in community tanks. They are not particularly active and prefer to spend most of their time grazing on algae and other plant matter.
While they are not overly demanding in care, Butterfly Goldfish require a bit more attention than some other types of goldfish. They are sensitive to water quality, and prefer a tank with plenty of live plants and hiding places.
2. Oranda Goldfish
Adult size: 8-12 inches
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Color pattern: Variable
Unique traits: Large hood, egg-shaped body
Care level: Moderate to difficult
Oranda Goldfish are native to China, where they have been kept for centuries. They were first introduced to Japan in the early 1800s, and from there, they made their way to the United States. Oranda Goldfish quickly became popular in the US.
Oranda Goldfish are generally peaceful fish and are a great addition to any community aquarium. They are not particularly fast swimmers, so they should be kept with other goldfish varieties that are not known for being particularly active.
Oranda Goldfish are also known to be good jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is a must.
Oranda Goldfish are omnivorous, and they will eat a variety of foods. In the wild, their diet consists mostly of plant matter, but in captivity, they will also eat pellets, flakes, and live foods. It is important to provide Oranda Goldfish with a varied diet to ensure that they get all the nutrients they need.
Oranda Goldfish are generally hardy fish, but they are susceptible to a few health problems. The most common health problem seen in Oranda Goldfish is swim bladder disease, which can cause them to float awkwardly or even upside down. This disease is usually caused by poor diet or water quality, so it is important to keep an eye on these things if you have Oranda Goldfish.
3. Black Moor Goldfish
Adult size: 6-8 inches
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Color pattern: Black
Unique traits: All-black color and telescopic eyes
Care level: Moderate to difficult
The Black Moor Goldfish is a type of goldfish that is characterized by its black coloration. This goldfish is also known by other names such as the Black Water Goldfish, the Dragon Eye Goldfish, and the Demekin Goldfish.
The Black Moor Goldfish is a member of the carp family and is native to China. This goldfish was first bred in Japan and has been bred in captivity for over 200 years. The Black Moor Goldfish is a very hardy fish and can live in a variety of different environments.
This goldfish is very easy to care for and can live in a variety of different environments.
4. Bubble Eye Goldfish
Adult size: 3-5 inches
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Color pattern: Varied
Unique traits: Large sacs(bubbles) below the eyes, no dorsal fin
Care level: Difficult
The Bubble Eye Goldfish is a stunning fish that is easily recognized by its large, protruding eyes. It is a peaceful fish that does well in a community aquarium.
The Bubble Eye Goldfish is a slow swimmer and does not do well with fast-moving fish. It is a bottom dweller and will often be found near the substrate, searching for food.
The Bubble Eye Goldfish is the most beautiful goldfish that is sure to add interest to any aquarium. They are relatively easy to care for as long as their special needs are met. The Bubble Eye Goldfish can live for 10 years or more with proper care.
5. Telescope Goldfish
Adult size: 4-10 inches
Minimum tank size: 20 – 30 gallon
Color pattern: Varied
Unique traits: Common coloration of these fish include solid of red, chocolate, blue or white
Care level: Low
A Telescope Goldfish is a type of fancy goldfish that is characterized by its bilateral symmetry and protruding eyes. The name “telescope” is derived from the Greek word “telescopos”, which means “far-seeing”.
Telescope Goldfish is not a very active type of fish, and they prefer to swim in slow-moving waters. They are not known to be very good swimmers and often have trouble keeping up with other types of fish.
Telescope Goldfish are omnivorous, and their diet consists of both plant and animal matter. They will eat small insects, crustaceans, and mollusks in the wild. In captivity, they should be fed a diet of high-quality goldfish pellets and live or frozen foods.
Telescope Goldfish are very sensitive to changes in their environment and should only be kept in aquariums that are well-maintained. They are also sensitive to changes in temperature and should not be kept in water that is too cold or too hot.
6. Celestial Eye
Adult size: 4 to 6 inches
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Color pattern: Varied
Unique traits: Single-colored, calico
Care level: Extremely difficult
The Celestial Eye Goldfish is a beautiful and unique fish that is perfect for any aquarium. This fish is named for its distinctive eyes, which are said to resemble the eyes of a dragon.
The body of the Celestial Eye Goldfish is a deep orange color, and the fins are a lighter shade of orange. This fish is a very peaceful fish and gets along well with other fish in the aquarium.
The Celestial Eye Goldfish is a very active fish and loves to swim around the aquarium. This fish is very easy to care for and is a great choice for beginner fishkeepers.
7. Veiltail Goldfish
Adult size: 6-8 inches
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Color pattern: Varied
Unique traits: Large double tail with a straight edge and no fork, sail-like dorsal fin
Care level: Moderate to difficult
Veiltail Goldfish is one of the most popular types of goldfish. They are easily recognized by their long, flowing tails. Veiltail goldfish are very peaceful fish and make great additions to any aquarium.
Veiltail goldfish are originally from China. They were first bred in the United States in the early 1900s.
Veiltail goldfish come in a variety of colors, including orange, red, white, and black. They can grow to be about 8 inches long. Veiltail goldfish are very slow swimmers and prefer to stay near the bottom of the tank.
Veiltail goldfish are omnivores and will eat a variety of different foods. They should be fed a diet of high-quality goldfish food and live and frozen foods.
8. Lionhead Goldfish
Adult size: 6 inches
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Color pattern: Varied
Unique traits: Large hood, no dorsal fin
Care level: Difficult
Lionhead goldfish are a type of fancy goldfish that has a distinctively shaped head growth called a “lion’s mane.” This growth can be either a protrusion of the skin or actual scales that have grown longer than the rest of the body. The mane can grow to be quite large, making the fish look like a miniature lion.
Lionhead goldfish are a popular choice for aquariums and pond fish because of their unique appearance. They are hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. Lionhead goldfish are also relatively easy to care for and are not as sensitive as some other types of goldfish.
9. Fantail Goldfish
Adult size: 6-8 inches
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Color pattern: Varied
Unique traits: Double tail
Care level: Easy to moderate
Fantail goldfish are a type of goldfish that has a long, elegant tail that flows gracefully behind them as they swim.
Fantail goldfish originate from China, where they were bred for centuries for their beauty. They were first introduced to the West in the 1800s, and have been a popular choice for aquariums and ponds ever since.
Fantail goldfish are hardy and can live for up to 10 years with proper care. They do best in ponds or aquariums with plenty of space to swim, as their long tails can be easily damaged if they are kept in too small of a space. They prefer water that is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and will do best with a neutral pH level.
Fantail goldfish are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, live and frozen foods. They should be fed 2-3 times per day and only as much as they can eat in 2-3 minutes.
10. Ranchu Goldfish
Adult size: 6-8 inches
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Color pattern: Varied
Unique traits: Well developed hood, no dorsal fin
Care level: Difficult
Ranchu goldfish is a type of fancy goldfish that originated in Asia. They are characterized by their long, elegant bodies and upturned tails. Ranchu goldfish are very popular in Japan, where they are considered to be a symbol of good luck.
Ranchu goldfish are not the easiest fish to care for, and they require a bit more attention than other types of goldfish. They need to be kept in an aquarium with plenty of open space for swimming, and they should have access to a filter and aerator.
Ranchu goldfish are also sensitive to changes in water temperature, so it is important to keep a close eye on the temperature of their tank.
11. Ryukin Goldfish
Adult size: 6-10 inches
Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
Color pattern: Varied
Unique traits: Large shoulder hump, pointed head
Care level: Easy to moderate
Ryukin Goldfish are a popular type of goldfish that originates from Japan.
Ryukin Goldfish are also relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for those new to goldfish keeping.
Ryukin Goldfish are named for their Ryūkyū Islands origin and were first introduced to the aquarium trade in 1872. They are a member of the goldfish family and are closely related to the common goldfish.
Ryukin Goldfish are characterized by their round bodies and long fins. The fins may be straight or slightly curved and are often decorated with streamers. Ryukin Goldfish grow to an average size of 6-10 inches, although some individuals may reach up to 18 inches.
Ryukin Goldfish are relatively easy to care for and can be kept in a variety of aquarium setups. They prefer a tank size of at least 30 gallons and should be kept with other goldfish or peaceful fish species. Ryukin Goldfish are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, freeze-dried foods, and live foods.
Regular water changes and proper filtration are essential to keeping Ryukin Goldfish healthy. They are susceptible to a number of diseases, including ich, velvet, and fin rot. Goldfish are also notorious for producing a large amount of waste, so a good filtration system is a must.
12. Lionchu Goldfish
Adult size: 6-10 inches
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Color pattern: Varied
Unique traits: No dorsal fin
Care level: Difficult
Lionchu Goldfish is a hybrid goldfish created by crossing a Ranchu Goldfish with a Lionhead Goldfish. They have a long, elegant body like the Ranchu, but with the distinctive “lion’s mane” around their head like the Lionhead.
Lionchu Goldfish is a relatively new hybrid, and as such, they are quite rare. They are also quite expensive due to their rarity and their desirable appearance.
Lionchu Goldfish are not the easiest goldfish to care for due to their high demands in terms of water quality. They require a well-filtered and well-oxygenated aquarium with plenty of plants.
They are also slow eaters, so care must be taken not to overfeed them.
13. Pearlscale Goldfish
Adult size: 6-8 inches
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Color pattern: Varied
Unique traits: Special scales, Spherical body
Care level: Moderate
The pearlscale goldfish is a relatively new goldfish variety. It was first developed in China in the early 1900s.
The pearlscale goldfish is a hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including live, frozen, and pellets.
The pearlscale goldfish is a social fish that does well in groups. They should be kept with other goldfish varieties of a similar size.
14. Sabao Goldfish
Adult size: 6-8 inches
Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
Color pattern: Red and White
Unique traits: Strongly forked single tail
Care level: Easy to moderate
Sabao Goldfish originated in China, where they were originally bred for the Chinese Emperors. They were then brought to Japan in the 1600s, where they became popular among the samurai class.
Sabao Goldfish are now popular in many countries around the world and are kept by fish enthusiasts of all levels of experience. They are hardy fish that can adapt to a wide range of water conditions, making them a good choice for beginners.
15. Wakin Goldfish
Adult size: 10 to 12 inches
Minimum tank size: 50 gallons
Color pattern: Varied
Unique traits: Single-colored, bi-colored
Care level: Easy to moderate
Wakin Goldfish are a type of goldfish that are known for their long fins and elegant swimming style.
Wakin Goldfish originate from China, where they were first bred for use in ponds and lakes. They were later introduced to Japan, where they became popular as ornamental fish.
Wakin Goldfish are a hardy breed and can live in a variety of conditions. They prefer cooler water temperatures and do well in ponds and aquariums with plenty of plants and hiding places.
Wakin Goldfish are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, live foods, and vegetables. They should be fed twice a day, and their diet should be supplemented with vitamin and mineral supplements.
16. Pompom Goldfish
Adult size: 4 to 6 inches
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Color pattern: Varied
Unique traits: Single-colored, bi-colored, tri-colored
Care level: Difficult
Pompom goldfish are a type of fancy goldfish that has a unique appearance. They are named for their puffy, round bodies and long, flowing fins. Pompom pretty gold fish are often orange or red in color, but they can also be white, black, or yellow.
They were introduced to Japan in the 17th century and then to Europe in the early 1800s. Today, they are kept as pets all over the world.
Pompom goldfish are very easy to care for. They can live in a small tank or bowl, and they don’t need special food or care. Pompom goldfish are also very hardy, so they can live for a long time if they are well cared for.
17. Eggfish Goldfish
Adult size: 4–7 inches
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Color pattern: Varied
Unique traits: Large eyes and great senses of smell and hearing
Care level: Easy
Eggfish are a type of goldfish that are popular in Japan. They are also known as Ryukin goldfish. Eggfish have a round body shape and a short, stubby tail. They are usually red, orange, or yellow in color.
Eggfish are known for their friendly personality and their ability to adapt to different environments.
If you are thinking about adding an eggfish to your goldfish collection, there are a few things you should know. First, eggfish are not as hardy as other goldfish varieties. They are sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature, so it is important to keep a close eye on your eggfish and make sure their environment is stable.
Second, eggfish are greedy eaters and will quickly outgrow their tank mates if not properly fed. They should be kept with other fish that are the same size or larger.
Third, eggfish are social creatures and do best when kept in groups. A single eggfish is likely to become stressed and may not thrive.
18. Tosakin Goldfish
Adult size: 4 to 8 inches
Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
Color pattern: Varied
Unique traits: An egg-like, short body
Care level: Difficult
Tosakin is a type of fancy goldfish and is known for their long, flowing fins. They are a relatively new type of goldfish, first bred in Japan in the early 1800s. Tosakin is often called butterfly goldfish because of their striking resemblance to butterflies.
Tosakin is gentle and peaceful fish, and makes great addition to any aquarium. They are not as active as some other types of goldfish and prefer to swim slowly and gracefully through the water. Tosakin is also very hardy and can live for many years with proper care.
An Aquarium for Fancy Goldfish
Heating
When it comes to heating an aquarium for fancy goldfish, there are a few things to consider.
- The first is the size of the aquarium. A small aquarium will need less heat than a large one.
- The second is the type of heater you use. There are two main types of heaters: submersible and inline. Submersible heaters are placed inside the aquarium, while inline heaters are placed outside. Inline heaters are more expensive, but they are also more efficient.
- The third thing to consider is the water temperature. Fancy goldfish prefer water that is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
A submersible heater may be the best option if you have a small aquarium. These heaters are placed inside the aquarium and can be easily hidden behind rocks or plants. Be sure to choose a heater that is the appropriate size for your aquarium.
If you have a larger aquarium, an inline heater may be a better option. Inline heaters are placed outside of the aquarium and are more efficient than submersible heaters. However, they are more expensive.
Be sure to monitor the water temperature, no matter what type of heater you choose.
Accessories
There are a few things you will need to get started with keeping fancy goldfish as pets. An aquarium is necessary, and it should be at least 20 gallons. A filter is also important, as goldfish produce a lot of waste.
Decorations are not necessary, but they can make your aquarium more attractive. Rocks, plants, and driftwood can all be used to decorate your goldfish’s home. Just be sure that any decorations you choose are safe for goldfish and will not damage their delicate fins.
FAQs on Fancy Goldfish Types
How Many Types of Fancy Goldfish are There?
There are more than 80 different types of fancy goldfish—the most common of which are the Telescope Eye, Rosetail, Oranda, Lionhead, Lionchu, and Ranchu.
What Types of Fancy Goldfish Can Live Together?
Fancy goldfish can live together if they are similar in size and temperament. However, it is important to provide each fish with enough space to swim and hide, as well as to have plenty of food and oxygen.
What is the Most Fancy Goldfish?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it is subjective. Some people might consider the most fancy goldfish to be the most expensive or rare variety, while others might think it is the fish with the most elaborate fins or coloration.
What is the Difference Between a Goldfish and a Fancy Goldfish?
A goldfish is a type of fish that is typically found in freshwater environments. A fancy goldfish is a type of goldfish that has been bred to have certain physical characteristics that make it different from other goldfish.
What is the Hardiest Fancy Goldfish?
The hardiest fancy goldfish is the common goldfish. It is a hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions and is less susceptible to disease than other fancy goldfish.
Also read:
- What to Feed Fancy Goldfish?
- How to Tell if a Goldfish Is Male or Female: Complete Review
- Best Air Stone for Aquarium
Final Thoughts About Fancy Goldfish Types
In this article, you learned about fancy goldfish varieties. Fancy goldfish are a type of domesticated goldfish that are kept as pets. They are distinguished from other goldfish by their bright colors and long fins. Fancy goldfish come in a variety of colors, including orange, white, black, red, and yellow. They are usually about four inches long and weigh around two ounces.
References:
- Swim Bladder Disorders in Fish (By Jessie M Sanders, DVM, CertAqV): https://www.petmd.com/fish/conditions/respiratory/swim-bladder-disorders-fish
- Mollusks (by Luitfried Salvini-Plawen): https://www.britannica.com/animal/mollusk
