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Goldfish Encyclopedia — 77 Species Directory

Encyclopedia of popular goldfish varieties with care guides, traits, and show standards.

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RareRanchuCalicoHardyRyukinTop viewWenShowTelescopeElegantTricolorChinese varietyRed-whiteOrandaPompom

Showing 7 of 77 species

Comet Goldfish

Comet Goldfish

Beginner

American-bred goldfish with long flowing tail. Active and fast swimmer, ideal for outdoor ponds. Hardy and long-lived.

Long tailActiveOutdoor suited
Fantail Goldfish

Fantail Goldfish

Beginner

A basic variety with beautiful fan-shaped tail. Said to be the prototype of Ryukin, hardy and easy to keep.

FantailFan tailHardy
London Shubunkin

London Shubunkin

Carassius auratus var.

Beginner

Slim-bodied goldfish with calico pattern. English-bred Shubunkin line. Unlike Bristol Shubunkin, has shorter fins and is hardier. Suitable for outdoor keeping.

ShubunkinBeginner-friendlyOutdoor
Ryukin

Ryukin

Carassius auratus var.

Beginner

Classic goldfish with a round, humped body and elegant long fins. Rich variety in color — red, white, calico. Hardy and easy to keep — ideal for beginners.

Beginner-friendlyClassicHardy
Shubunkin

Shubunkin

Beginner

Long-bodied calico goldfish. Wakin type, hardy and active. Displays red, white, black, and blue colors. Perfect for outdoor ponds.

Beginner-friendlyCalicoOutdoor suited
Tamasaba

Tamasaba

Beginner

Originated in Yamagata. Ryukin body with wakin-like long tail. Hardy, suitable for outdoor ponds, and strong swimmer.

Yamagata originHardyOutdoor OK
Wakin

Wakin

Beginner

Closest to the original goldfish ancestor. Crucian carp body shape, hardy and strong swimmer. Suitable for outdoor ponds.

Beginner-friendlyHardyOutdoor OK
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Goldfish FAQ

How much do goldfish cost?
Common varieties like wakin and ryukin cost 300-2,000 yen, ranchu 3,000-30,000 yen, and show-quality specimens can reach tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen.
Can beginners keep goldfish?
Hardy varieties like wakin, ryukin, and telescope goldfish are recommended for beginners. A tank and filter are all you need, and no heater is required.
How long do goldfish live?
With proper care, goldfish live 10-15 years, and some individuals can live 20+ years. Water quality management and proper feeding are key to longevity.
What should I check when buying goldfish?
Look for symmetrical body shape, stable swimming, well-formed fins, and no injuries or white spots. Breed-specific aesthetic standards are also helpful references.
What should I be careful about when keeping goldfish?
Overfeeding causing poor water quality is the most common issue. Feed 1-2 times daily in amounts eaten within 2 minutes, and never skip weekly water changes.