22 Fancy Goldfish (with Images)

If you are interested in raising peaceful and vibrant freshwater fish, you should definitely consider a fancy goldfish.

There are many types of this fish, and you can pick according to your desires. The best part is that each one can add a unique touch of glamor and charm to your tank!

With their captivating features like distinctive tails and bright and attractive colors, they are absolutely mesmerizing to look at.

Intrigued to know more? Let us dive deep into the fascinating realm of fancy goldfish.

What is the History of Fancy Goldfish?

Goldfish were among the earliest fish bred in captivity over 1,000 years ago. Through careful breeding, people have developed more than 200 different goldfish varieties.

They are mainly categorized into two broad types – fancy goldfish (or double-tailed goldfish) and common (or single-tailed) goldfish.

The main difference between the two kinds lies in appearance and swimming behavior.

Fancy goldfish are renowned for their rounder shape and captivating features, making them the most cherished and costly fish in the hobby.

They have double tails and various ornate features like wens (bubble-like growths), elongated fins, and unique body shapes.

These fish come in a mesmerizing palette of colors, ranging from vibrant reds and oranges to striking blacks, blues, and even calico patterns.

However, it’s worth noting that two exceptions, wakin and jikin, may grow larger than typical double-tailed goldfish and may require more spacious accommodations like a pond.

They require dedicated care and attention specific to each variant. Additionally, given their waste production, robust water filtration is crucial.

Note: This article only focuses on the most popular fancy goldfish breeds. Please refer to our other article for information on common breeds or single-tailed goldfish and rare varieties.

Now, if you’re eager to explore the enchanting world of fancy goldfish, you’re in the right place. This article delves deep into their captivating varieties and unique charm.

1. Ranchu Goldfish

Ranchu goldfish
  • Other Common Names: Dutch worm, Maruko, buffalo-head goldfish
  • Average Size: 13-20 cm (5-8 in)
  • Average Lifespan: 8-15 years
  • Color: Gold, white, black, calico
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for one

The ranchu goldfish evolved from crossbreeding experiments with Chinese lionhead goldfish in Japan between 1853 and 1889. The head lump of the modern ranchu was refined by Kameyoshi Ishikawa I (Tokyo).

The fish has a short, egg-shaped body, deep belly, no dorsal fin, distinct curve on top, and unique double-fantail on a sharp angle that tucks inward at the base. Its prominent head has a fleshy growth, aka helmet, similar to a wen, with varying sizes.

It’s available in various colors, including gold, red, white, blue, black, calico-style, and more, with different scales. Rare variations feature pale-yellow bodies and bright red heads.

Ranchu goldfish were initially bred to resemble sumo wrestlers, featuring a large head and hefty body. This unique cultural representation of Japan symbolizes harmony and positive attributes, earning them the title of the “king of goldfish” in Japan.


2. Oranda Goldfish

Oranda goldfish
  • Other Common Names: Holland lion mask, Dutch lionhead, Netherlands lion head, oranda shishigashira
  • Average Size: Up to 17-30 cm (7-12 in), max: 38 cm (15 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 8-15 years, max: 20 years
  • Color: Shimmering orange or yellow
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for one

Oranda goldfish originated in China by stabilizing a ryukin variety with head-lump mutation. It arrived in Nagasaki Prefecture from China via Ryukyu around 1789-1800.

It earned the name ‘oranda shishigashira,’ meaning ‘Dutch Lion Head.’ This is because the lump resembled a lion’s head, and rare imports were called ‘Dutch goods’ due to the isolation policy.

The single dorsal-finned goldfish has a head lump, a long, quadruple tail, and two smaller sets of dorsal and belly fins. Its wen resembles a textured berry, often in a different color from the body.

It comes in various colors, with metallic scales giving them a shimmering appearance. However, shimmering orange or yellow are most common.

There is a classic long-bodied variety and a recently-imported shorter-bodied type from China.

Some variations are:

  • Azuma nishiki
  • Red-cap oranda
  • Telescope-eye oranda
  • Hana fusa or pompom oranda
  • Nagate oranda
  • Apache oranda
  • Panda oranda
  • Ingot oranda
  • Chakin or chocolate oranda
  • Seibungyo or seibun
  • Black oranda
  • Blue oranda
  • Jade seal oranda

Jumbo oranda from Nagasu, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a giant oranda breed crafted through a series of selective breedings with large-sized orandas.


3. Black Moor Goldfish

Telescope eye golddfish
  • Other Common Names: Black telescope goldfish, dragon eye goldfish, black peony goldfish, black demekin, moor, blackamoor
  • Average Size: Up to 10-20 cm (4-8 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 10-15 years
  • Color: Solid black or bronze, sometimes with gold or orange patches
  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

The black moor goldfish is a selectively bred variant derived from the telescope goldfish, originally from China (1700s).

It might be entirely black or bronze, sometimes with orange patches. The deep-bodied fish has protruding, round eyes, a long flowing double-finned tail, and metallic, shimmery scales.

The original black moor had a fan-shaped tail and a body similar to the fantail goldfish.

This fish was showcased on a commemorative postage stamp from Mozambique in 2018.


4. Fantail Goldfish

Fantail goldfish closeup
  • Other Common Names: Double-tail goldfish
  • Average Size: Up to 15-20 cm (6-8 in) in tank, 25-30 cm (10-12 in) in pond
  • Average Lifespan: Typically 5-10 years. Max: 15-20 years
  • Color: Orange, yellow, red, white, black, metallic blue, calico
  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for one

Fantail goldfish is a product of selective breeding over many generations for specific traits. It’s distinctly different from the wild carp relatives.

It comes in various colors, including orange, yellow, red, white, black, metallic blue, and calico patterns.

The egg-shaped fish has split double tail fins, a single tall, arched dorsal fin, button or small telescope eyes, and no shoulder hump.

Different variations show a slightly enlarged head or a taller body, depending on their breeding.

The tail fin forms a triangle from above and a fan shape from the sides.

It’s incredibly easy to care for – an ideal choice for beginners.


5. Bubble Eye Goldfish

Bubble eye goldfish
  • Average Size: Up to 10-12 cm (4-5 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 6-15 years
  • Color: Gold, Orange, red, brown, calico or white
  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

The selectively-bred bubble eye goldfish originated in China in 1908. It’s likely bred from Prussian carp or celestial goldfish for unique sacs beneath the eyes.

The sac easily gets popped and deflated but heals and refills with fluids. These sacs vary in size and make it difficult for the fish to see due to upward-pointing eyes.

Further, the round, egg-shaped fish has a long double tail and no dorsal fin. It comes in various solid colors or multiple colors, often featuring spots or patterns like calico.

The fish’s eye bubbles contain fluids, causing them to jiggle as the fish swims. Some scientists even believe these fluids could have growth-stimulating properties for human cells!


6. Lionhead Goldfish

Lionhead goldfish
  • Average Size: Usually 12-20 cm (5-8 in), Max: 25 cm (10 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Mostly up to 15 years, Max: up to 20 years
  • Color: Orange, red, white, red-white, blue, black-white, black-red, chocolate, golden and orange-white patches, white with orange hints, black, calico
  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for one , 50 gallons for community

Lionhead goldfish originated in China, resembling Chinese lion-dogs. It arrived in Japan in the 17th and 18th centuries and was modified to have rounded backs, different tails, and smaller head growth while retaining its original size and lifespan.

It comes in various colors, including orange, red, white, red and white, blue, black and white, black and red, chocolate, golden and orange with white patches, mostly white with a hint of orange, black, and calico combinations.

The round, bulging-bodied fish has protruding metallic, nacreous, or matte scales. Further, it has a rounded hump on the back from lack of dorsal fin. It also showcases a double caudal fin, double anal fin, and distinctive raspberry-shaped wen on the head of varying size and texture.

Its adorable appearance often catches the eye of beginner aquarists, and the quality of wen is a significant factor in its beauty.

Lionhead goldfish are notoriously clumsy and slow swimmers due to the lack of a stabilizing dorsal fin and poor eyesight.


7. Ryukin Goldfish

Ryukin goldfish
  • Common Names: Onaga (longtail), Nagasaki goldfish, Japanese ribbontail, fringetail, fantail, veiltail
  • Average Size: Up to 15-20 cm (6-8 in) usually, Max: 25 cm (10 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 10-15 years
  • Color: Red, white, calico, tri-color, chocolate
  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for one, 30-40 gallons for a small group

Ryukin goldfish were captive-bred in China and introduced to Japan around the 1770s.

It’s either bred from fantail goldfish or wakin. In Japan, it gained immense popularity and was referenced in early literature.

It was believed to have reached Japan via the Ryukyu Islands, currently known as Okinawa Prefecture, between Taiwan and Japan. The fish was named after the islands.

The broad, egg-shaped goldfish has a rounded belly, a four-lobed distinct tail, and a noticeable dorsal hump on its head, giving it a pointed appearance.

It’s available in red, white, calico, chocolate, and tri-colored patterns.

The standard goldfish has short tails, but there are long-tailed types as well: Fringe-tail and Ribbon-tail Ryukins. Long-finned variants are highly sought-after.

Other varieties include:

  • Yamagata kingyo (Yamagata goldfish)
  • Sabao (mackerel tail)
  • Tamasaba (from Yamagata Prefecture)
  • Rare iron-colored Tetsu onaga

It’s loved for its striking appearance and feisty personality.


8. Red Telescope Goldfish

Red moor goldfish
  • Other Common Names: Demekin, dragon eye goldfish, globe eye goldfish, red telescope
  • Average Size: Up to 10-20 cm (5-8 in) usually, Max: 20 cm (8 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 10-15 years usually, Max: 25 years
  • Color: White, black, red, blue, or chocolate
  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for one

This fancy goldfish was bred in China by a ryukin mutation in the early 1700s, known as dragon eye or dragonfish.

Japan later refined it in the late 1700s and called it demekin.

Red telescope was created when ryukin’s eyeballs protruded due to diseases. Through further mutations, the black moor and calico telescope appeared soon after.

It has unique protruding eyes on long stalks, which are up to 3/4 inch long.

The round-bodied goldfish has a stubby appearance with a slightly forked tail fin. It comes in solid white, black, red, blue, or chocolate, as well as bi-colored or tri-colored options.

It has different tail variations, including standard split, long flowing, veil, broadtail, or butterfly tails.

The variants include black moor, panda telescope, white telescope, and other lesser-known ones like red, orange, and yellow telescopes.

Telescope goldfish are known for their comical appearance, resembling fish that wear “telescopic” glasses. This unique eye shape causes poor eyesight and higher vulnerability to infections and injuries.


9. Pearlscale Goldfish

Pearlscale goldfish
  • Other Common Names: Ping pong pearlscale, golfball pearlscale
  • Average Size: Up to 10-15 cm (4-6 in) usually, Max: 25 cm (10 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Usually up to 10-15 years, Max: 20 years
  • Color: White, red, orange, calico, chocolate, black and red and white combination
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for one, extra 10 gallons per additional fish

The pearlscale goldfish was introduced to Japan around the late 1950s.

The round, golf ball-bodied fish is covered in thick, pearl-like scales that have raised white centers due to calcium deposits.

It has a plump head, rounded, flowy, and translucent fins, one dorsal fin, and a well-developed split tail fin.

It’s available in white, red, orange, calico, chocolate, and black-red-white combinations with translucent fins.

Some variants (aka high-head pearl scales, crown pearl scales, or Hama Nishiki) may have a bubble-like head growth (wen).

With their unique body shape and scales, these fish are one of the quirkiest and most whimsical-looking species in the world of goldfish.


10. Celestial Eye Goldfish

Celestial eye goldfish
  • Other Common Names: Celestial goldfish, stargazer goldfish
  • Average Size: Up to 12.7 to 15.2 cm (5 to 6 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Generally 10 to 15 years, exceptionally up to 20 years
  • Color: Orange, gold, white, red, bicolor
  • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons for one fish

The celestial eye goldfish, possibly created around 1870 in China, emerged through mutations of the red telescope variety.

Over generations, this fish’s evolution caused its eyes to shift from the sides to the top of its head. Later generations have permanently fixed upward-facing eyes, which led to its name.

The short, egg-shaped goldfish has double anal and caudal fins, nacreous or metallic scales, and no dorsal fin, making it a clumsy swimmer. The tail can be as long as half the full body length.

Young fish have normal eyes, which gradually extend and lock into the upward position over a few months.

It comes in various patterns and colors like gold, white, red, orange, black, calico, orange- white or red-white.

Some fascinating sub-varieties are:

  • British-bred deeper-bodied celestials with shorter fins.
  • Chinese-bred hybrid between celestials with lionheads, ranchus, and pompoms. This is a larger fish with nasal “bouquets” and rudimentary head growths. It is a slow swimmer, available in metallic chocolate and black.
  • Deme-ranchu with telescopic eyes
  • Toadhead – ancestors to celestial eye and bubble eye goldfish

These active swimmers require special care due to their delicate, damage-prone eyes and high sensitivity to cold. To ensure their well-being, it’s best to keep them with other limited-vision breeds like the bubble eye or in a tank, all to themselves. Avoid sharp objects in their aquarium, and they’ll thrive in their own aquatic world!


11. Veiltail Goldfish

Red veiltail goldfish
  • Average Size: Typically up to 18 cm (7 in). Max: 25 cm (10 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 10-15 years
  • Color: Red, orange, white, calico and more
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for one

Veiltail goldfish is the cross-breed of a Japanese-bred fringe-tail ryukin with a short, square-tailed telescope eye goldfish, Philadelphia (1890).

The egg-shaped fish has a wide head, big protruding eyes, a round belly, and a long, elegant square-edged double tail without splits or indents between the lobes. The dorsal fin is prominent and high, and anal fins are paired. Fins extend up to 3 inches.

It comes in red or orange commonly, with some displaying white or dark patches, often with matte, metallic or nacreous scales.

Some variants include:

  • Chinese veiltail
  • Mock metallic English veiltail evolved alongside the American strains, with either normal or telescope eyes
  • Philadelphia veiltails

The captivating goldfish isn’t the easiest to care for. It’s better suited for experienced hobbyists due to its higher cost and care requirements.

They can be mistaken for fantail goldfish but are distinguished by their long, thin, translucent fins and tall dorsal fin.


12. Wakin Goldfish

Calico wakin goldfish
  • Average Size: Usually up to 25-30 cm (10-12 in). Max: 48 cm (19 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Usually up to 10-12 years, Max: 30 years
  • Color: Plain red, red-white, milky-white, chocolate, black, orange, white, silver, blue, brown, gray, yellow, olive
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for one, add 10 gallons per additional fish. Best suitable for outdoor ponds

Wakin goldfish was developed in China and formed from a mutation of the crucian carp, which evolved to have triple/twin fantails. It’s also the second oldest variety bred from the common goldfish.

Further, it’s also believed to have given rise to many fancy twin-tailed types, such as ryukin, ranchu, oranda, fantail pearlscale, and numerous others.

During the Edo era (1716 to 1829), when new goldfish types like ryukin emerged, the traditional ones were named ‘Wakin’.

In Japan, wakin refers to various ‘Huna’ bodied single-tailed goldfish, while in the US, it’s a double-tailed goldfish with a long body.

The streamlined fish has a subtle hump near tailfin, large, prominent metallic scales, long dorsal fins, and double/single anal fins. It’s usually wider between the anal and dorsal fins.

The highly active fish is found in red, white, milky-white, chocolate, black, orange, silver, blue, brown, gray, yellow, and olive.

There are three varieties of its tails: single, double, or triple, though this varies by location. In the US, double tails are common, while Japan often sees a divided fantail-like fin.

Some variants are:

  • Watonai (cross of Ryukin and wakin)
  • Ise Nishiki (cross of sakura Ryukin and sakura wakin)

Goldie, a wakin goldfish from England, holds the record for the longest goldfish lifespan, i.e., 45 years.


13. Pompom Goldfish

Pompom goldfish
  • Other Common Names: Hana fusa, velvet ball, pompon
  • Average Size: Up to 10-15 cm (4-6 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Usually up to 10-15 years
  • Color: Orange, white, yellow, black, silver, blue, chocolate, red
  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for one fish

The pompom goldfish comes from China, but its year of origin is unknown.

It’s famous for its unique nasal bouquets, which probably started as a spontaneous mutation. Later, the trait was preserved through selective breeding. This also led to its elegant Japanese name, ‘Hana fusa,’ (meaning: ‘flower cluster’).

The bulbous-bodied fish has colorful cauliflower-like growths of indefinite size between its eyes and above the mouth. These develop as the fish matures, usually starting at around 18 weeks old.

Some growths are large enough to potentially get sucked into the fish’s mouth while eating.

It’s available in vibrant colors, including orange, white, yellow, black, silver, blue, chocolate, and red.

The fish typically has paired caudal fins and anal fins, all three scale types, and flowy tails and fins.

The main types of this goldfish are:

  • Chinese pompom, which lacks a dorsal fin
  • Japanese pompom, which has a dorsal fin
  • Oranda type of pompom aka Ise pompom (produced in the Ise district of Japan until 1987)

It has a long history, dating back to at least 1898, suggesting it’s even older. The fish made its way to the UK in 1936, imported from Shanghai, and was showcased at an aquarium in Paris. While once popular, it is now rarely seen on display or available for sale in recent times.


14. Tosakin Goldfish

Tosakin goldfish
  • Other Common Names: Curly fantail goldfish, peacock tail, curly tail, queen of the goldfish, Tosakingyo, Tosa goldfish
  • Average Size: Up to 15 cm (6 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 10-15 years
  • Color: Orange, orange-white, red, red-white, yellow, calico, black, metallic red, and uncolored iron-black
  • Minimum Tank Size: 36 inches long shallow tank of minimum 10 gallons for one, 10 gallons per additional fish

A Samurai from the Tosa clan, Japan, is believed to have created the tosakin goldfish by mixing the osaka ranchu and ryukin breeds around 1845-1851. Some also believe that it’s a ryukin mutation.

The tosakin faced near-extinction due to World War II and the 1946 Nankai Earthquake. But a few survived at a restaurant in Kochi Prefecture.

A man named Hiroe Tamura traded them for shochu (Japanese spirits). All tosakin today descend from those six, making them genetically weak.

In 1969, it was declared Kochi Prefecture’s National treasure.

The fish has a body shaped similar to fantails, with a horizontally fanned-out tail and edges flipping under once or even twice.

The pointed head and round trunk make the tail appear as a flat half-circle from above. Further, the inner edges of the tail are webbed, while the outer lobes twist upward, creating an inverted appearance.

It’s available in orange, orange-white, red, red-white, yellow, calico, black, metallic red, and uncolored iron-black. Those with silver-white or yellow caudal fins are designated national treasures.

These goldfish need special care to achieve the unique tail shape, which is the only undivided twin-tailed goldfish in the world.

They’re traditionally raised in shallow, round bowls during the first year of life. The low water level and curved enclosure corners limit excessive vertical movement, allowing the tail to develop in shape.

In Japan, 60 cm (24 in) wide and 18 cm (8 in) deep earthenware bowls with sloping sides are commonly used to house these fish.


15. Butterfly Tail Goldfish

Butterfly Tail Goldfish
  • Other Common Names: Choubi, butterfly moor goldfish
  • Average Size: Up to 12-20 cm (5-8 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Usually up to 8-10 years, Max: 20 years
  • Color: Red, red-white, calico, black-white, blue, matte white, lavender
  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for one

The butterfly tail goldfish, originating from China, made its way to Japan in the early 1980s. The exact origins of this unique fish remain a mystery.

The short, stubby-bodied goldfish has a wide head, telescope or normal eyes, and tall dorsal fins (like ryukin goldfish).

Its horizontally set tail fins resemble outspread butterfly wings from above, earning its name.

Originally designed to be seen from an aerial perspective, many enthusiasts now keep it in side-view aquariums. In these setups, the tail grows fuller and becomes more visible with age.

Available in a lot of colors and patterns, including red, red-white, calico, black-white, blue, matte white, and lavender. It may have metallic or nacreous scales, with a rare matte white variant occasionally seen.

Its popular variants are:

  • Panda butterfly tail goldfish: has a black-and-white pattern
  • Lesser panda butterfly tail goldfish: has a red and black pattern

This exotic coldwater goldfish is popular for its stunning tail fin, low maintenance, and versatile diet.


16. Watonai Goldfish

Watonai goldfish
Image Credit: MF Aquatics at eBay
  • Average Size: Up to 25-30 cm (10-12 in) in tanks, Max: Up to 48 cm (19 in) in ponds
  • Average Lifespan: over 15 years
  • Color: Red, white, orange, blue, yellow, black, bicolored, tricolored, calico, sarasa.
  • Minimum Tank Size: 40-gallon horizontal aquarium for small/young specimens, pond for adults.

This goldfish is an exceedingly rare type of fancy goldfish that can be traced back to Japan and was initially documented in 1908 by Dr. Shinnosuke Matsubara.

It’s probably a hybridization of a humpbacked ryukin and a fantail wakin. This combines the flowing double ribbon tails (often as long as its body), which creates a butterfly shape (from above) of the former and the streamlined body of the latter.

The fish also has a koi-like body and dorsal fins.

It comes in a range of colors, including red, white, orange, blue, yellow, and black, and can be solid, bicolored, or tricolored.

Some varieties with calico or sarasa patterns have multiple colors, including blue.

The watonai goldfish went extinct within 50 years during World War II. Recently, dedicated breeders successfully revived this hardy double-tailed fish, making it a rare and relatively expensive but delightful addition to the goldfish world.


17. Panda Moor Goldfish

Panda Moor Goldfish
  • Other Common Names: Panda telescope, panda
  • Average Size: Usually up to 10-20 cm (4-8 in)
  • Average Lifespan: 10-15 years
  • Color: Black and white
  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

The panda moor goldfish is a relatively new variant of the black moor, which itself was developed in China in the 1700s.

This fish is named after its striking black and white coloration, resembling a panda.

In terms of shape, size, and general appearance, it closely resembles its predecessor, the black moor goldfish.

The distinctive round-bodied fish is accentuated by its large protruding black eyes on each side of its head. While most of its body is white, it has black back and fins.

It’s loved for beautiful telescope eyes, striking panda bear colors, and social and playful temperament.

The goldfish has rapidly grown in popularity and can sell for up to $5,000 for a show-quality specimen!


18. Jikin or Peacock Goldfish

Jikin goldfish
Image Credit: Wikipedia
  • Other Common Names: Peacock tail goldfish, rokurin, sea wolf
  • Average Size: Up to 20-25 cm (8-10 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 10-15 years. Max: 20 years
  • Color: Red-white, orange-white
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for one, extra 15-20 gallons for each additional goldfish

The jikin goldfish, bred by Suonokami Amano in Japan’s Owari region around 1610, emerged from the selective breeding of a unique ryukin-type goldfish with a distinctive upright tail.

It became a local treasure in Nagoya and gained protected status in Aichi Prefecture in 1958. This captivating fish, known for its peacock-like tail, represents the rich history of Japanese goldfish breeding.

It has a unique body shape resembling a wakin or ryukin, featuring a distinctive, compressed, X-shaped, wide-angled tail with four fins.

It comes in red-white or orange-white with a distinct pattern called the “Twelve Points of Red” (TPoR), or rokurin.

Further, rokurin features red or orange points displayed at: lips, both caudal fins, dorsal fin, both pelvic fins, both pectoral fins, both anal fins, and gill covers, or both operculums.

Most jikin goldfish, even from prestigious lineages, don’t naturally exhibit a pure rokurin pattern. Breeders often remove red scales from young fish before pigmentation or use plum vinegar to achieve a pure rokurin pattern.

It is rarely crossbred, but some hybrids include:

  • Kumanomi (jikin and bristol shubunkin, single tail)
  • Aurora (jikin and bristol shubunkin, double tail)
  • Yanishiki (jikin and bristol shubunkin, double tail)
  • Sanshu Nishiki (jikin and ranchu)
  • Tokai Nishiki (jikin and choubi)

Only 25% of this fish’s fry develop the signature x-shaped tail. Due to this rarity, jikin goldfish was granted protected status in 1958, making it harder to obtain for the average fish enthusiast. It also fetches prices in the range of several hundred dollars.


19. Lionchu Goldfish

Lionchu goldfish
  • Average Size: Up to 15 cm (6 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 10-15 years, Max: 20-30 years
  • Color: Orange-white, red-white, metallic red, metallic orange, metallic blue, metallic black-white, metallic bronze-white, metallic red-white, calico, tricolor, black, yellow, and blue
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for one

The lionchu goldfish was initially considered mongrels. The modern lionchu is believed to have originated in Thailand by cross-breeding the ranchu and lionhead.

This fish was officially recognized as a distinct fancy goldfish class in the “My Fancy Goldfish Competition 2006” held in Singapore.

This breed combines the features of its parent breeds. It has a deep, curved body, a bubbly hood on its head, fanned twin tails, and no dorsal fin, making it a slower-moving fish.

The most common color variants are orange-white or red-white. It’s also found in metallic shades like red, orange, blue, black, bronze-white, and red-white. There are also bi and tri-color combinations: calico, black, yellow, and blue.

It is also known for its graceful and flowing movement, thanks to long, flowing fins. The bright and alert eyes add to their lively expression.

The extroverted lionchu is gentle and has the potential for a long life when cared for properly. It’s not hardy and thus more suitable for experienced aquarists.

The average cost of a lionchu is around $60 to $100, with rarer colors like black or tricolor combinations commanding higher prices.


20. Yuan Bao Goldfish

Yuanbao goldfish
  • Other Common Names: Yuán bǎo jīnyú, ingot goldfish, ingot oranda, short-finned oranda, yuan bao oranda, panda oranda yuan bao, ingot panda
  • Average Size: Up to 15-18 cm (6-7 inches)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 10-15 years or more
  • Color: Black, red, blue
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

The yuan bao goldfish is a unique variety of oranda goldfish created in China by crossbreeding a ryukin with a ranchu goldfish.

The fish is almost spherical, with the body length being only 30% larger than its width. Its face is box-shaped with a distinct “wen” or head growth. The wen usually develops around the age of 2.

There is a large and unpaired dorsal fin. Its caudal fin resembles beautifully intertwined silk threads. The tail is similar to that of the ryukin, although short-finned varieties are currently highly favored and extensively bred.

It comes in black, red, and blue colors.

It gets its name yuan bao from Chinese characters that mean round treasure. These same characters also refer to a type of silver or gold ingot used as currency in imperial China, often shaped like a boat with a rounded center.

While it is no longer used as currency, the gold yuan bao remains a symbol of wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture, making it an auspicious choice for fish keepers!


21. Shukin Goldfish

Shukin goldfish
Image Credit: Samurai Goldfish
  • Average Size: Up to 15-25 cm(6-10 in)
  • Average Lifespan: 10-15 years
  • Color: Red, red-white, white, blue, silver
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

The shukin goldfish, originating in Japan in 1892, was created by cross-breeding the oranda and ranchu varieties.

After facing extinction post-WWII, the shukin goldfish made a comeback through cross-breeding efforts in different regions.

This fish’s body resembles the long type of ranchu, but its long tail fin is similar to the oranda. It has no dorsal fin or head growth.

It’s found in red, red-white, white, blue, and silver.

It took eight years to stabilize this breed. The name was derived from the Japanese character ‘shu,’ which is part of the breeder Yoshigoro Akiyama I’s name and was coined by Shinosuke Matsubara, the chief of the Fisheries School.


22. Rosetail Goldfish

Rosetail goldfish
  • Other Common Names: Rose tail oranda
  • Average Size: 15-20 cms (6-8 in)
  • Average Lifespan: 10-15 years
  • Color: Kirin, sakura, calico
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

The rose tail oranda, a unique and exotic goldfish, has been gaining popularity in the Thai goldfish industry for the past two years and has garnered awards at goldfish shows.

This stocky fish boasts a distinct fan-shaped half-crescent tail, stout, egg-shaped body, pronounced head growth (wen), and upright fins.

It shares some similarities with orchid or peacock tail goldfish. But a closer look reveals differences, particularly in the tail that is open and spread with ruffles on it. The head is short and stout.

Further, the fish comes in non-traditional Thai colors influenced by Chinese breeding, such as kirin, sakura, and calico.


A word from FishInAquarium

Fancy goldfish are delightful and low-maintenance aquatic companions. They offer a tranquil, visually appealing presence in your home, reduce stress, and provide endless entertainment.

Most of all, there’s a fancy goldfish for everyone – whether you’re a beginner or expert, have loads to splurge or just a little, or have a huge pond or facing space crunch in your aquarium. So, make your pick and go get it!

Now, if you’ve enjoyed learning about the different types of fancy goldfish, we encourage you to share this article with other aquarists.

However, if you have any questions or need further information about goldfish care, feel free to reach out to us via email. We’ll get back to you ASAP!

Minnie B Miller - Professional aquarist and owner of FishInAquarium

About Minnie B Miller

Minnie B. Miller, a professional aquarist and owner of FishInAquarium, has over 8 years of expertise in fish breeding and care, gained through her roles at AquaticTX and Sea Lion Landing. Having honed her skills with various aquatic species, she is dedicated to empowering fellow enthusiasts by sharing her knowledge and experience.