Choosing Different Types of Goldfish

Goldfish are one of the most popular fish pets. They are cute, social and like to play a lot. There are 18 goldfish varieties that are very popular. Which of these varieties is better you ask? Well, this depends on how much you love tanking care of pets and how "fancy" you would like your pets to be.

There are two main goldfish types: single tail and double tail or "fancy". The single tail goldfish are the most hardy of goldfish. You already know the Common goldfish. They can live in cold water, in pools or outdoor ponds. The "fancy" goldfish are the fish that need more attention from you. It is not a great thing if you say that the fancy are the most beautiful of goldfish because all varieties are very beautiful.

The single tail goldfish varieties are:

Common - is the most popular of goldfish variety. It has the most simple body type. It likes to play with other goldfish and even with larger fish too.

Comet - it has a slimmer body than the common. It has a long, deeply forked tail fin, just like a comet.

Shubunkin - is known as the calico goldfish. They can easily grow very big and live over 15 years if taken care of properly. There are three types of Shubunkin are: Japanese/US Shubunkin, London Shubunkin, Bristol Shubunkin.

The double tail or "fancy" goldfish varieties are:

Black Moor and Panda Moor - the two goldfish varieties look the same, but have the main difference between them, the scales coloration. They have protruded eyes and you have to be careful with what objects you place in the tank.

Bubble Eye - has liquid filled sacs under its up-looking eyes. You could say it is an unusual looking fish. It requires a lot more attention than other goldfish.

Celestial Eye - looks much like the Bubble Eye. It doesn't have the liquid filled sacs under its eyes and it is quite agile.

Telescope Eye - is the result of crossbreeding the Ryukin and the Black Moor. It has the body of the Ryukin and the Eyes of the Moor. It is also known as the "dragon eye" in Japan.

Fantail - is a very colored goldfish that has long and beautiful fins. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful goldfish by the goldfish community. It is a must have in any large godlfish aquarium.

Ryukin - has pointed head and long fins. Its body has the shape of an egg. It is a wonderful fish.

Veiltail - looks like the Ryukin, but it has long tail fins. Like the fantail, it is a joy to watch this fish swim. It might remind you of the betta fish.

Tosakin - originates from Japan and it is very rare goldfish variety.

PomPom - has its main distinguishing feature the fleshy nasal lobes. Like the Bubble Eye, it is an uncommon looking fish. Its body has the shape of the Common goldfish.

Pearlscale - might look like it has pearls under its scales. At least this is what you think when you first see it.

Oranda - it is one of the most playful and cute of all goldfish varieties. The egg shaped body has no dorsal fin and its top half of the head is covered with a wen. Usually this wen is colored in red.

Lionhead - has its head fully covered with wen. It has a raspberry look, It is very cute and it is a joy to watch it swim in your aquarium.

Ranchu - its tail fin makes a 45 degree angle with its body. The back is deeply curved and is the result of many Lionhead breeding trough the centuries. Japanese say it is the "king of goldfish" in their country.

Lionchu - is the result of crossbreeding the Lionhead and Ranchu varieties. It has no dorsal fin and it is a beautiful goldfish variety.

If you are a beginner please consider choosing one of the following varieties: Common, Comet, Oranda, Shubunkin, Fantail, Black Moor. Some of these goldfish make it easier for the owner to take care of them. To lean more about each of the goldfish types check out Goldfish2Care4.com.