The 20 Most Popular Goldfish Breeds

1. Common Goldfish

The common goldfish (Carassius auratus) is the classic one you probably picture when someone says "goldfish." These fishes are typically orange or gold in color, with a sleek, torpedo-shaped body and flowing fins. They've been domesticated for centuries and are known for their adaptability and hardiness.

Common goldfish can grow quite large, and are often associated with outdoor ponds, but they're also popular in aquariums. They are the timeless favorite in the fish-keeping world.

2. Comet Goldfish

Comet Goldfish have a sleek, torpedo-shaped body with a long, flowing tail that looks like a comet streaking through the sky – hence the name. They are easily recognizable by their single tail, which can be quite long and deeply forked.

They come in various colors, including shades of orange, red, yellow, and even white. What sets them apart from the classic round-bodied goldfish is their more streamlined physique.

If you're into fish that bring a bit of celestial flair to your tank, the Comet Goldfish might be your cosmic companion.

3. Fantail Goldfish

The Fantail Goldfish is basically the fancy-dressed aristocrat of the goldfish world. They are the goldfish with not one, but two impressive tails. Yep, double trouble!

These fish have a distinct split tailfin that fans out beautifully, giving them a fan-like appearance. The body is typically round, and the fins are flowing and elegant. Fantail Goldfish come in various colors, including orange, red, white, and sometimes even calico patterns.

Known for their graceful swimming and eye-catching fins, Fantails are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts who want a bit of flair in their tank.

4. Shubunkin Goldfish

Shubunkin goldfish is a fancy goldfish type every aquarium enthusiast will love. They are distinguished as the fish with a calico coloration, a mix of red, orange, blue, black, and white speckles and splotches all over. The fins are typically long and flowing, adding to their overall picturesque appearance.

Shubunkins are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both ponds and aquariums. Their lively and active swimming style adds energy to any aquatic environment. Like other goldfish, they can grow to a decent size, so they appreciate a spacious home.

5. Black Moor Goldfish

Black Moor is a unique goldfish breed that has deep, velvety black color instead of the usual bright colors. These fish are known for their distinct appearance, with protruding eyes and a rounded body. The eyes are a key feature – they're large and telescope-like, giving the Black Moor a unique and somewhat comical look.

Black Moors are a bit more delicate than some other goldfish breeds, so a well-maintained aquarium with good water quality is essential. They are ready for a fancy underwater masquerade in your aquarium.

6. Oranda Goldfish

The Oranda Goldfish is the regal monarch of the goldfish realm as they have a distinctive "crown" on their head. This fancy goldfish variety is known for the prominent growth on its head, which can develop into a large and elegant hood or cap.

This headgrowth can be in various shapes and sizes, adding a touch of royal flair to their appearance. Orandas come in a range of colors, including red, orange, calico, and more. Their fancy appearance doesn't mean they're high-maintenance, though. Orandas are generally hardy and adaptable.

7. Lionhead Goldfish

Lionheads are generally considered fancy goldfish and are prized for their unique and charming look. Due to their round shape and the growth on their head, they do best in well-maintained aquariums to ensure they thrive and maintain their distinctive appearance.

The standout feature of the Lionhead is the thick, fleshy growth on top of their head, covering the entire head region and giving them a cute and somewhat comical appearance. Unlike the Oranda, this headgrowth doesn't cover the gill plates and is concentrated more on the top of the head.

8. Ryukin Goldfish

Ryukin goldfish has a robust and egg-shaped body, similar to the fantail variety, but with a humped back. The back hump, also known as a dorsal hump or "hood," is a prominent feature that gives them a unique and powerful look.

They have long, flowing fins, and they come in various colors, including red, orange, white, and calico patterns. Their dorsal hump becomes more pronounced as they mature.

If you have a penchant for a fish that looks as if they've been hitting the aquatic gym, the Ryukin might be the muscle-bound marvel you're looking for.

9. Ranchu Goldfish

Ranchu is the fancy, round-faced finned companion. Originating from Japan, the Ranchu goldfish is celebrated for its unique appearance and charming features. They have a short, rounded body and no dorsal fin.

It's short and compact, often referred to as a "wen" or hood, giving it a cute, chubby-cheeked look. The ideal Ranchu has a smooth, even curvature from its head to its tail.

Ranchus are considered one of the more challenging goldfish varieties to keep due to their specific care requirements and susceptibility to certain health issues.

10. Telescope Eye Goldfish

The Telescope Eye Goldfish are the celestial gazer of the goldfish world that are known for their distinctive appearance, featuring eyes that protrude prominently from the sides of their heads, resembling telescopes.

These goldfish look like they're on stalks, giving them a unique and somewhat comical appearance. The eyes can be spherical or more elongated, depending on the specific variety.

The rest of their body is similar to that of other goldfish varieties, and they come in various colors, including red, orange, black, and calico patterns. They're generally considered a delicate goldfish variety, and good water quality is crucial for their well-being.

11. Bubble Eye Goldfish

Bubble Eye Goldfish is the underwater comedian of the goldfish crew. These guys are known for their distinctive appearance, specifically for the fluid-filled sacs, or "bubbles," beneath their eyes. They have big, protruding eyes that resemble sitting on top of two water-filled balloons.

Apart from their bubbles, Bubble Eye Goldfish have a double-tail and come in various colors, including red, orange, black, and calico patterns. Their swimming style can be a bit unconventional due to the added weight of the bubbles.

12. Veiltail Goldfish

Veiltail is a graceful and visually striking goldfish variety recognized for its long and flowing fins. Imagine a goldfish with an elongated and deeply forked tail that flows like a veil, creating a beautiful, cascading effect. The tail is the standout feature, and it can be quite dramatic, extending well beyond the body.

The body itself is typically compact and rounded, and the overall appearance is one of beauty and sophistication. They come in various colors, including red, orange, white, and calico patterns. Their delicate fins require some care to prevent damage, so a well-maintained aquarium is important.

13. Celestial Eye Goldfish

Celestial Eye Goldfish have unique eyes that are turned upward and slightly protruding, giving them a celestial or stargazing appearance. The upward orientation of their eyes can make them look like they are in a perpetual state of awe. This distinct eye configuration sets them apart from other goldfish varieties.

They have a double-tail and come in various colors, including red, orange, white, and calico patterns. The Telescope eye goldfish also have large eyes are spherical or slightly elongated, but they do not have the upward gaze characteristic of the Celestial Eye.

14. Tamasaba Goldfish

The Sabao goldfish, also known as the Tamasaba goldfish, is a beautiful and hardy variety of goldfish that originated in Japan. They are characterized by their deep, egg-shaped body, short fins, and long, flowing caudal fin.

Sabao goldfish are available in a variety of colors, including red, white, black, and calico.

Tamasabas are a relatively new breed of goldfish, first developed in the early 20th century. They are the result of crossing a single-tailed goldfish with a double-tailed goldfish. This gives them their unique body shape and caudal fin.

15. Panda Goldfish

The "Panda" variety of goldfish typically refers to a color pattern where the fish has black and white markings, resembling a panda bear. This coloration can be found in various types of goldfish, including the Telescope Goldfish.

This type of goldfish has a distinctive black-and-white coloration and protruding eyes. They are a popular variety of fancy goldfish, known for their gentle and docile nature.

16. Pearlscale Goldfish

The Pearlscale Goldfish is a charming and distinctive variety known for its unique scales, which have a raised, pearl-like appearance. These scales create a textured and ornamental effect on the fish's body. The name "Pearlscale" comes from the pearl-like appearance of these scales.

They typically have a rounded and chubby body, contributing to their cute and distinctive appearance.

17. Jikin Goldfish

Hailing from Japan, Jikin goldfish is recognized for its unique and distinctive appearance. This type of goldfish has a body shaped like a torpedo, rocking two tail fins that fan out like a cool set of wings.

It usually flaunts a metallic base color, often red or white, with distinct markings resembling a kanji character on its sides. This kanji-like pattern is considered a mark of good luck.

Jikins are known for their elegant swimming style and striking tail movement resembling a pinwheel. They are often kept in outdoor ponds, showcasing their beauty in natural sunlight.

18. Wakin Goldfish

Originating from Asia, particularly China and Japan, the Wakin Goldfish is like the laid-back, free-spirited cousin of the goldfish family. They have a streamlined body, similar to a common goldfish, but with a long, distinctive double tail that fans out like a graceful ribbon.

Wakins have a unique finnage, which can resemble that of a fantail goldfish but with a more elongated and flowing appearance. They come in various colors, including red, orange, white, and calico patterns.

They're known for their active and energetic swimming style, making them a lively addition to outdoor ponds. 

19. Pompom Goldfish

The Pompom Goldfish are the party animals of the aquatic world. These goldfish rock fuzzy cheerleading pom-poms on their nostrils. These distinctive growths, or "pompoms," are on either side of their nose. The pompoms can vary in size and shape, giving each Pompom Goldfish its own quirky personality.

Apart from their funky facial features, Pompom Goldfish typically have a round and compact body, with colors ranging from orange and red to white. They're known for their playful and social behavior, making them a lively addition to aquariums.

20. Butterfly Telescope Goldfish

The Butterfly Telescope Goldfish gracefully glides through the water with its mesmerizing fins. This variety is known for its elongated, flowing fins that resemble delicate butterfly wings, hence the name. Their distinct butterfly-like tail is long, flowing, and gracefully trailing behind.

Their eyes protrude from the sides of their head, adding to their unique and captivating look. These telescopic eyes, combined with the butterfly-like fins, create a stunning and graceful visual display.

The body is typically rounded and chubby, adding to its charming appearance. Butterfly Telescopes can come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, white, and calico patterns.