While there are hundreds of different types of goldfish across the globe, here, we have put together 24 of the most popular types for you to choose.
Goldfish are the most popular pet fish choices, and they come in a variety of colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes. These do well both in-home aquariums as well as ponds or other water bodies outdoors.
Goldfish differ based on their fin size and shape, body shape, the shape of the eyes, shape and size of their tails, colors, availability etc. You might want to read about goldfish classification in detail.
Some are more suitable for aquariums rather than ponds due to their sensitivity to changing weather conditions.
Interesting Fact: Goldfish is that they can change color depending on their exposure to light. They are born brown but grow into the well-known orange hue with age. However, if they do not get adequate sunlight, they can turn completely white.
So, whichever type of goldfish you choose, keep in mind the tank setup specifications and maintenance.
1. Comet Goldfish
The Comet goldfish is one of the most popular species with a lean body with a distinctive widespread tail with sharp tips. The Comets like space as they highly active; hence keepers need to be careful not to crowd the tank with too many ornaments. These might injure the tails of the comet as they swim.
Comets come in orange, red, white, yellow, or white with orange coloration. Comets can grow to the size of the common goldfish, and therefore, the tank in which they are kept has to be of the appropriate size. Fifty gallons to 75 gallons capacity tank would be ideal for your comet to thrive.
Another vital thing to keep in mind is that this breed prefers cold water so remember not to keep the tank near any direct heat source. The water’s ideal temperature should be between 50 °F to 75 °F with pH levels ranging from 6.5 to 7.5.
Comets do not make very good tank mates, so keep similar-sized fish in your tanks, such as the Shubunkin or the Jikin.
| Common Name | Comet Goldfish |
| Scientific Name | Carassius Auratus |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Average Size | 10 to 12 inches at maturity |
| Average Lifespan | Can live up to 14 years of age in ideal conditions |
| Behavior | Fast swimmers |
| Habitat | Coldwater aquariums/ponds |
| Minimum Tank Capacity | 50 Gallons |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| Tank Mates | Other similar-sized goldfish |
| Ideal Water Temperature | 50 °F to 75 °F |
| pH level | 6.5 to 7.5 |
2. Shubunkin Goldfish
The Shubunkin goldfish has long flowing fins and blue color patches, adding a colorful flair to your tank. These fish are sturdy and can easily tolerate the cold months even without a heater, making them beautiful species for ponds or fish tanks.
The Shubunkins come in three different types – the Japanese, the Bristol, and the London. However, all these have similar body shapes with several color variations ranging from black, blue, white, orange, or red.
These breeds are quite active, so they need a spacious tank to swim about and explore. If you intend to keep the Shubunkins in your ponds, then do add some form of shade as they do fade out with too much exposure to direct sunlight.
Shubunkins are omnivorous so they will enjoy a good variety of plant-based and meaty food items. You can feed them a mix of fresh, frozen, or pellets twice a day.
These type are excellent community fish and will make a great addition to your tank of fast-moving breeds.
| Common Name | Shubunkin Goldfish/ Calico Goldfish |
| Scientific Name | Carassius Auratus |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Average Size | 10 to 12 inches at maturity |
| Average Lifespan | 10 to 15 years |
| Behavior | Fast swimmers |
| Habitat | Coldwater aquariums/ ponds |
| Minimum Tank Capacity | 10 to 15 gallons for each adult |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| Tank Mates | Other similar-sized goldfish. Avoid slow-moving goldfish for tank mates |
| Ideal Water Temperature | 65 °F to 75 °F |
| pH level | 6 to 8 |
3. Telescope Eye Goldfish
The Telescope Eye goldfish is one of the most popular variety fancy goldfish, and they have a rounded, egg-shaped body with caudal fins and a flowing broad tail. They come in various colors such as red, blue, chocolate brown, calico, bi-color, red and white, or black and white.
These can be kept in any environment that is aesthetically pleasing to you. Just make sure that the water conditions are ideal for its healthy growth. These are cold-water fish and can survive the winter months even if you keep them in your pond.
Long tanks are ideal for these as these fish enjoy the extended surface area and keep the fish well oxygenated. They need plenty of space as this will ensure their healthy growth.
As far as diet goes, the Telescopes are omnivorous, and they should have the right mix of plant-based food and meaty ones.
| Common Name | Telescope Eye Goldfish |
| Scientific Name | Carassius Auratus |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Average Size | 6 to 8 inches at maturity. May get larger when kept in healthy conditions. |
| Average Lifespan | 10 to 15 years of age in ideal conditions |
| Behavior | Slow swimmers |
| Habitat | Coldwater aquariums/ ponds |
| Minimum Tank Capacity | Minimum 20 to 30 gallons |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| Tank Mates | Other similar-sized goldfish |
| Ideal Water Temperature | 65 °F to 72 °F |
| pH level | 6.0 to 8.0 |
4. Celestial Eye Goldfish
The Celestial Eye goldfish is the most unusual of all types of goldfish with its distinctive upward gazing eyes. They come in a variety of colors, including orange, black, and calico. They have an egg-shaped body and no dorsal fins.
They need special care, and they should be kept in a tank that does not have too many accessories that may injure their delicate eyes.
Due to their eye positioning and the lack of dorsal fins, the Celestials swim peculiarly. They push their head downwards to see ahead while swimming.
These are freshwater fish and are ideal for indoor fish tanks with excellent quality water. They are social in temperament and will do well with similar slow swimming varieties such as Telescope Eye, Bubble Eye, etc.
Follow a good mix of plant-based and non-vegetarian food. Feed them a healthy combination of pellets, flakes, frozen, live food, and vegetables and fruits.
| Common Name | Celestial Eye Goldfish |
| Scientific Name | Carassius Auratus |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Average Size | 6 to 8 inches at maturity |
| Average Lifespan | 10 to 15 years in well-maintained environments |
| Behavior | Slow swimmers, social temperament |
| Habitat | Freshwater tanks with an excellent filtration system |
| Minimum Tank Capacity | 15 to 20 gallons for adults |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous, pellets, flakes, live food, vegetables and fruits |
| Tank Mates | Similar slow swimmers like Bubble Eye, Telescope Eye |
| Ideal Water Temperature | 65 °F – 78 °F |
| pH Level | Between 6.0 to 6.0 |
5. Nymph Goldfish
The Nymph goldfish is a particular category, bred using a Fantail and a Comet. They have single anal fins, highly placed dorsal fins, and graceful pectoral and pelvic fins.
Although the Nymphs were bred using a Fantail or Veiltail, it differs significantly in swimming from the parent.
While the Fantail and Veiltail are slow swimmers, the Nymph is a faster-swimming type and far more versatile.
They are easily one of the best types of goldfish for ponds in their category due to their hardiness and ability to swim on all levels.
Like all other breeds, the Nymphs are also omnivores, and you can choose from a variety of pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods to feed them.
| Common Name | Nymph Goldfish |
| Scientific Name | Carassius Auratus |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Average Size | 10 to 12 inches at maturity |
| Average Lifespan | 10 to 15 years in ideal conditions |
| Behavior | Fast swimmers, active, friendly and social |
| Habitat | Ponds, aquariums, cold water |
| Minimum Tank Capacity | 20 gallons for adults |
| Feeding Habits | Commercial goldfish pellets, flakes, live or frozen food |
| Tank Mates | Other single-tail goldfish, koi and their own types |
| Ideal Water Temperature | 60 °F to 80 °F |
| pH Level | 6.0 to 8.0 |
6. Butterfly Tail Goldfish
The Butterfly Tail goldfish is getting to be one of the most sought-after fancy goldfish types. Its sleek rounded body, magnificent tail, and fins that spread out like the wings of a butterfly are its most unique features.
The Butterfly Tails are commonly found in red, calico, or red and white. However, now you can also find them in unusual patterns and colors such as blue, lavender, panda, and tricolor.
These magnificent fish are slow swimmers hence ideal for home aquariums but not ponds or outdoor water bodies. They prefer warm water conditions, and the cold winters can get tricky for them.
A 10 to 20 gallons per adult would be just the right size for them.
The Butterfly Tails are social and do best with their kind, but you can add similar slow swimmers to your tank to keep them company. Ideal tank mates include Veiltails, Bubble Eye, or Celestials.
| Common Name | Butterfly Tail Goldfish |
| Scientific Name | Carassius Auratus |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Average Size | 6 to 7 inches at maturity |
| Average Lifespan | 7 to 9 years in well-maintained conditions |
| Behavior | Slow swimmers, peaceful and social |
| Habitat | Warm temperatures. Home aquariums |
| Minimum Tank Capacity | 10 to 20 gallons per adult |
| Feeding Habits | Good quality commercial food with a healthy mix of fibrous vegetables |
| Tank Mates | Similar-sized slow swimmers such as Veiltails, Lionheads, Ranchu or their own kind. |
| Ideal Water Temperature | 70 °F to 80 °F |
7. Tosakin Goldfish
The Tosakin goldfish has a fascinating history and was declared National Treasure by the Japanese Government back in the late 1940s. The Tosakin is also widely known by several other names such as the Peacock Tail, Curly Tailor the Queen of the goldfish.
The Tosakin looks impressive when viewed from above, and they have a full dorsal fin, and it is the only known goldfish with an undivided twin tail. They are best kept in shallow and long tanks with minimum aquascaping.
Traditionally they are available in orange or orange and white colors. But with several breeding activities now, they are also available in calico, black and yellow. They are also the most attractive, falling in the smallest types category.
These small ones thrive with their kind only as they are poor swimmers and cannot compete for food with other kids.
The best food for the Tosakins is good quality commercial floating pellets with an occasional mix of frozen or fresh food.
| Common Name | Tosakin Goldfish |
| Scientific Name | Carassius Auratus |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Average Size | 5 to 8 inches at maturity |
| Average Lifespan | 10 to 15 years |
| Behavior | Slow-moving, peaceful and prefer their own kind |
| Habitat | Shallow tanks about 10 inches deep |
| Minimum Tank Capacity | 20 gallons for adults |
| Feeding Habits | Commercial goldfish floating pellets |
| Tank Mates | Compatible only with their own kind |
| Ideal Water Temperature | 65 °F to 78 °F |
| pH Level | 7.0 to 8.5 |
| Water Changes | 30% every week |
8. Panda Moor Goldfish
The Panda Moor goldfish belongs to the Moor goldfish family, and they have all the differentiating features of this group, such as protruding eyes, twin tails, and similar body shapes.
The Panda Moor comes only in the black and white pattern that gives it its name. Although they are considered a hardy breed, the Panda Moor, just like their cousins, prefers aquariums to ponds.
They have large protruding eyes but very poor eyesight. The Panda Moor has beautiful flowing tail fins and large dorsal and pectoral fins. They can grow up to 8 inches if kept in favorable conditions combined with a healthy diet.
A tank with a sound filtration system is ideal for the Panda Moor. The floor can have a mix of sand, gravel, and smooth pebbles. Can also add Ocean Free-floating plants for aquascaping.
The Panda Moor can be given both meat and plant-based foods and good quality goldfish pellets for food.
| Common Name | Panda Moor Goldfish |
| Scientific Name | Carassius Auratus |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Average Size | 4 to 8 inches |
| Average Lifespan | 10 to 15 years |
| Behavior | Slow swimmers, fragile and peaceful |
| Habitat | Freshwater with a good filtration system |
| Minimum Tank Capacity | 20 gallons for adults |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| Tank Mates | Other similar kinds of fancy ones such as the Orandas or their own kind |
| Ideal Water Temperature | 50 °F to 75 °F |
| pH Level | 6.5 to 7.5 |
9. Pompon or Pompom Goldfish
Pompons or conveniently called Pompoms goldfish, are a unique variety of the fancy goldfish category with a sleek body similar to a Lionhead. They have a smooth curved back, twin tail fins, a double anal fin, and no dorsal fins.
However, there is one variety that has a dorsal fin, and it is called a Hanafusa.
The Pompoms are available in color variations such as orange, silver, white, black, blue, and yellow. They are slow swimmers and farewell with similar varieties such as the Fantail, Black Moor, Oranda, or the Ranchu.
These will thrive in a well-maintained tank, but they are not meant for ponds or other outdoor water bodies. The nasal outgrowth is sensitive and may be damaged if rubbed against a sharp or pointed surface. So you will need to choose your decorations for the tank accordingly.
| Common Name | Pompom or Pompon goldfish |
| Scientific Name | Carassius Auratus |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Average Size | 4 to 6 inches at maturity |
| Average Lifespan | 8 to 10 years |
| Behavior | Slow-moving and peaceful |
| Habitat | Well maintained tanks with carefully chosen ornaments to prevent injury to the nasal outgrowths |
| Minimum Tank Capacity | 20 to 30 gallons for adults |
| Feeding Habits | Meat and plant-based diets with a mix of commercial goldfish pellets and flakes |
| Tank Mates | Similar slow-moving goldfish such as the Orandas, Fantails, Ranchu, etc. |
| Ideal Water Temperature | 65 °F to 75 °F |
| pH Level | 6.0 to 7.0 |
| Water Changes | 20 to 35 % weekly |
10. Tamasaba Goldfish
The Tamasaba goldfish is one of the rarest ornamental goldfish, mostly found in Japan’s native country. It has a round, egg-shaped body similar to a Ryukin. It has an arched back and a long single tail that is rounded at the edges.
These beautiful red and white fish are large, sturdy, and the best for ponds and indoor aquariums.
The Tamasabas are omnivorous and enjoy a healthy mix of plant and meat-based food. You can feed them live or frozen food along with commercial goldfish pellets or flakes.
These are ornamental fish and prefer the company of their species. However, as tank mates, you can also add koi fish with your Tamasaba.
| Common Name | Tamasaba Goldfish |
| Scientific Name | Carassius Auratus |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Average Size | 7 to 8 inches at maturity |
| Average Lifespan | 8 to 10 years |
| Behavior | Friendly and social |
| Habitat | Freshwater, cold |
| Minimum Tank Capacity | 20 gallons for adults |
| Feeding Habits | Live or frozen food, goldfish pellets, or flakes |
| Tank Mates | They prefer the company of their own kind or koi fish. |
| Ideal Water Temperature | 60 °F to 80° F |
| pH Level | 6.0 to 7.0 |
11. Lionchu Goldfish
The Lionchu goldfish is a cross between the Lionhead and the Ranchu. It has the sleek body of the Ranchu and the wen of the Lionhead as its most distinctive feature. However, the Lionchu does not have any dorsal fins.
These are a hybrid variety of goldfish and prefer warm temperatures; hence it is advisable to use a water heater for their tanks. Water temperature should range between 60 °F to 80° F.
For these, you will need to include good quality goldfish pellets that float as they are not good swimmers. The Lionchu also loves vegetables and fruits, so do remember to add them to their diets.
| Common Name | Lionchu Goldfish |
| Scientific Name | Carassius Auratus |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Average Size | 6 to 8 inches at maturity |
| Average Lifespan | 10 to 15 years |
| Behavior | Slow swimmers, friendly, non-aggressive |
| Habitat | Freshwater, aquarium, or tank setup |
| Minimum Tank Capacity | 15 to 20 gallons for adults |
| Feeding Habits | Commercial goldfish floating pellets, live or frozen food, vegetables and fruits |
| Tank Mates | Similar slow-moving goldfish like the Ranchu, Celestial or the Bubble Eye |
| Ideal Water Temperature | 65 °F to 78 °F |
| pH Level | 6.0 to 7.0 |
12. Watonai Goldfish
The Watonai goldfish belongs to the same category as the Wakin and have very similar traits and characteristics. They are the fanciest in their class, and they are most sought after for their long and flowing double tail.
They are a sturdy and will thrive if you keep them in ponds. They have a strong constitution and require access to intermediate care.
They come in reds, red and white, which are the most sought-after colors. You can find calico and orange or yellow types as well.
They can grow up to 10 to 12 inches at maturity, and those who are kept in ponds may grow even bigger.
As far as diet goes, the Watonai is similar to other fancy type, and they thrive on high-quality pellets or flakes. For best results, it is advisable to feed them once a day.
| Common Name | Watonai Goldfish |
| Scientific Name | Carassius Auratus |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Average Size | 10 to 12 inches at maturity |
| Average Lifespan | 15 years |
| Behavior | Social, active, peaceful and fairly slow swimmers |
| Habitat | Ponds or tanks with sand or smooth pebble substrate |
| Minimum Tank Capacity | 30 gallons for adults |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous. goldfish pellets, flakes, live or frozen food |
| Tank Mates | Fancy goldfish with similar traits or koi |
| Ideal Water Temperature | 60 °F to 78 °F |
| pH Level | 6.0 to 8.0 |
13. Jikin or Peacock Goldfish
The Jikin is a rare goldfish from Japan with unique color morphs. They are perfect pond fish and thrive in outdoor settings.
The most sought-after Jikin is the one that follows the 12-point rule in coloration. It means they have an all-white body with bright red coloration on two pectoral fins, two anal fins, two ventral fins, two-gill plates, the dorsal fins and caudal fins, and the lips.
Another unique characteristic is the split four-lobe tail, which gives a peacock tail kind of effect.
You can choose good quality goldfish pellets or flakes for feed and add live or frozen food to their diet, such as brine shrimp.
| Common Name | Jikin or Peacock Goldfish |
| Scientific Name | Carassius Auratus |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Average Size | 8 to 10 inches at maturity |
| Average Lifespan | 8 to 12 years |
| Behavior | Active, social, non-aggressive |
| Habitat | Ponds or aquariums |
| Minimum Tank Capacity | 20 to 30 gallons for adults |
| Feeding Habits | High-quality goldfish pellets or flakes, live or frozen food |
| Tank Mates | Gets along well with Comets, Shubunkins, Fantails, or Orandas. |
| Ideal Water Temperature | 65 °F to 78 °F |
| pH Level | 6.0 to 8.0 |
11 Most Popular Types of Fancy Goldfish
The fancy goldfish need to have a higher level of care and maintenance. As the name suggests, the fancy types have unique physical traits that make them stand out from the rest.
Here is the list of the best fancy types for your reference. For details and images, you might want to check out article on types of fancy goldfish.
14. Black Moor
15. Fantail
16. Bubble Eye
17. Lionhead
18. Pearlscale
19. Oranda
20. Ranchu
21. Veiltail
22. Wakin
23. Ryukin
24. Izumo Nankin
Conclusion
To sum up, there are over 150 different types of goldfish, and there is one that is just right for you.
However, before you go out and get one do a little research on the care and maintenance of the type you wish to bring home.
Each one has its parameters, and when adhered to correctly, it will live a long and healthy life.
