All goldfish are descendants of the Crucian carp, a wild, fresh water fish found in streams and ponds in China. At around 1000 AD, these carp were kept in garden ponds in Chinese homes and were moved into large bowls to display the fish to distinguished guests on special occasions.

This is a small wild crucian carp, the ancestor of the modern goldfish.

Through selective breeding, the domesticated breed of Crucian carp became more colorful and attractive. The fantail breed was formed and it is from this variety of fish that all fancy goldfish breeds are derived. There are many different goldfish breeds, some of them readily available at pet stores and others that are rare and valuable. This article will help you to identify which type of goldfish you have.

Fantail Goldfish

The fantail goldfish can reach a size of between 6 and 8 inches when fully grown, although there have been reports of much larger adult fantails. This breed of goldfish has a double tail fin which is not joined. Most fantail goldfish have white edges to their fins and tails and come in wide range of colors. The most common colors for fantail goldfish are solid yellow, orange, red or calico. From above, the fantail has a flat egg shape that tapers towards a blunt nose and large mouth. From the side, the deep belly and high tail base are distinguishing features of a fantail goldfish. Some fantails are mistaken for ryukin goldfish because of the slightly raised area behind the head.

This photo shows the split tail and the broad body of the fantail goldfish.

Veiltail Goldfish

Veiltail goldfish are similar in appearance to fantail goldfish, but can be identified by the length of the double tail fins, which are longer and more flowing than the tail fins of the fantail goldfish. The veiltail’s dorsal fins (tail fins) are not joined. This fish can reach a size of 12 inches when fully grown. Like most fantail varieties, the veiltail is a slow swimmer and should be kept with other slow-moving fancy goldfish.

Veiltail goldfish have a similar body shape to fantails but have longer fins.

Ryukin Goldfish

The ryukin goldfish breed is similar to that of the fantail and veiltail goldfish breeds. The ryukin, however, has a pointy snout in comparison to its cousins. Behind the ryukin’s head is a hump that makes the fish look as tall as it is long when viewed from the side. Ryukin goldfish tails may be partly joined and this fish can be triple or quadruple tailed. Ryukin tails can also be short or long-finned. This fish can reach up to 8 inches in length and should be kept with other goldfish breeds that share similar characteristics. From above, the ryukin goldfish has a distinct egg-shaped body and this bulky fish will be a slow but forceful swimmer.

This photo illustrates the high, humped back of the ryukin breed.

Tosakin Goldfish (AKA Peacock Tail Goldfish)

The tosakin goldfish has the same body shape as fantail and veiltail goldfish, but can be identified by its tail fin which is mostly fused. From above, the tail has a solid triangular shape. The unique, interesting tail fin waves back and forth as the fish swims, making it an ideal pond fish; as pond fish are usually viewed from above. These fish can grow to sizes of 6-8 inches, but are slow, clumsy swimmers and should be kept with other slow-swimming goldfish breeds. The tosakin is sensitive to low temperatures and should be housed indoors over winter.

Tosakin goldfish are best viewed from above due to the nature of their broad tails.

Pearlscale Goldfish

Pearlscale goldfish have a deep, heavy body that is round and bulky from both top and side views. The name, ‘pearlscale’, is attributed to the domed shape of this fish’s scales that look like pearls. Pearlscale goldfish often have a headgrowth, known as ‘wen’, which creates a cap just above the fish’s eyes. However, not all Pearlscale breeds have this headgrowth. Compared to other fancy goldfish breeds, the pearlscale is small, reaching a maximum size of between 2 and 3 inches in length. This fish is not as hardy as other goldfish breeds and is prone to constipation and swimbladder disorders due to inbreeding.

The scales of the pearlscale goldfish are rounded and are raised.

Oranda Goldfish

The Oranda goldfish has a bumpy head growth similar to that found on some pearlscale goldfish. This headgrowth is called ‘wen’ and fish with a wen cap should be treated with the utmost care as the wen may become infected. This headgrowth may grow over the eyes of the fish, leaving it sight-impaired or even blind.

Orandas have a similar body shape to fantails and veiltails, but are often shorter in length with a longer, quadruple tail. This tail flows as the fish swims and will spread gently in the water when the fish stops swimming. The headgrowth and flowing tails of the oranda make it a popular aquarium fish, however goldfish breeds that have wen need special care and potential owners should research the needs of the fish before purchasing it.

A display tank full of year-old oranda goldfish.

Lionhead Goldfish

Like the oranda goldfish, lionheads have a headgrowth, or wen, that grows on the head. The lionhead’s wen grows on the gills and cheeks of the goldfish, giving the oranda’s face the appearance of a plump puppy. Lionheads have a deep, round stomach shape, and have a straighter back than most fantail-shaped breeds. This fish has a double tail that can be partially or fully separated or fully joined.Lionhead goldfish do not have dorsal fins (the fin found on the fish’s back). Lionheads reach a maximum size of 6 inches.

This video shows the slow swimming pattern of the lionhead goldfish.

Lionchu Goldfish

The lionchu is a breed of goldfish similar to the lionhead goldfish. Like the lionhead, it does not have a dorsal fin (back fin) and has a large headgrowth that covers most of the face. This headgrowth can often impair the lionchu’s vision, and special attention should be paid to this fish to ensure that it is receiving food. The lionchu goldfish has a deep, wide body and an arched back. They are slow, clumsy swimmers, and are comical to watch, bearing a resemblance to an eager pup. Lionchu tail fins are often quite short, with a butterfly wing shape.

The lionchu goldfish does not have a dorsal fin.

 See “What Type of Goldfish do I Have? Part Two” for more information on identifying goldfish.