Aurora Goldfish
BeginnerCarassius auratus
The long-tailed form of China's egg-type goldfish, which lack a dorsal fin and have an egg-shaped body. It is told apart from the short-tailed Egg Fish by tail length, and belongs to a different line from the wen-bearing Ranchu.
Tanho (Danfeng in Chinese) belongs to the group China calls egg-type (danzhong) goldfish: fish with no dorsal fin, normal eyes and a short, plump body shaped like a duck egg, with paired caudal and anal fins. Egg-type fish are split by tail length — short-tailed fish are called 'dan' (the Egg Fish in Japan) and long-tailed fish are called Danfeng. Tail length is therefore the key identification point; the body is the same as the Egg Fish. Other egg-type lines, such as the Tiger Head with a developed head growth (close to the Japanese Ranchu), are treated separately, and the Tanho is not a wen variety. Records of dorsal-less goldfish reportedly go back to an illustrated work of 1726 in the Qing dynasty. With no dorsal fin and a long tail it is a weak swimmer, so keep it in a container with gentle current. It is rarely seen in Japan; imported Chinese fish are handled by only a few goldfish specialists. In China goldfish are broadly grouped as caozhong (crucian-like), wenzhong (split-tailed) and danzhong (dorsal-less egg type), and individual variation tends to be valued more than the strict variety categories used in Japan.
The Tanho (Long-tailed Egg Fish) lives With proper care goldfish can live over 20 years in captivity (figure for goldfish in general; variety-specific data are scarce).
The Tanho (Long-tailed Egg Fish) grows to Goldfish commonly reach about 10 cm TL; variety-specific adult size data are scarce.
The ideal temperature for the Tanho (Long-tailed Egg Fish) is 20〜23℃.
Origin
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Cyprinus auratus Linnaeus, 1758, Carassius auratus auratus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Carassius auratus · FishBase: Carassius auratus
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Goldfish (Carassius auratus) are not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+, 2026-09-23) and are not designated Invasive Alien Species in Japan. Never release pet goldfish into rivers or ponds.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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China
Lifespan
With proper care goldfish can live over 20 years in captivity (figure for goldfish in general; variety-specific data are scarce)
Size
Goldfish commonly reach about 10 cm TL; variety-specific adult size data are scarce
Temperature
20〜23℃
Omnivore (goldfish pellets as the staple; also bloodworms and daphnia)
No dorsal fin, egg-shaped body and a long tail; distinguish from the short-tailed Egg Fish and the wen-bearing Ranchu types by tail and head.
Without a dorsal fin and with a long tail it swims poorly; keep current gentle and avoid decor that snags the tail.
The ideal range for fancy goldfish is about 20-23°C, pH around 7.0-8.4. Avoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry.
Allow roughly 38 L (10 gallons) or more per adult fish, with a generously sized filter.
Keep with other dorsal-less varieties or slow round-bodied goldfish.
Supply is limited and short-tailed or other egg-type fish may be sold under this name; check the tail length in photos or in person.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Tanho (Long-tailed Egg Fish) is 20〜23℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Tanho (Long-tailed Egg Fish) is With proper care goldfish can live over 20 years in captivity (figure for goldfish in general; variety-specific data are scarce). With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Tanho (Long-tailed Egg Fish) typically reaches Goldfish commonly reach about 10 cm TL; variety-specific adult size data are scarce as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Tanho (Long-tailed Egg Fish) feeds on: Omnivore (goldfish pellets as the staple; also bloodworms and daphnia). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Tanho (Long-tailed Egg Fish) varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
