Types of Goldfish: 20 Varieties With Identification Guide

By Giovanni Carlo Bagayas | Updated: June 2026 | 16 min read

Types of goldfish — 6 different goldfish varieties swimming together including Common Goldfish, Comet, Shubunkin, Oranda, Ryukin and Black Moor showing incredible diversity — Goldfish have been selectively bred for over 1,000 years — producing over 125 varieties from the humble Common Goldfish to the elaborate Oranda, Bubble Eye, and Telescope. All are the same species: Carassius auratus.

Quick Answer

There are over 125 types of goldfish — all the same species (Carassius auratus), selectively bred for different appearances over 1,000 years. They fall into two main categories: single-tail (hardy, pond-suitable — Common, Comet, Shubunkin) and fancy/double-tail (aquarium-preferred — Fantail, Oranda, Ryukin, Ranchu). Never mix single-tail and fancy goldfish — the faster singles will outcompete fancies for food. For beginners: Comet for ponds, Fantail for aquariums.

The two categories — single-tail vs fancy

Before diving into individual varieties, understanding this single distinction will save you from the most common goldfish keeping mistake. All goldfish fall into one of two groups — and the group determines everything: tank size, tank mates, pond suitability, care difficulty, and lifespan potential.

Feature	Single-tail goldfish	Fancy goldfish
Tail fins	One tail fin	Double or split tail fins
Body shape	Streamlined — similar to wild carp	Round, egg-shaped, or humped
Swimming speed	Fast and active	Slow and deliberate
Hardiness	Very hardy — tolerates variable conditions	More delicate — needs stable conditions
Max size	Up to 12–16 inches	Typically 6–8 inches
Lifespan	20+ years in a pond	10–15 years in aquarium
Best environment	Outdoor pond or very large tank (75+ gallons)	Indoor aquarium (20–50 gallons)
Care level	Beginner-friendly	Beginner to intermediate
Examples	Common, Comet, Shubunkin, Wakin	Fantail, Oranda, Ryukin, Ranchu, Black Moor

⚠️ The most common goldfish keeping mistake

Never mix single-tail and fancy goldfish in the same tank or pond. Single-tail goldfish are much faster swimmers and will outcompete the slower fancy varieties for food at every feeding. The fancy goldfish will gradually starve even if food appears available. Keep your singles together and your fancies together as separate groups — always.

From 40+ years of fish keeping

I have kept goldfish since the 1980s alongside my koi. The single-tail vs fancy distinction is the first thing I tell every new goldfish keeper. I have seen people buy a beautiful Oranda, put it in a pond with Comets, and wonder why it looks thin and listless three months later. The answer is always the same — it’s being outcompeted for food. Once you understand this distinction, goldfish keeping becomes dramatically simpler.

Quick identification table — 20 goldfish varieties at a glance

Variety	Type	Key identifier	Size	Best for	Care level
Common Goldfish	Single-tail	Classic orange/gold, streamlined body, single tail	12–14″	Pond	⭐ Beginner
Comet Goldfish	Single-tail	Long deeply forked tail; very active swimmer	12–14″	Pond	⭐ Beginner
Shubunkin	Single-tail	Calico (nacreous) scales — blue, red, black patches; single tail	10–12″	Pond	⭐ Beginner
Wakin	Single-tail (double-tail variant)	Elongated body like Common but with double tail	10–12″	Pond / large tank	⭐ Beginner
Fantail	Fancy	Egg-shaped body, fan-shaped double tail, high dorsal fin	6–8″	Aquarium / pond	⭐ Beginner fancy
Oranda	Fancy	Fleshy wen (head growth/cap) that develops from age 1–2	8–12″	Aquarium	⭐⭐ Intermediate
Ryukin	Fancy	Prominent dorsal hump behind head; deep body; long flowing tail	6–8″	Aquarium	⭐ Beginner fancy
Ranchu	Fancy	Egg-shaped body, NO dorsal fin, curved back, tucked head	6–8″	Aquarium	⭐⭐ Intermediate
Lionhead	Fancy	Raspberry-like wen covering entire head; NO dorsal fin	5–7″	Aquarium	⭐⭐ Intermediate
Black Moor	Fancy	All-black velvety color; telescope (protruding) eyes	6–8″	Aquarium	⭐ Beginner fancy
Telescope Eye	Fancy	Dramatically protruding eyes on stalks; various colors	6–8″	Aquarium (no sharp decor)	⭐⭐ Intermediate
Bubble Eye	Fancy	Fluid-filled sacs under eyes; no dorsal fin; fragile sacs	3–5″	Species-only tank	⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Celestial Eye	Fancy	Eyes permanently pointed upward; no dorsal fin	4–6″	Species-only tank	⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Pearlscale	Fancy	Round ball-like body; dome-shaped scales resembling pearls	4–6″	Aquarium	⭐⭐ Intermediate
Veiltail	Fancy	Extremely long, flowing, undivided tail fins that hang like a veil	6–8″	Aquarium (no fin nippers)	⭐⭐ Intermediate
Pompom	Fancy	Bunchy fleshy growths on nostrils resembling pom-poms	4–6″	Aquarium	⭐⭐ Intermediate
Tosakin	Fancy	Unique curled tail that spreads horizontally — only visible from above	6–8″	Shallow display tank	⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Butterfly Telescope	Fancy	Telescope eyes + butterfly-spread tail visible from above	6–8″	Aquarium	⭐⭐ Intermediate
Sarasa Comet	Single-tail	Red and white Comet — same as Comet but with distinct color pattern	12–14″	Pond	⭐ Beginner
Lionchu	Fancy	Lionhead × Ranchu cross — wen on head, no dorsal fin, compact body	5–7″	Aquarium	⭐⭐ Intermediate

Goldfish variety identification chart showing visual comparison of different types of goldfish including body shapes fin types and special features — Visual goldfish variety identification reference — use body shape, tail type, and special features (head growth, eye type) together to identify any goldfish variety.

Single-tail goldfish varieties — the pond types

Single-tail goldfish pond showing Common Goldfish, Comet, Shubunkin and Sarasa Comet swimming together — all four can coexist in an outdoor pond — Single-tail goldfish — streamlined, fast, hardy, and ideal for outdoor ponds. From left: Common Goldfish, Comet, Shubunkin, Sarasa Comet. All four can coexist and thrive together.

1. Common Goldfish

The original goldfish — the variety from which all others were bred. Simple streamlined body, typically orange or gold with a single tail. Extremely hardy and adaptable. Can survive in a wide range of water conditions that would stress more delicate varieties. Given space in a large pond, Common Goldfish grow impressively large and can live 20+ years. They are the best starter goldfish for outdoor ponds.

Red and white Common Goldfish swimming in a pond — the original goldfish variety from which all others were bred over 1000 years of selective breeding — Red and white Common Goldfish — the original variety. Extremely hardy, grows up to 14 inches in a pond, and can live 20+ years with proper care.

2. Comet Goldfish

The most popular pond goldfish in the United States, developed in the US from Common Goldfish in the 1880s. Distinguished by its longer, more deeply forked tail and more active, energetic swimming style. Comets are excellent pond fish — fast, hardy, colorful, and social. The Sarasa Comet variant adds a bold red-and-white pattern to the classic Comet body.

3. Shubunkin

Often called the “calico goldfish,” Shubunkin are distinguished by their nacreous (pearly) scales that show a mosaic of blue, red, orange, black, and white. The blue coloration — rare in goldfish — is one of their most appealing features. There are three Shubunkin varieties: London (streamlined, most common), Bristol (slightly more developed tail), and American (longer fins). All are excellent pond fish. Related: Complete Shubunkin goldfish guide

Shubunkin goldfish showing its distinctive calico nacreous scales with blue red orange and black mottled color pattern — the calico goldfish — Shubunkin goldfish — its nacreous (pearly) scales produce the distinctive calico pattern with blue, red, orange, and black. The blue coloration is extremely rare in goldfish and one of their most prized features.

4. Wakin

A Japanese variety that represents a bridge between single-tail and fancy goldfish — they have the elongated body of a single-tail but carry a double tail. Hardy enough for ponds, more interesting looking than a Common, and a good “starter fancy” for keepers who want something between. Typically red and white. Rare outside Japan but available from specialist breeders.

Fancy goldfish varieties — the aquarium types

Fancy goldfish aquarium showing Oranda with head growth, Ryukin with dorsal hump, Black Moor with telescope eyes and Pearlscale goldfish with pearl-like scales — Fancy goldfish — selectively bred for unique body shapes, head growths, telescope eyes, and elaborate fins. Best suited for aquariums where their slower swimming won’t disadvantage them.

5. Fantail Goldfish

The gateway fancy goldfish — the most beginner-friendly double-tailed variety. Classic egg-shaped body, flowing double tail that fans outward, high dorsal fin. Available in orange, red, white, calico, and black. Fantails are the hardiest of the fancy varieties and can tolerate a wider range of conditions. They are the recommended first fancy goldfish for anyone new to the hobby.

6. Oranda Goldfish

One of the most popular fancy goldfish worldwide. Identified by its distinctive wen — a fleshy, raspberry-like growth that develops on the top and sides of the head starting at around 1 year of age. The wen can grow to cover the entire head in mature fish. Orandas come in dozens of color variations — the Red Cap Oranda (white body, red wen only) is among the most striking. Related: Complete Oranda goldfish guide

Short-bodied red and white Oranda goldfish showing its distinctive wen head growth — the fleshy raspberry-like cap that defines the Oranda variety — Red and white Oranda goldfish — the wen (head growth) is clearly visible on top of the head. The wen begins forming at around 1 year of age and continues developing until age 2–3.

7. Ryukin Goldfish

Identifiable by their distinctive dorsal hump behind the head — a sharply elevated back that gives them an almost bullet-like profile from above. Deep, full body with flowing double tail fins. Ryukins are strong swimmers for a fancy variety and can coexist with other robust fancies. Available in red, white, calico, and red-and-white. Related: Complete Ryukin goldfish guide

Ryukin goldfish showing its distinctive high dorsal hump behind the head and deep round body with flowing double tail fins — Ryukin goldfish — the prominent dorsal hump behind the head is unmistakable. Combined with their deep, round body and flowing double tail, Ryukin are one of the most visually striking fancy varieties.

8. Ranchu

Considered by Japanese goldfish enthusiasts to be the “king of goldfish.” Egg-shaped body with no dorsal fin — a smooth back curves down toward the tail in an arch. The head tucks forward giving a hunched appearance. Ranchu are slow, deliberate swimmers that require careful attention to water quality and feeding. They are typically kept in shallow, wide tanks that allow their full form to be appreciated from above — the traditional Japanese viewing style.

Ranchu goldfish — the king of goldfish showing its egg-shaped body with no dorsal fin and curved back tucked head characteristic of this Japanese variety — Ranchu goldfish — considered the “king of goldfish” in Japan. Note the complete absence of a dorsal fin and the curved back arching down toward the tail. Best appreciated from above in a shallow wide tank.

9. Lionhead Goldfish

The precursor to the Ranchu, with a similar egg-shaped body and no dorsal fin, but with a fuller, more developed wen that wraps completely around the head giving a lion’s mane appearance. Lionheads are slow, deliberate swimmers that need tank mates of similar speed and temperament. The wen can grow large enough to affect vision and gill function — monitor carefully in mature fish. Related: Complete Lionhead goldfish guide

Lionhead goldfish showing its distinctive raspberry-like wen head growth covering the entire head with no dorsal fin — a classic fancy goldfish variety — Lionhead goldfish — the wen covers the entire head in a full raspberry-like growth, resembling a lion’s mane. No dorsal fin. Slow swimmer requiring peaceful tank mates of similar speed.

10. Black Moor

A beloved beginner fancy variety distinguished by its uniform velvety black coloration and telescope (protruding) eyes. The black color is not completely stable — some Black Moors develop gold or bronze patches as they age, and color can change with water temperature. Despite their telescope eyes, Black Moors are relatively robust for a fancy variety and are a good choice for those wanting to try an eye-variety goldfish for the first time.

Panda Moor goldfish — a black and white variation of the Black Moor telescope eye goldfish variety showing the protruding telescope eyes — Panda Moor goldfish — a striking black and white variation of the Moor family. The protruding telescope eyes are clearly visible. Tank must have no sharp decorations that could injure the delicate eyes.

11. Telescope Eye Goldfish

Available in many colors (unlike the Black Moor which is only black), Telescope Eye goldfish share the characteristic dramatically protruding eyes on elongated stalks. The eyes can extend up to 3/4 inch beyond the head in mature fish. Because of their eye vulnerability, Telescope varieties require aquariums with no sharp decorations and should only be kept with other slow, peaceful fancy varieties.

12. Bubble Eye Goldfish

One of the most unusual fish in the hobby — Bubble Eye goldfish have two large, fluid-filled sacs beneath their eyes that wobble as they swim. The sacs are fragile and can easily be punctured by sharp objects or aggressive tank mates. Bubble Eyes have no dorsal fin and are very poor swimmers. They should only be kept in species-specific tanks with smooth decorations and gentle filtration. Fascinating to experienced keepers but not suitable for beginners.

13. Pearlscale Goldfish

Recognizable by their almost perfectly spherical body and their domed, pearl-like scales — each scale has a raised white center that creates a textured appearance unlike any other goldfish. Pearlscales are small and slow, needing calm water without strong currents. Their very round body makes them prone to swim bladder issues if overfed.

Pearlscale goldfish showing its distinctive nearly spherical ball-like body and dome-shaped pearl-like scales that give it a unique textured appearance — Pearlscale goldfish — the almost perfectly spherical body and uniquely domed scales are unmistakable. One of the most distinctive body shapes in the goldfish world.

Pond vs aquarium — which types go where

Environment	Best varieties	Avoid	Why
Outdoor pond ⭐	Common, Comet, Sarasa Comet, Shubunkin, Wakin, Fantail (hardier fancies)	Bubble Eye, Celestial Eye, Telescope, Pearlscale, Lionhead, Ranchu	Delicate varieties cannot compete for food, are vulnerable to predators, and struggle in variable outdoor temperatures
Indoor aquarium (20–50 gal)	Fantail, Oranda, Ryukin, Black Moor, Pearlscale, Lionhead, Ranchu, Veiltail	Common, Comet, Shubunkin (will outgrow quickly; become unhappy in small spaces)	Single-tail varieties grow too large and are too active for standard aquarium sizes
Shallow display tank (species-only)	Ranchu, Tosakin, Bubble Eye, Celestial Eye	All other varieties	These varieties are best appreciated from above and need calm, still water conditions without competition

Care requirements by goldfish type

Parameter	Single-tail goldfish	Fancy goldfish
Minimum tank size	55–75 gallons for one; pond preferred	20–30 gallons for one; +10 gallons per additional fish
Water temperature	50–75°F (10–24°C); cold-tolerant	65–75°F (18–24°C); prefer more stable temperature
pH	6.5–8.0	7.0–8.0 (less tolerant of swings)
Filtration	Strong filtration; can handle current	Strong filtration but gentle flow — strong currents stress slow-swimming fancies
Water changes	25–30% weekly	25–30% weekly — non-negotiable for fancy health
Diet	High-quality pellets; less picky about food type	Sinking pellets preferred (fancies are bottom feeders); avoid overfeeding — swim bladder issues common
Substrate	Gravel or bare bottom	Smooth gravel or bare bottom — no sharp edges that can injure belly or fins

Best goldfish for beginners

Setup	Best first choice	Why	Avoid as first fish
Outdoor pond	Comet or Shubunkin	Extremely hardy, tolerates variable conditions, active and colorful, long-lived in a pond	Any fancy variety — too delicate for outdoor conditions and predator exposure
Indoor aquarium (30+ gal)	Fantail	Most forgiving fancy variety; classic appearance; tolerates slightly imperfect conditions better than other fancies	Bubble Eye, Celestial Eye — too fragile and specialized for a first fish
Indoor aquarium (20 gal)	Black Moor	Hardy for an eye-variety, striking appearance, peaceful, widely available	Common or Comet — will immediately outgrow a 20-gallon tank
Koi pond (mixed)	Comet or Sarasa Comet	Fast enough to compete with koi for food; hardy enough to survive outdoor conditions; adds color contrast to the pond	Any fancy variety — koi will outcompete them for food

Can you mix different types of goldfish?

Yes — with one critical rule: keep single-tails with single-tails and fancies with fancies. Within those groups, mixing is generally fine with these guidelines:

Single-tail varieties together: Common, Comet, Shubunkin, Sarasa, and Wakin can all coexist in the same pond. Give them enough space — they are active and need room.
Fancy varieties together: Fantail, Oranda, Ryukin, Ranchu, Lionhead, Black Moor can generally live together provided they have enough space and none are too aggressive at feeding time. Monitor feeding carefully.
Eye varieties need special consideration: Bubble Eye and Celestial Eye goldfish should ideally be kept only with each other or with very slow, peaceful varieties — their eyes are too vulnerable for even gentle fin-nipping from other fancies.
Goldfish with koi: Comets and Shubunkins can coexist with koi in a large pond — they are fast enough to compete for food. Fancy goldfish should never be kept with koi.

Rare and unusual goldfish varieties

Variety	What makes it rare	Where to find
Tosakin	Unique curled, spread tail best seen from above; nearly went extinct in the 1945 Kochi earthquake; revived by dedicated Japanese breeders	Japanese specialist breeders; rare in the West
Jikin	Specific “rokurin” color pattern — only fins, lips, and gill covers are red; body must be white; extremely difficult to breed to standard	Japan only; virtually impossible to source outside
Izumo Nankin	Specific body proportions, triangular head from above, no dorsal fin; considered a cultural treasure of Shimane Prefecture, Japan	Southwest Japan only; considered a national heritage variety
Tamasaba	Ryukin body with single tail — the combination is extremely unusual in fancy goldfish; produces stronger swimmers than standard Ryukin	Specialist importers; rare outside Japan
Crown Pearlscale (Hamanishiki)	Pearlscale with added fluid-filled growth on top of head; combines two unique features; fragile and difficult to breed	Specialist fancy goldfish breeders

Rare fancy goldfish variety showing distinctive features — one of the unusual goldfish breeds bred through generations of selective breeding in Japan and China — Specialist fancy goldfish varieties require dedicated care and ideal tank conditions.

Unusual rare goldfish variety with distinctive coloring and body shape — examples of the incredible diversity achieved through centuries of selective goldfish breeding — The diversity of goldfish varieties is a testament to 1,000+ years of careful selective breeding by Japanese and Chinese fish keepers.

Frequently asked questions

How many types of goldfish are there?

Over 125 recognized varieties worldwide, all belonging to the species Carassius auratus. They fall into two main categories: single-tail (hardy, pond-suitable) and fancy/double-tail (aquarium-preferred). Most hobbyists encounter around 20–30 commonly available types.

What is the difference between single-tail and fancy goldfish?

Single-tail goldfish have streamlined bodies and one tail fin — hardy, fast, and pond-suitable. Fancy goldfish have round bodies, double tails, and special features — slower, more delicate, better for aquariums. Never mix the two types: singles will outcompete fancies for food every time.

What is the best type of goldfish for beginners?

For ponds: Comet or Shubunkin — extremely hardy and colorful. For aquariums: Fantail — the most forgiving fancy variety. Avoid Bubble Eye, Celestial Eye, and Ranchu as first fish — they need more specialized care.

What is the most popular type of goldfish?

The Common Goldfish is most widespread globally. Among fancy varieties, the Oranda is most popular for its distinctive wen. The Fantail is the most popular beginner fancy. The Comet is the most popular pond goldfish in the US.

Can different types of goldfish live together?

Yes — within their category. Single-tail varieties can live together; fancy varieties can live together. Never mix single-tail and fancy goldfish — the faster singles will outcompete the slower fancies for food. Bubble Eye and Celestial Eye are best in species-only tanks.

What is the rarest type of goldfish?

The Tosakin, Jikin, Izumo Nankin, and Tamasaba are among the rarest goldfish — all virtually impossible to source outside Japan where they are considered cultural heritage varieties. The Crown Pearlscale (Hamanishiki) is the rarest widely-bred fancy variety.

How long do goldfish live?

Single-tail goldfish live 20+ years in a well-maintained pond. Fancy goldfish live 10–15 years in a good aquarium. The record is Tish, a Common Goldfish from the UK who lived 43 years. Water quality is the single most important factor in goldfish longevity.

What is the largest type of goldfish?

Common Goldfish and Comets grow the largest — up to 12–16 inches in ponds. Shubunkin and Wakin reach 10–12 inches. Most fancy varieties reach 6–8 inches. Goldfish in small tanks stay small due to stunting — a sign of poor conditions, not their natural size limit.

Explore individual goldfish variety guides

Giovanni Carlo Bagayas

Founder, Giobel Koi Center · Fish keeper since the 1980s · Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines

Giovanni has kept goldfish alongside koi since the 1980s — from Common Goldfish and Comets in outdoor ponds to Orandas and Ryukin in aquariums. His goldfish experience spans four decades of observing how different varieties thrive or struggle in different environments, and what separates beginner-friendly varieties from those that require specialist care.

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Giovanni Carlo

Passionate about fish keeping since elementary school in the 1980s, Giovanni Carlo has dedicated countless hours to collecting and breeding a diverse array of ornamental freshwater fish. From vibrant guppies and majestic koi to striking bettas and classic goldfish, he continues to explore the fascinating world of aquatics, sharing knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow fish enthusiasts.

Types of Goldfish: Complete Guide to 20 Varieties (With Identification Table)