Goldfish - One Fish With Many Different Varieties

Goldfish - Different types available

The goldfish apparently has an identity crisis. It is a fish with a single name, but many guises, some as extreme as to suggest that they belong to another species.

The goldfish has very humble beginnings, with its first natural mutation simply being a change in its colour. It dropped its brown demeanour for a yellow finish, and endeared itself to those who had initially reared it for food.

What has emerged since from such chrysalis-like beginnings has been a string of varieties with wild permutations in colour, shape and form. Even though these varieties do not resemble each other, it is easy to be carried away into thinking these are different species. Not so. So packed with gems were first goldfishes' genetic treasure chests that hidden in such meager packaging were the many fancy varieties based on the same theme. Coming at it biologically, all of the varieties of goldfish can be successfully interbred to produce viable offspring, which will continue to amaze and confound in the sheer diversity of varieties produced.

Over the years, breeders have concentrated on producing different varieties of goldfish by changing any of the physical features. Whatever the goldfish's feature, it has probably been mutated to produce a different variety at one time or another. Eye shape and position, body colouration and scalation, body shape, fin size, shape and number have all been changed to produce a different variety of goldfish.

The different varieties of goldfish can be divided quite practically into two groups. Those that will live and thrive in a garden pond (including over wintering) and those that will not, and are best kept in an aquarium full time or brought in for the pond to overwinter inside. This latter group are referred to a fancy goldfish in the trade and will generally be displayed for sale in aquaria rather than open topped troughs and tanks.

1). Goldfish varieties safe for the pond.

There is a general rule of thumb in recognising whether a goldfish variety is suitable for a pond. If it resembles the overall typical shape of a goldfish, but shows differences in colour or even fin length, then it is likely to be hardy enough to tolerate UK winters and fast enough to compete for food in a pond.

Examples of these fish include:-

The common goldfish.
Typically a very evenly pigmented fish with short and sturdy fins and tail. Often available in a number of different colour variations where other colours such as white and black appear on top of the original golden colouration.

The Comet goldfish.
These have been bred for a long tail fin, which in larger specimens may be half the length of the whole body. Comets are rarely one colour, but will regularly display white and red patterns that are more pronounced when viewed from the top. Furthermore, the comet's colour is usually more red than gold.

Shubunkin.
Compared with the other previous goldfish varieties, the Shubunkin is extremely distinctive in its colouration, with much variation occurring between individual fish. Rather than being gold, Shubunkins are blue where the colour appears to come from beneath the scales rather than from above as in the traditional goldfish. The Shubunkin has a black and orange mottling set on the bluish 'mother of pearl' like background. I remember when I first saw Shubunkins, that I was put off because their imperfect and random patterning made them appear diseased!

2). The fancy gold fish.

These are more distant relatives of the goldfish and been selected to exhibit some extreme physical features. These fish are so in-bred that they lack the vigour of their distant relatives. They will not tolerate a British winter in a pond.

Examples of these fish include:

A. Orandas
When viewed from above, their double-tail looks like a butterfly. They can adopt a variety of colours, including calico, which resembles a Shubunkin.

B. Blackmoor
Similar in shape to an Oranda, this black fish has bulbous eyes that project from the head.

C. Lionheads
These have a development on their head similar to the mane of a male lion. They too have a twin tail, but lack a dorsal fin.

D. Bubble Eyes, Pom-Poms and Celestials
These are all fancy goldfish in the extreme. Where breeders have selected for wild variations in head and eye developments.

Breeding Betta Fish

Comet
A mainstay of any goldfish setup, the comet is a delightful and characterful addition. Slender, athletic body, flowing fins and tail and powerful, directful swimmers, the comet is a social variety and is very hardy. You can maintain a comet in a tank, among other goldfish or in a pond, with very good success. In a pond, Comets are reputed to reach over 40cms in length, so long as food and space are available.

Black Moor
Of the telescope eyed fish, the Black Moor is arguably the most common, and hardy. An interesting looking species, it finds favour with those who want a different looking addition, with out the maintenance required with some of the more delicate goldfish species. Black Moor's are quite antisocoal, and will, given enough room, stick with their counterparts. Moors are hardy and will survive in a pond, however they are best suited to a indoor aquarium for the greatest success. With the poor sight that the bulbus eyes provide, the Moor will sometimes be susceptible to competition for food, and will overeat is food is plentiful, often to death.

Fantail
Don't let their flowing and fins tails put you off-most people have a great time raising fantails. They are surprisingly hardy given their porcelain looks, and are quite social. The egg shaped body is stocky and has a pronounced hump on the shoulders/back. A slower swimmer however, the fantail will suffer from being grouped with common goldfish or comets, as their pretty fins don't allow them to reach food nearly quick enough, most of the time. Apart from this, no decent gold fish setup is said to be complete without a couple of fantails, as their stunning looks ensure goldfish lovers all the world over include them with growing regularity.

Shubunkin
A funny name, and equally funny paintjob, the shubunkin is a colourful addition. Mixed speckled colours and broken patterns make them great eye candy, from the smallest tank to the largest. The scales on the Shub have a lovely pearly appearance and this variety origantes from Japan, where it is also referred to as the 'Calico'. Aside from the common, the shubunkin and its brother the comet, are two of the hardiest fish to raise. They will thrive so long as they are kept wet and do very well in ponds, reaching up to 40cm with enough space and food. We highly recommend a shubunkin or three for any tank and for any level of goldfish keeper, from beginner to advanced.

Bubbleye
It doesn't get a lot more interesting than this! The bubbleye gets its name from the odd looking transparent eye sacks that hang on its face. A delicate species, they are generally not recommended as a first fish. They can suffer from water bourne disease frequently, and require water that is very clean, very areated and is kept at consistent temperature. Bubbles will often suffer from food competition and will not fare well with the likes of comets, shubs and common goldfish. If you wish to keep bubbles, try them with fantails and moors, and you will be on the right track. Bear in mind, the bubble, although fragile looking, can be an aggressive species and is best kept with fish of its own size to avoid them attacking anything smaller than themselves.

Oranda
The Oranda is a very desirable goldfish variety due to the berry-like bubble growths that form on the crown of its head. Its stocky body, deep and plump, with gorgeous flowing fins, make it a very attractive species. Combine this with the many different colour combinations that are possible, and the Oranda becomes something many keepers will wish for! Be cautious of fluctuating or low water temps and competition from other goldfish species when deciding whether or not to keep and Oranda.

Veiltail
Another fancy species, the Veiltail is a popular addition to a tank of fancy species. The deep, plump body culminates in a glorious long and flowing tail, giving its name. Colour combinations are large, and can either have normal or pearly scales. They will reach 20+ centimeters in ideal conditions. Beware that due to the flowing tails and fins, the Veiltail is a poor swimmer and can suffer from food competition with other faster species. It is also not suited to cold water, under 55deg F.