

While they have a double tail, which is associated with fancy goldfish, Wakins are considered common type goldfish due to their similar body shape to the common goldfish. They are rarely seen in the United States and are far more common in Asian countries. It is believed that Wakins were the predecessors of fancy goldfish breeds. Sometimes confused with koi, Wakin goldfish can grow up to 19 inches long and make excellent pond fish. Wakin Goldfish Image Credit: JuanCarlosPalauDiaz, Shutterstock Interestingly, the dark spots Shubunkins have are not on their scales but are located underneath their pearlescent scales.Ĥ. Shubunkins have nacreous scales, often in combination with matte scales. Technically, any calico goldfish is a Shubunkin, but fancy calico goldfish are often marketed as calico-type. They come in multiple varieties, including the American Shubunkin, which looks like a calico Comet goldfish, the London Shubunkin, which looks like a calico common goldfish, and the Bristol Shubunkin, which has a long flowy tail like a comet but it is rounded and heart-shaped. These are another type of slim-bodied, single tail goldfish, and they are defined by their calico coloration, which includes a spotted combination of blue, orange, white, and black. Shubunkin Image Credit: JuanCarlosPalauDiaz, Pixabay They are usually bicolored and rarely are a single color.ģ. They have metallic scales and can be a combination of orange, white, yellow, black, and Sarasa, which is a white body with red fins. They are slightly smaller than common goldfish but are just as hardy and easy to care for. Comet Goldfish Image Credit: Mohamed Nageeb Nasr, ShutterstockĬomet goldfish have a slim body and single tail but differ from common goldfish by having a slimmer body and a long, forked tail. They are an excellent choice for new fish enthusiasts.Ģ. They are hardy and can survive in aquariums or ponds, even with poor water quality, and can withstand temperatures from below freezing to greater than 90˚F. Their scales are metallic and can be orange, red, yellow, black, white, grey, silver, and almost any combination of these colors. Common goldfish on average live 10-15 years but can live greater than 20 years and reach sizes of 12-14 inches.

They tend to be inexpensive and are often sold as “feeder fish” for predatory fish. Common Goldfish Image Credit: LoggaWiggler, PixabayĬommon goldfish have a slim body and single tail and lack any special accoutrements. The Types of Hardy, Single-finned Goldfish 1. While goldfish are intelligent and social, their diversity means it’s important to make sure you choose the right goldfish for your lifestyle and fish-keeping skills. They were one of the first fish bred in captivity over 1,000 years ago and through extensive selective breeding, over 200 varieties of goldfish have been created. What you may not know is that goldfish come in a whole host of colors, patterns, sizes, and body shapes. Maybe you’re even picturing one of the long-finned, fancy-looking goldfish you’ve seen in the pet store. What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “goldfish”? You’re probably picturing the type of goldfish you’ve seen as a prize at the fair or that you had as a child in a fishbowl on your dresser.
