Comprehensive Guide to Fancy Goldfish

Goldfish are one of the most well-known and popular pets. People have been keeping Goldfish as pets since the 19th century, and there are now hundreds of different types. If you’re a pond owner, you’re likely familiar with the different types of Pond Goldfish, including Shubunkin and Comet Goldfish, but not all Goldfish are suited for a pond environment. Fancy Goldfish are a great option if you’re interested in keeping fish indoors. 

What Are Fancy Goldfish?

The common Pond Goldfish are incredibly hardy. They share many similarities with Koi, though they are usually smaller than Koi. On the other hand, Fancy Goldfish have been selectively bred to give them distinct features that differ from the common Goldfish. While common Goldfish have narrow, sleek bodies, Fancy Goldfish often have short, egg-shaped bodies. Each Fancy Goldfish species has unique characteristics and features that separate it from the other Fancy Goldfish species. 

Because Fancy Goldfish are more delicate than Pond Goldfish, they should be kept in an indoor aquarium or tank. Unlike Pond Goldfish, Fancy Goldfish cannot adapt to changing conditions and will not survive frigid temperatures. They also tend to be more prone to infections and disease, which are much more prevalent in outdoor pond environments. In order to give Fancy Goldfish the care they need, it’s best to keep them in a temperature-controlled tank or aquarium.

Fancy Goldfish Varieties

Black Moor Goldfish

Scale Type: Metallic
Average Size: 5-7”
Color: Deep, velvet black

Black Moor Goldfish have a round, egg-shaped body. Most typically, Black Moors will have a broad tail but can also be found with veil, butterfly, and ribbon tails. These Goldfish are recognizable by their bulbous, telescope eyes, which become more pronounced as they age. 

Young Black Moors will often appear more bronze in color but will darken as they mature. When properly cared for, Black Moor Goldfish can live up to 20 years. 

Butterfly Tail Goldfish

Scale Type: Metallic or nacreous scales
Average Size: 4-6”
Color: Red, red and white, calico, black and white, orange, blue

Butterfly Goldfish have short, stocky, egg-shaped bodies and broad, horizontally-set tails that are shaped like outspread butterfly wings. They also typically have tall, upright dorsal fins and large, protruding eyes. Sometimes, they have a hump behind their head similar to that seen in Ryukin Goldfish. 

The wide range of colors and patterns makes Butterfly Goldfish popular among enthusiasts. The typical lifespan for Butterfly Goldfish is between 10 and 15 years, but they can live as long as 20 years in optimal conditions. 

Fantail Goldfish

Scale Type: Metallic or nacreous
Average size: 6-8”
Color: Come in a wide range of colors. Orange, yellow, and red are the most common.

While technically considered a Fancy Goldfish, Fantail Goldfish are much hardier than other fancy varieties. Because of this, Fantail Goldfish are one type of Fancy Goldfish that can also be kept in an outdoor pond. 

Fantail Goldfish have short, egg-shaped bodies, an arched dorsal fin, double anal fins, and a wide, double fantail. Fantails typically live around 5-10 years. 

Oranda Goldfish

Scale Type: Metallic or matte
Average size: 6-7”
Color: Red, black, calico, chocolate, red and white, blue, and red and black and white.

Oranda Goldfish have an egg-shaped body, a large belly, flowing fins, and a large dorsal fin. The most distinctive feature of Oranda Goldfish is the growth on the top of the head, known as a hood or wen. The raspberry-shaped growth typically appears once the fish is three or four months old and continues to develop and grow over the next two years. The wen can come in various colors depending on the type of Oranda. These Goldfish typically live 10-15 years.

Pearlscale Goldfish

Scale type: Nacreous
Average size: 4-6”
Color: Combinations of orange, red, white, black, and/or blue.

Pearlscale Goldfish have round bodies resembling golf balls. The name “pearlscale” refers to the unique scales seen in these fish. Pearlscale Goldfish have raised, rounded scales that look like beads. Calcium carbonate deposits on the scales give the scales a translucent and reflective appearance that resembles pearls. 

Pearscale Goldfish also have paired fins except for a single dorsal fin. The shape of these goldfish can sometimes cause swimbladder issues, impacting their ability to swim upright. Despite this, these fish can still live up to 15 years. 

Ranchu Goldfish

Scale type: Usually metallic, sometimes nacreous
Average size: 5-6”
Color: Combinations of red, orange, yellow, gold, white, blue, and/or black.

Ranchu Goldfish have short, stubby, egg-shaped bodies. The most distinctive feature of Ranchu Goldfish is the broad, curved back that gives these fish a hunchback appearance. They also have a shortened tail, no dorsal fin, and–like Orandas–a prominent raspberry-like head growth known as a wen. The average lifespan for Ranchus is between 8 and 15 years. 

Wakin Goldfish

Scale type: Usually metallic, sometimes nacreous
Average size: 8-10”
Color: Typically red and black. Sometimes calico, yellow, brown, or orange.

Like Fantails, Wakin Goldfish are incredibly hardy and can be kept in an outdoor pond. Unlike most types of Fancy Goldfish, Wakins have long, lean bodies, making them strong swimmers who can easily keep up with Koi and Pond Goldfish. They also have a large, upright dorsal fin and double-fin tail.

It’s best not to keep Wakins with other types of Fancy Goldfish, as they will compete with them for food. Wakin Goldfish typically live between 10 and 15 years–even longer in ideal conditions. 

Caring For Your Goldfish

Properly caring for your Fancy Goldfish will help them live long and healthy lives. When choosing a tank for your Goldfish, it’s recommended to have 20 gallons of water volume per Goldfish. Ensure you properly set up your tank or aquarium with the right equipment, water, and filtration. You should test water parameters and perform a partial water change of 50-60% once a week. 

Goldfish are a fairly relaxed species and live well with tank mates, but it’s best to keep Goldfish in a Goldfish-only tank. While Goldfish are relatively easygoing, other fish species can be aggressive and territorial and cause harm to your Goldfish. Also, Goldfish tend to prefer lower water temperatures compared to other aquarium fish. If you decide to add another species to your tank, do your research to ensure that it’s a suitable tank-mate for your Goldfish.

Looking to purchase a Fancy Goldfish? Shop our full selection of Pond and Fancy Goldfish for sale today.