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Goldfish Encyclopedia — 77 Species Directory

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

Showing 12 of 77 species

Albino Ryukin

Albino Ryukin

Carassius auratus var.

Intermediate

Albino mutation of Ryukin. Red eyes with white to pale pink body create a mystical appearance. Same care as standard Ryukin but slightly light-sensitive. Popular as rare variety.

AlbinoRyukinRed eyes
Blue Telescope / Seibungyo

Blue Telescope / Seibungyo

Carassius auratus var.

Intermediate

A variety originating from China, a type of telescope goldfish with characteristic bluish-black body coloration. Unlike the black telescope, it has a deep, lustrous blue-black sheen. Popular among enthusiasts in Japan for its rare coloration.

TelescopeBlue-blackChinese origin
Brown Ranchu

Brown Ranchu

Carassius auratus var.

Advanced

A ranchu with calm brown body coloration. Brown goldfish are rare and appreciated by enthusiasts for their unique beauty. Can be maintained using the same methods as regular ranchu.

RanchuBrownRare
Celestial Eye Goldfish© JasonMarini / Public domain

Celestial Eye Goldfish

Advanced

Rare goldfish with upward-facing eyes. Chinese-bred to resemble gazing at heaven. No dorsal fin, very rare variety.

Heaven-gazingRareAdvanced
Chakin

Chakin

Intermediate

A goldfish with rare brown (chocolate) body color. Round body with adorable gentle swimming.

ChakinChocolateRare
Izumo Nankin Goldfish

Izumo Nankin Goldfish

Advanced

A traditional variety from Izumo, Shimane. No dorsal fin with round body, beautiful when viewed from above.

Izumo NankinNo dorsal finShimane
Jikin

Jikin

Advanced

Rare goldfish from Aichi prefecture. Ideal form has white body with red fins only (rokurin coloring). Strict show standards.

RareAichi originShow fish
Kirin Goldfish

Kirin Goldfish

Carassius auratus var.

Intermediate

Rare goldfish with mosaic-like scale mutation. Mix of normal and transparent scales creates unique sparkling appearance. Chinese variety, rare in Japan.

KirinMosaic scalesChinese variety
Meteor Goldfish

Meteor Goldfish

Advanced

A rare goldfish without tail fins. Round body wobbles uniquely when swimming.

MeteorTaillessRare
Nankin Goldfish

Nankin Goldfish

Advanced

Designated natural monument from Izumo, Shimane. White body with red head is characteristic. Preserved by conservation societies.

Natural monumentShimaneRare
Osaka Ranchu

Osaka Ranchu

Carassius auratus var.

Advanced

A classical ranchu strain developed in Osaka during the Edo period. Has distinct body characteristics from Tokyo ranchu strains, once called a phantom breed. A rare variety preserved and passed down by enthusiasts.

RanchuOsakaRare
Shimura Transparent Scale

Shimura Transparent Scale

Carassius auratus var.

Intermediate

A variety with particularly prominent transparent scale characteristics, said to have been developed and improved by goldfish breeder Shimura. Has such transparency that internal organs can be seen through the scales, possessing a unique beauty.

Transparent scaleShimuraRare

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.