20 Fancy Goldfish Types With Pictures & Identifying Features

Fancy goldfish types come in an extraordinary range of body shapes, colors, and ornamental features. From the flowing fins of a Veiltail and the prominent wen of an Oranda to the unusual eyes of a Telescope or Bubble Eye, these distinctive characteristics are the result of centuries of selective breeding.

This guide covers 20 fancy goldfish varieties and forms with pictures, their identifying features and care requirements, and how to choose the right fish for your aquarium.

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Fancy Goldfish Types: Quick Comparison

Compare 20 fancy goldfish varieties and forms by their distinguishing features and general care requirements.

Note: Care levels are general guidelines, not formal breed classifications. Individual fish and aquarium conditions also matter.

What Is a Fancy Goldfish?

Fancy goldfish are selectively bred ornamental varieties of Carassius auratus, the same species as common goldfish. Most have rounded bodies and double tails, while others feature distinctive traits such as fleshy head growths (wens), protruding eyes, or unusual scale patterns.

However, not all fancy goldfish are round-bodied. Varieties such as Wakin and Watonai retain a more streamlined shape while displaying ornamental double tails.

20 Fancy Goldfish Types With Pictures

Fancy goldfish come in a remarkable range of body shapes, fins, eyes, and head growths. Below are 20 distinctive varieties and forms, from familiar aquarium favorites to rare traditional Japanese goldfish. Black Moor and Butterfly Telescope, for example, are forms of Telescope Goldfish rather than unrelated breeds.

1) Oranda Goldfish

The Oranda Goldfish is recognized by the fleshy head growth known as a wen, along with a deep body, upright dorsal fin, and double tail. The wen may be small in young fish and becomes more prominent with age.

Orandas come in numerous colors and forms, including Red Cap, Panda, Black, Blue, and Calico. Thai Orandas are also known for their distinctive body conformation. Orandas generally require moderate care, particularly when their head growth becomes extensive.

Key identifying features: Wen, upright dorsal fin and double tail.

2) Ranchu Goldfish

The Ranchu, often nicknamed the “King of Goldfish” in Japan, has a rounded body, a smoothly arched back, and no dorsal fin. A fleshy wen develops around the head and cheeks.

Unlike an Oranda, a Ranchu has no upright fin interrupting its back. Traditional Japanese Ranchu are also appreciated from above, where the shape of the head, back, and tail set is especially important.

Key identifying features: No dorsal fin, curved back and head growth.

3) Ryukin Goldfish

The Ryukin is distinguished by a deep body and a pronounced shoulder hump just behind its head. It has an upright dorsal fin and a double tail that may be short or long, depending on the strain.

Ryukins are generally robust compared with many delicate fancy varieties, although extreme body shapes can affect swimming. They are a practical option for keepers looking for a distinctive, relatively hardy fancy goldfish.

Key identifying features: High shoulder hump, deep body and dorsal fin.

4) Fantail Goldfish

The Fantail has a moderately rounded body, an upright dorsal fin, and a broad, paired tail that fans out behind it. Its comparatively balanced proportions make it one of the easier fancy goldfish to recognize.

Fantail Goldfish are a good starting choice for beginners provided they receive a spacious, filtered aquarium and regular maintenance. Their body and fin shape are generally less extreme than those of more specialized varieties.

Key identifying features: Fan-shaped double tail, dorsal fin and balanced body.

5) Black Moor Goldfish

The Black Moor is a black form of the Telescope Goldfish, rather than a separate species or unrelated breed. Its signature features are protruding eyes, a dark body, and a double tail.

Young fish may initially show bronze coloring, and some individuals lose black pigmentation as they mature. Like other Telescope forms, Black Moors benefit from smooth decorations and tankmates that do not outcompete them for food.

Key identifying features: Black coloration, protruding eyes and double tail.

6) Telescope Goldfish

Telescope Goldfish are identified by their prominent eyes, which protrude from either side of the head. Their bodies are typically deep, with an upright dorsal fin and a paired tail.

Telescope is a broad variety that includes different colors and tail forms. Because the eyes are vulnerable to injury and vision can be limited, use smooth aquarium furnishings and compatible, similarly paced companions.

Key identifying features: Protruding eyes, dorsal fin and double tail.

7) Butterfly Telescope Goldfish

The Butterfly Telescope is a tail form of Telescope Goldfish. Viewed from above, its broad paired tail spreads sideways like butterfly wings, while its eyes retain the characteristic Telescope shape.

Butterfly tails occur in several colors and patterns, including black, red, calico, and panda. The tail is best appreciated from above, although the fish still needs a spacious, safe aquarium rather than a cramped display bowl.

Key identifying features: Telescope eyes and a wide, butterfly-shaped tail best seen from above.

8) Pearlscale Goldfish

The Pearlscale stands out for its rounded body and raised, dome-like scales that resemble tiny pearls. These raised scales, rather than color alone, are its defining feature.

A Pearlscale’s compact proportions can make swimming and feeding more difficult than for less extreme varieties, so choose tankmates with similar swimming ability. The Crowned Pearlscale, also called Hama Nishiki, additionally develops a head growth.

Key identifying features: Raised pearl-like scales, nearly spherical body and double tail.

9) Lionhead Goldfish

The Lionhead has prominent fleshy head growth (wen), a deep body, and no dorsal fin. Its back is generally straighter or less strongly arched than the characteristic curve sought in a Ranchu.

Lionhead and Ranchu can look similar, especially in young fish. Comparing the profile of the back and the shape of the head growth is more reliable than judging by color alone.

Key identifying features: Large wen, no dorsal fin and a relatively flat back.

10) Bubble Eye Goldfish

The Bubble Eye Goldfish is recognized by two delicate, fluid-filled sacs beneath its eyes. It typically has an egg-shaped body and lacks a dorsal fin.

These sacs can be damaged by rough handling, sharp ornaments, or strong water movement. Bubble Eyes are a specialized choice that need gentle filtration, a carefully arranged aquarium, and peaceful companions with similar feeding ability.

Key identifying features: Fluid-filled eye sacs and no dorsal fin.

11) Celestial Eye Goldfish

The Celestial Eye has eyes that point permanently upward, giving it a distinctive expression. It also lacks a dorsal fin and has a rounded, egg-shaped body.

Its unusual eye orientation limits its field of vision, so it can struggle to compete with faster-feeding tankmates. Keep the setup free from sharp obstacles and make sure each fish can locate its food.

Key identifying features: Upward-facing eyes and no dorsal fin.

12) Veiltail Goldfish

A true Veiltail is known for exceptionally long, flowing fins and a broad, square-edged tail that hangs like a veil. It also has a tall dorsal fin and a deep, rounded body.

Not every long-finned Fantail is a Veiltail: the tail shape and fin proportions distinguish the traditional variety. Its lengthy fins need adequate swimming space and protection from fin nipping companions.

Key identifying features: Long, square-edged tail, tall dorsal fin and flowing fins.

13) Pompon Goldfish

The Pompon is named for its paired, fleshy nasal outgrowths, which resemble small pom-poms. These structures arise around the nostrils and should not be confused with the wen of an Oranda or Lionhead.

Pompons occur in both dorsal-finned and dorsal-less forms, so the nasal growths are the most useful identification feature. Their soft tissue should be protected from abrasive decorations.

Key identifying features: Nasal pom-poms; dorsal fin may be present or absent.

14) Tosakin Goldfish

The rare Japanese Tosakin goldfish has a dramatic paired tail that spreads horizontally, with the outer edges turning forward. Its distinctive tail shape is most easily appreciated when viewed from above.

Tosakins are specialist fish, traditionally associated with shallow, carefully managed setups. The unusual tail can affect swimming, making gentle water movement and attentive care important.

Key identifying features: Broad, horizontal tail with forward-curving outer edges, best viewed from above.

15) Lionchu Goldfish

The Lionchu combines features associated with the Lionhead and Ranchu, with substantial head growth, no dorsal fin, and a smoothly curved back. It is a developed form rather than a separate species.

The balance of Lionhead-like head growth and Ranchu-like body shape varies between bloodlines. Look at the whole profile, not just the size of the head growth, when distinguishing it from its parent forms.

Key identifying features: Prominent wen with no dorsal fin and a curved back.

16) Wakin Goldfish

The Wakin has a streamlined body and a divided double tail, unlike the single tail of a common goldfish. It shows that not all ornamental double-tailed goldfish are round-bodied.

Wakins are active swimmers that suit large aquariums and appropriately maintained ponds. Their swimming speed can make them unsuitable feeding companions for much slower, delicate fancy varieties.

Key identifying features: Streamlined body, divided double tail and upright dorsal fin.

17) Watonai Goldfish

The Watonai also retains a relatively streamlined body, but its long, flowing paired tail gives it a more elaborate silhouette than the Wakin. It is associated with breeding involving Wakin and Ryukin lines.

Its active swimming and potential adult size make ample space particularly important. Watonai are often kept in suitably designed ponds, where their long tails can be viewed from above.

Key identifying features: Streamlined body with a long, flowing double tail.

18) Jikin Goldfish

The Jikin is a traditional Japanese goldfish recognized by its four-lobed Peacock tail, which forms an X-like shape when viewed from behind. Traditionally prized examples also display a carefully selected red-and-white pattern.

The classic Twelve Red Points pattern is a specialized color ideal, not something every juvenile Jikin displays perfectly. Its distinctive tail structure makes it visually different from ordinary fan-tailed varieties.

Key identifying features: Four-lobed Peacock tail forming an X when viewed from behind.

19) Izumo Nankin Goldfish

The Izumo Nankin is a traditional Japanese variety associated with the Izumo region. It has a smooth, rounded body, no dorsal fin, and little or no fleshy head growth, distinguishing it from Ranchu and Lionhead.

It is traditionally admired from above, with attention paid to its body proportions, tail and traditional red-and-white coloration. Its rarity means that examples are more often encountered through specialist breeders than ordinary aquarium shops.

Key identifying features: No dorsal fin with little or no wen and a rounded body.

20) Shukin Goldfish

The Shukin is a lesser-known Japanese dorsal-less variety with an egg-shaped body and a long, flowing double tail. Its elongated fins distinguish it from shorter-tailed dorsal-less forms.

Although visually elegant, its body and fin combination is relatively specialized. Compatible companions and an uncluttered environment help protect its fins and allow comfortable feeding.

Key identifying features: No dorsal fin; egg-shaped body; long, flowing tail.

Which Fancy Goldfish Is Right for You?

For beginners, Fantails and Ryukins are generally good choices. They are relatively active, well-balanced swimmers and tend to be easier to care for than more specialized fancy varieties. Wakin and Watonai are stronger swimmers suited to larger aquariums or suitable ponds.

Orandas and Ranchu require slightly more attention, while delicate varieties such as Bubble Eyes and Celestial Eyes need carefully arranged aquariums and compatible tankmates.

Whichever variety you prefer, consider its swimming ability, body shape, and specific care requirements before choosing.

How to Identify Different Fancy Goldfish Types

To identify a fancy goldfish, examine its head growth (wen), eyes, dorsal fin, body shape and tail. These features help distinguish similar-looking varieties, such as Oranda and Ranchu or Fantail and Ryukin.

Quick Identification Chart

Note: These are general identification clues; individual appearance and body conformation vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Rarest Fancy Goldfish Varieties?

Tosakin, Jikin, Izumo Nankin, and Shukin are among the less commonly encountered fancy goldfish varieties, particularly outside Japan. They are generally associated with specialist breeders rather than ordinary aquarium stores. Availability varies by region.

Can Fancy Goldfish Live With Common Goldfish?

Generally, slower fancy varieties are best kept separately from faster common and comet goldfish, which may outcompete them during feeding. Choose tankmates with similar swimming abilities.

How Long Do Fancy Goldfish Live?

Many fancy goldfish can live for 10–15 years with proper care, and some exceed 20 years. Lifespan depends on genetics, variety, diet, water quality, and overall care.

What Is the Difference Between an Oranda and a Ranchu?

Both develop a fleshy head growth called a wen. However, Orandas have an upright dorsal fin, while Ranchu lack one and have a characteristic curved back.

What Is the Difference Between a Lionhead and a Ranchu?

Both lack a dorsal fin and develop a wen. Ranchu typically have a more pronounced curved back, while Lionheads have a comparatively straighter back and often develop more extensive head growth.

Which Fancy Goldfish Are Best for Outdoor Ponds?

Wakin and Watonai are particularly suitable for spacious outdoor ponds because of their streamlined bodies and stronger swimming abilities. Fantails and Ryukins can also adapt to suitable ponds, depending on climate, pond conditions, and individual conformation.