Among the most well-known and well-liked species in the aquarium hobby are goldfish. They are a popular option for both novice and expert aquarists due to their vivid colors and flowing fins.
Goldfish come in a wide variety of varieties, each with a distinct look and set of traits. While some have unique body shapes or peculiar features like bubble eyes, others are distinguished by their long, graceful tails.
Knowing the various kinds of goldfish can help you choose the right one for your aquarium, whether you’re trying to fill your tank with a new fish or you just want to learn more about these interesting animals.
- About goldfish
- Types
- Common
- Wakin
- Comet (Mabel)
- Telescope (Demekin)
- Butterfly
- Lionhead
- Ranchu
- Pearl
- Veiltail
- Bubble eyes (Water eyes)
- Ryukin
- Nankin
- Oranda
- Tosakin
- Care and content – General rules
- Compatibility
- Video on the topic
- Goldfish what buyers need to know
- The strangest varieties of goldfish
- All about Goldfish. Awesome movie!
- The most beautiful types of goldfish
About goldfish
In the latter half of the 1800s, exotic gold was exclusively available to the wealthy in Russia. These days, live products suit all tastes are available at pet stores.
Chinese silver crucian carp, which were first introduced to Korea and Japan, are the progenitors of ornamental fish. They were originally found in Central Asia. Golden-red scales, a genetic mutation, occasionally showed up in the fish’s progeny. The locals fixed the gene causing the bright color in the fry they caught and used to breed new breeds. Hundreds of varieties of gold have been identified as a result of both amateur and scientific selection.
Golden fish are pond and aquarium fish from the freshwater ray-finned carp family, specifically the genus Crucian carp.
Golden with a traditional oval body form, some species have a shorter shape in aquariums and grow to be between 15 and 20 cm in size. In large-volume artificial reservoirs, they can grow up to 40 cm. Color can vary based on the breeding breed: calico, variegated, one-color, or "panda." The most common varieties of goldfish are marbled, orange, black, and greenish-bronze. The abdomen is consistently lighter than the back by several shades. Other than their rounded forms prior to spawning, females and males are identical in terms of sexual characteristics.
The description of laterally compressed, long-bodied goldfish is not the same as that of those found in the wild. There are variations in the size, life expectancy, and fin shape. Goldfish can live up to 40 years if they have a long body and resemble the wild form.
The life expectancy of short-bodied rounded subspecies has dropped significantly to 13–15 years due to more significant changes.
Members of the first group move around more than members of the second group, who move slowly and occasionally stand still. Fish belonging to the carp genus have large gill covers, pharyngeal teeth, and varying degrees of eye bulge. The scales range in size from extremely small to very large.
Individual goldfish in pet stores typically cost between 150 and 220 rubles. Rare breeds (black telescope, pearl, oranda, and ranchu) cost between 300 and 450 rubles.
There are many different kinds of goldfish, ranging from the traditional single-tailed Comet to the exquisite and complex Oranda, each with a distinctive appearance and set of traits. Knowing the differences between these varieties will enable you to select the ideal goldfish for your tank, ensuring their health and aesthetic appeal.
Types
There are now over three hundred different breeds of goldfish thanks to centuries of breeding efforts, selective selection of individuals with distinct species characteristics, and breed stabilization. Additionally, efforts to make them better and expand their variety continue and remain relevant.
Torpedo, ranchu, demekin, and ryukina are the four basic varieties from which modern species are descended.
Shape is a defining characteristic of goldfish types:
- body – egg, drop, torpedo, wild type;
- fins – single, double tail, no dorsal;
- eye – sphere, hemisphere, cylinder.
Asian breeders are attempting to create rocks whose eyes are situated in a plane that is nearly horizontal. This fact can be explained by the fact that fish are observed from above rather than from the side in Asian countries, in contrast to European countries.
Goldfish are the most common ornamental fish species among aquarists.
Common
Because of the great diversity of species, common goldfish are not in great demand. The fish is golden-orange in color and red with black inclusions, which sets it apart from wild silver crucian carp. There are three small fins: dorsal, paired ventral, and pectoral. There’s a metallic sheen to the scales. The tail is not forked and is short. The common goldfish needs to be kept in a large aquarium or a warm pond due to its large body, which can reach 30 cm.
Wakin
The fish’s fins resemble those of its ancestors in both size and shape. The distinguishing features are bright yellow or orange spots on a white body, and a forked tail that is a quarter of the length of the body. Similar to koi carp, the breed is bred by Japanese breeders to fill ornamental ponds. The kind of Vakin lacks a mustache, in contrast to koi.
Comet (Mabel)
A chic long tail is the distinguishing feature of this torpedo-shaped fish, which can grow up to 20 cm in length. It is unknown where the breed was initially developed. According to some sources, this is a Japanese breeder, while others identify him as American. The species is prized for its range of colors as well as its tail, which often reaches the length of the body. The three colors of Maibles are red, silver, and yellow. The most valuable subspecies are thought to be pets of the color "black velvet," which has coal tones throughout the entire body.
Telescope (Demekin)
The telescope breed of goldfish has short, egg-shaped bodies, long fins, and either plain or multicolored scales. A black telescope is found in home aquariums less frequently. Fish are distinguished from other gold varieties by having the largest cylindrical eyes. These led to the breed being given other names, such as demekin, stargazer, and dragon’s eye. Varieties with and without skin plates are available.
Butterfly
A type of demequin that has a tail and, when viewed from above, looks like "butterfly wings" that have unfolded. The size, direction of gaze, and degree of convexity of the breed’s eyes differ. This species’ golden members astonish owners with an array of hues. "Pandas" are "butterflies" that are colored black and white and resemble bamboo bears. Calico, orange, red-white, and red-black fish are particularly noticeable for their vivid colors.
Lionhead
The fish belongs to the short-bodied species. It differs from other breeds in its head growths, which look like a lion"s mane. The seals on the gill covers and crown grow to such a size that they cover the eyes and mouth. The upper ray of the forked tail forms an acute angle with the back. A feature of the lionhead is the absence of a dorsal fin.
In Japanese goldfish of this species, growths are formed by two years, in others – by three months. Common colors are white body and red gill covers or white spots on a red body. Specimens of white and black, light red, and golden colors are especially popular among aquarists.
Ranchu
The ranchu goldfish shares characteristics with the lionhead, such as a similar body shape, the absence of a fin on the back, and a robust growth that resembles a raspberry on the head. The breed is distinguished by a double caudal fin that is partially divided and a sharp bend in the spine.
The most common fish among Japanese aquarists are white fish with mother-of-pearl, red, orange, and black coloring.
Pearl
The goldfish has a short, oval body with prominent convex scaly plates that resemble pearls. This magnificent Chinese-selected fish reaches a maximum length of 15 cm. Scales typically come in orange, white, and golden hues.
Ideal conditions for maintaining the species include a 50-liter aquarium with all necessary components, soil free of major components, and rapidly growing algae.
Veiltail
The veil fins’ peculiar shape draws attention to the appearance of goldfish. The length of the body is surpassed by a long, lush, forked tail. A head with expansive visual organs seamlessly transitions into a spherical body.
Bubble eyes (Water eyes)
A peculiar variety of goldfish has eyes that gaze upward, and big water bubbles the size of a quarter of the fish’s body extend beneath them. The dorsal fin is absent, and the body is shaped like an egg. The bubbles in golden, pink, calico, or black fish are the most susceptible. When you first start an aquarium, avoid placing objects with sharp edges or corners on the bottom to prevent damage.
Ryukin
Members of the species with a long, forked tail that are graceful and have a high back on a spherical body are slow-moving and well-mannered. Big eyes protrude from the large head and the body, which consists of a stiff, vertical dorsal fin. Color: monochromatic and variegated.
Nankin
Chinese city-named gold selection form used in Japan. The peculiar tail, which resembles an inverted letter "V," and the scales’ striking contrast of red and white are what draw attention to the breed. Since there is a significant chance of producing hybrids, it is challenging to maintain the species characteristics when breeding nankin fish.
Oranda
The distinctive feature of the goldfish breed is a growth on top of the head that resembles a cap and has a color distinct from the scales. Two years pass before a leathery formation begins to form. The volume of fins is oranda in length, veiltail-like. Chocolate, blue, and red are popular colors. The specimen is worth more to aquarists the larger the growth on the meek body.
Tosakin
The chic tail, which resembles an open fan and is most striking when viewed from above, is the species’ primary ornament. The goldfish’s large body and voluminous tail fin are the reason for its clumsiness and slowness. The breed cannot be kept in an aquarium with a strong filter because the fish cannot move in even the smallest amount of current.
Care and content – General rules
Big gold sizes allude to the contents of enormous aquariums. A square capacity works well for slow-tailed animals, while a rectangular shape works well for movable long-gone animals. A home reservoir that holds at least 50 liters must be able to hold one copy.
When filling an aquarium, consideration is given to both the fish’s characteristics and the aquarium’s structure. Large eyes, bubbles beneath the eyes, long veil fins, and the chosen, rounded scenery should all be avoided.
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Golden love to explore beneath the surface. In order to prevent strangulation, the bottom contains crushed rock fragments that are easily spit out or run-in pebbles and crushed stone that shouldn’t be in a fish’s mouth.
Because they consumed gold, algae either used artificial or fast-growing, robust roots.
The crucian carp genus prefers water temperatures between 18 and 22 °C. Hardness requirements are not specific; a pH in the range of 6 to 8 is suitable for life. The installation of a strong filter, or aerator, is required because excavation raises a significant amount of waste materials from the ground.
The maintenance involves changing out 30% of the water once a week, using a siphon to remove biological residues from the bottom as they get dirty, and clearing any green plaque buildup from the aquarium’s walls.
It is advised to give goldfish-specific, well-balanced food to gluttons and to restrict their intake to prevent obesity. Fish that are overweight are more prone to infection and parasites because they have a compromised immune system.
Compatibility
Calm, slow owners: Short-bodied goldfish are not overpopulated with active breeds whose bodies are torpedo-shaped or exactly like those of their wild ancestors. The ones with ovoid shapes will hide and go hungry if you break this rule. They will eventually pass away from illness or exhaustion.
Because their long fins cover a large area, goldfish with long bodies are vulnerable to damage from other nimble ornamental fish. Large goldfish, on the other hand, eat small species for live food. An additional argument against cohabitation is the preference for warmer water by tropical fish, in contrast to goldfish. This leads to the preferred outcome, which is to establish species aquariums and introduce goldfish of similar varieties into them.
Veiltails, ranchu, orandas, and regular ones with comets get along well with each other. Even goldfish that cannot tolerate other types of fish can live in harmony with snails.
Type of Goldfish | Description |
Common Goldfish | A simple and hardy variety, often with a bright orange color and sleek body. |
Fantail Goldfish | Recognized by its split tail and rounded body, it is a popular choice for beginners. |
Oranda Goldfish | Distinguished by a fleshy head growth called a wen, available in various colors. |
Black Moor Goldfish | Known for its dark coloration and telescopic eyes, this variety is visually unique. |
Ryukin Goldfish | This fish has a prominent hump on its back, giving it a distinct and elegant shape. |
Goldfish come in a multitude of shapes, colors, and sizes, making them a highly sought-after option for aquarium enthusiasts. There is a type of goldfish to suit every taste, ranging from the traditional Common Goldfish to the exquisite Fantail and the unusual Bubble Eye.
Before adding goldfish to your aquarium, it’s crucial to understand their individual care needs as each variety has different requirements. You can make sure your goldfish flourish and add years of beauty to your tank by choosing the proper habitat, food, and companions.
Goldfish provide a lifetime of enjoyment for all levels of aquarists, from novices to experts.