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

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

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.

Quick identification table — 20 goldfish varieties at a glance

Single-tail goldfish varieties — the pond types

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Pond vs aquarium — which types go where

Related: Can goldfish and koi live together?

Care requirements by goldfish type

Best goldfish for beginners

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

Frequently asked questions