20+ Different Types of Goldfish Varieties With Traits & Images

Goldfish are one of the most popular and beautiful freshwater fish species kept as pets around the world. While many people imagine the typical orange fish in a bowl, the truth is far more fascinating. Goldfish come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors — from sleek, torpedo-shaped common goldfish to bubble-eyed goldfish breeds. There are over 200 recognized goldfish varieties globally — especially in countries like China and Japan.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the most popular types of goldfish varieties, explain their key physical features, and help you understand how to tell them apart. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, this is your go-to resource for exploring the fascinating world of goldfish breeds.

Comparison Table: Overview of Common Types of Goldfish Varieties

6 Major Physical Traits That Define Goldfish Varieties

All goldfish varieties can be distinguished based on a combination of six primary physical characteristics:

1. Scale Type
2. Fin Structure
3. Eye Shape
4. Body Shape
5. Wen (Head Growth)
6. Narial Bouquets (pom-pom-like growths on the nostrils)

Each variety is defined by how these traits are combined. The more unique combinations a goldfish has, the more developed or “fancy” it is considered.

1. Scale Types

Goldfish scales come in three main categories:

Metallic Scales

• These are the most common.
• Have a shiny, reflective surface.
• Can be single-colored or bicolor (often orange and white).
• Any black coloration is usually temporary (except in Black Moors).

Nacreous (Calico) Scales

• Semi-transparent with a matte appearance.
• Often multicolored — red, blue, black, white, and everything in between.
• Sometimes display a few metallic spots (undesirable in show fish).

Matt Scales

• Fully transparent, giving a pale or pink look.
• Very rare, often lack pigmentation entirely.

2. Fin Variations

Goldfish can have either single or double tail fins.

Single-Tailed Goldfish:

• Common, Comet, Shubunkin, and Tamasaba.
• Known for speed and agility.
• Better suited for ponds and large aquariums.

Double-Tailed Goldfish:

• Fancy varieties like Fantail, Oranda, and Ryukin.
• More ornamental, slower swimmers.
• Prefer calm, indoor tank environments.

Some fancier types lack a dorsal fin, like the Ranchu or Bubble Eye. These varieties require more delicate care and are prized by collectors.

3. Eye Variations

Goldfish eyes are more than just for sight — they help define entire breeds.

• Normal Eyes – Seen in Common, Fantail, Oranda.
• Telescope Eyes – Bulging eyes seen in Black Moors.
• Upturned Eyes – Characteristic of Celestials.
• Bubble Eyes – Feature fluid-filled sacs under the eyes, seen in Bubble Eye Goldfish.

Body Shapes

Goldfish body shapes can fall into three categories:

• Long and Slender – Like wild carp. Always have single tails (e.g., Comet, Shubunkin).
• Short and Round – More compact with twin tails (e.g., Fantail, Ryukin).
• Short Without Dorsal Fin – Compact body with no top fin and twin tails (e.g., Ranchu, Lionhead).

Goldfish Varieties Categorized by Physical Traits

Let’s now explore the most popular goldfish types based on their physical characteristics.

Single Tail Fin Varieties

Ideal for ponds and larger tanks due to their strong swimming capabilities.

• Common Goldfish – Slim-bodied and hardy.
• Comet Goldfish – Long flowing tail, very active.
• London Shubunkin – Calico pattern, shorter tail.
• Bristol Shubunkin – Heart-shaped tail.
• Japanese/American Shubunkin – Known for vibrant calico coloring.

Top Pick: Comet Goldfish – The world’s most popular goldfish, especially outside Asia.

Double Tail Fins, Normal Eyes

These fancy goldfish are best kept in indoor aquariums due to their delicate fins and slower swimming speed.

• Wakin – A bridge between single and double tail types.
• Fantail – Round body with a double tail; beginner-friendly.
• Oranda – Recognized by its “wen” or head growth.
• Pearlscale – Bubble-like scales make it look like a walking jewel.
• Ryukin – Hunched back, elegant flowing fins.
• Veiltail – Very long flowing fins, graceful movement.

Top Pick: Ryukin – Very popular in Western aquariums.

Telescopic Eye Varieties

Their distinct eye shape makes them attractive but sensitive.

• Black Moor – All-black with telescope eyes.
• Red Moor / Calico Moor – Other color variations of telescope-eyed goldfish.

Note: Avoid sharp objects in the tank as their eyes are prone to injury.

Varieties Without Dorsal Fins

These are the most specialized and often prized in competitions.

• Ranchu – Called the “King of Goldfish” in Japan. Has head growth and no dorsal fin.
• Lionhead – Similar to Ranchu but with a more prominent head growth.
• Pompon (Pompom) – Notable for nasal growths resembling pom-poms.
• Celestial Eye – Eyes turned upward; no dorsal fin.
• Water Bubble Eye – Fluid-filled sacs beneath eyes; very fragile.

Top Pick: Ranchu – Highly valued and difficult to breed perfectly.

21 Most Popular Goldfish Types You Must See

Each goldfish entry includes a quick reference table:

1. Common Goldfish

The Common Goldfish is the original and most well-known variety. It’s the closest in shape and genetics to its ancestor, the wild Prussian carp. This variety is extremely hardy, making it perfect for beginners. Its simple, streamlined body allows for quick swimming and high adaptability, especially in outdoor ponds and unheated tanks.

These goldfish can live for over a decade with proper care and grow impressively large — even up to 12 inches in ponds. While they’re often sold inexpensively as “feeder fish,” high-quality common goldfish are elegant in their simplicity.

2. Comet Goldfish

The Comet Goldfish is a sleeker, more active version of the common goldfish. It features a long, deeply forked tail that gives it a graceful, gliding appearance in water. It was developed in the U.S. and is now one of the most popular pond fish worldwide.

Comets are fast swimmers and benefit from large swimming spaces. They’re very hardy and ideal for both outdoor and indoor setups. Their tails are more sensitive, so smooth décor is recommended.

3. Oranda Goldfish

The Oranda is a fancy goldfish variety famous for its fleshy growth on the top of its head called a wen. It has a deep, rounded body and a double tail, and it’s often mistaken for the Lionhead or Ranchu. Orandas are peaceful, slow swimmers and get along well with other fancy goldfish in calm tanks.

They come in various colors, with the red-cap Oranda (white body with a bright red wen) being especially popular. Their head growth requires extra care, as it is prone to bacterial infections if water quality isn’t maintained.

4. Ranchu Goldfish

Called the “King of Goldfish” in Japan, the Ranchu is a dorsal-less, fancy breed with a round body, wide tail, and a well-developed head growth. Ranchus require more care than most goldfish due to their sensitivity and unique body structure.

They swim slowly and are not good at competing for food, so they should only be housed with other slow fancy breeds. A temperature-stable tank is essential. Ranchus are prized in competitions for their symmetry and well-rounded features.

5. Shubunkin Goldfish

The Shubunkin is a single-tailed variety best known for its calico pattern — a unique blend of red, blue, black, white, and orange, often with nacreous (semi-transparent) scales. These active swimmers are often used in outdoor ponds where their colors shine in natural light.

There are three main subtypes: London (shorter tail), Bristol (heart-shaped tail), and American/Japanese (deeply forked tail). They’re hardy, easy to care for, and visually stunning in motion.

6. Lionhead Goldfish

The Lionhead is a dorsal-less fancy goldfish known for its large, raspberry-like head growth (wen) that often covers its entire face. It has a rounded body and double tail, making it slow and less maneuverable.

Due to its fragility, it should be housed with similar goldfish types in a low-flow tank. Despite its clumsy swim style, it’s incredibly charming and valued by hobbyists worldwide for its unique appearance and peaceful nature.

7. Bubble Eye Goldfish

The Bubble Eye Goldfish is one of the most unusual-looking varieties. It features large, fluid-filled sacs under its eyes, which give it a distinct look — but also make it incredibly delicate.

They lack a dorsal fin and have a double tail, making them weak swimmers. Their tanks must be low-flow with soft décor to avoid injuries. Due to their sensitivity, they’re best suited for experienced aquarists or specialized goldfish tanks.

8. Telescope Goldfish

The Telescope Goldfish has protruding eyes that extend out on stalks from the sides of its head. This dramatic feature reduces their vision and swimming ability but makes them one of the most striking fancy types.

Telescope goldfish need a tank without sharp objects and should be kept with gentle tankmates. They come in several subtypes, including the popular Black Moor. They’re charming and easy to recognize in any tank.

9. Ryukin Goldfish

A descendant of the Fantail, the Ryukin is known for its pronounced hump behind the head and tall, deep body. It comes in short or long-tail versions, with some nicknamed Ribbon-Tail Ryukins.

It’s a hardy fancy variety that can live in both aquariums and ponds. Its shape allows it to handle a range of temperatures. Ryukins are one of the best choices for aquarists looking for a fancy type that’s not too fragile.

10. Veiltail Goldfish

If you love ornamental fish, the Veiltail is for you. With a long, flowing double tail and elegant movements, it’s one of the most graceful varieties. However, this beauty comes at the cost of fragility.

Veiltails have difficulty swimming and are prone to fin damage. Keep them in a peaceful, uncluttered tank. They’re not great competitors for food, so hand-feeding or isolated feeding is recommended.

11. Celestial Eye Goldfish

The Celestial Eye goldfish, also known as the Stargazer, is a dorsal-less variety whose eyes point permanently upward. It’s delicate and has poor vision, so it must be kept in specialized tanks with minimal décor.

Because of their unique gaze, they’re best appreciated from the top. Their beauty and rarity make them popular with advanced keepers who appreciate their serene, slow-paced swimming.

12. Fantail Goldfish

The Fantail is often the first fancy goldfish chosen by beginners. It has an egg-shaped body, long double tail, and is relatively hardy for a fancy type.

Fantails are peaceful and adaptable but benefit from warm, filtered tanks. Their simple elegance makes them a staple in home aquariums around the world. Some have extra-long tails and are called Ribbon-Tailed Fantails.

13. Pearlscale Goldfish

The Pearlscale Goldfish is a fancy variety known for its unique bead-like, raised scales that resemble pearls — hence the name. Its body is almost spherical, which makes it visually distinct but also more sensitive to swim bladder problems.

They’re not strong swimmers due to their shape, so they should be kept in calm aquariums with soft substrate and no sharp decor. Their scales are prone to damage, and they require stable water conditions.

14. Wakin Goldfish

The Wakin Goldfish is a dual-purpose goldfish — it has the hardiness of a common goldfish but the beauty of a fancy one. It features a slim body, long dorsal fin, and a double tail, resembling a cross between a Comet and a Fantail.

It thrives in ponds, where it can grow up to 19 inches, and makes a lively addition to outdoor setups. It’s also available in a calico subtype and is known for its vivid red and white coloring.

15. Pompom Goldfish

Named after the fleshy nasal growths between their nostrils, Pompom Goldfish are a rare and delicate breed. These pompom-like extensions are purely ornamental but add a quirky charm to this fancy type.

They often resemble Lionheads or Ranchus in body shape and may lack a dorsal fin. Due to their delicate features, they must be housed in calm aquariums without aggressive tankmates or sharp decor.

16. Tosakin Goldfish

The Tosakin Goldfish is one of the rarest and most elegant Japanese goldfish breeds. It features a flowing, fan-shaped tail that is fused and spread horizontally — ideal for viewing from above.

Tosakins are slow swimmers and require very calm tanks. Their rarity stems from being nearly extinct during WWII, but passionate breeders revived the lineage. This breed is best suited for collectors and dedicated hobbyists.

17. Butterfly Tail Goldfish

Bred for beauty, the Butterfly Tail Goldfish has a wide-spread, symmetrical double tail that resembles a butterfly when seen from above. It is a subtype often combined with other features like telescope eyes or hoods.

Due to the extravagant tail, they’re poor swimmers and need soft flow tanks with minimal competition. These goldfish are prized in top-view aquariums and have become popular among breeders worldwide.

18. Watonai Goldfish

The Watonai is a beautiful cross between the Wakin and Ryukin goldfish. It combines the hardy single-tailed body with long flowing double tails, giving it a majestic look with high endurance.

Watonai are especially suited for outdoor ponds due to their active nature and size potential. They’re a great choice for those who want a hardy fish that also offers ornamental beauty.

19. Jikin (Peacock) Goldfish

The Jikin, also known as the Peacock Goldfish, is admired for its symmetrical peacock-like tail and strict red-and-white color pattern. Only specific body parts — lips, fins, and gill plates — are allowed to be red in show-quality Jikin.

It’s rare outside of Japan and requires specific breeding and maintenance. It’s a top-view fish that performs best in shallow ponds or aquariums.

20. Dragon Eye Goldfish

The Dragon Eye Goldfish is a variation of the Telescope Eye goldfish but with larger, longer stalks for the eyes. It has a wobbling swim and needs extra care due to vision challenges.

These goldfish grow fast in their first two years and can reach up to 6 inches. They are sensitive to tankmates and décor and thrive in solo or goldfish-only tanks.

21. Nymph Goldfish

The Nymph Goldfish is a lesser-known type with a hybrid appearance — the body of a fancy Fantail and the single tail of a Comet. Once common in pet shops, they are now relatively rare.

They are excellent swimmers, resilient, and easy to care for. Their streamlined yet unique appearance makes them ideal for mixed setups or community ponds.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Which Goldfish Is Right for You?

Choosing the right type of goldfish depends on your tank size, level of experience, and how much time you’re willing to spend on care. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Goldfish are not just simple starter pets — they are intelligent, beautiful, and can live for over 10 years with proper care. By understanding their types and needs, you’ll be one step closer to creating a thriving, happy aquarium.