Goldfish and Fancy Goldfish
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| GOLDFISH | ||
| BLACK MOOR | ||
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![]() | Black Moors have deep bodies with long, flowing finnage, and of course their characteristic protruding eyes. A very popular breed that is hardy and easy to care for and their black colour sets them apart from the typical goldfish. Black moors in particular are able to withstand a wide variety of temperatures and make a peaceful tank mate for your other goldfish. | |
| COMET | ||
![]() | The comet or comet-tailed goldfish is one of the most common varieties of goldfish and is distinguished by its long deeply forked tail. The comet is more active than most other goldfish breeds and it is not unusual to see a comet darting around the tank in a playful manner. The comet's hardy and active nature and the relative ease in caring for them make this breed highly suited to outdoor ponds and pools. Unlike fancy goldfish, the comet is built for speed which helps them to avoid birds and other predators in outdoor ponds. The most common colour varieties are red and red and white. | |
| FANTAILS | ||
![]() | The fantail goldfish is the western form of a Ryukin that possesses an egg-shaped body, a high dorsal fin, and double anal and tail fins. The anal and caudal fins are divided into two matching halves. In general the fantail goldfish is hardy and easy to care for but may suffer from prolonged exposure to low water temperatures. Ideal temperature range is 13°c – 21°c. Fantails are available in a great range of colours including red, red and white, black, calico, red cap and white. | |
| NYMPH | ||
![]() | The nymph is a relatively deep-bodied goldfish who unlike its close cousins the fantail and veiltail, has a single anal and caudal fin. The dorsal fin is characteristically held high and the nymph goldfish can have either normal or telescopic (protruding) eyes. A very hard strain of goldfish that is peaceful and suitable for both indoor and outdoor aquariums. | |
| SHUBUNKIN | ||
![]() | Shubunkins are a hardy, single-tailed goldfish with nacreous scales which is a mix of metallic and transparent scales that give the fish a pearl shine. Although similar in appearance to the comet, the shubunkin features a much fuller body and have well developed and even fins. Shubunkins are another goldfish perfectly suited for either the indoor aquarium or outdoor ponds and pools. | |
| UNCOLOURED GOLDFISH | ||
![]() | A throw back to the original colour pattern of non-domesticated goldfish, uncoloured goldfish are an olive-bronze colouration. | |
| FANCY GOLDFISH | |
| BUBBLE EYE | |
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![]() | The bubble eye is a small variety of goldfish with upward pointing eyes that are accompanied by two large fluid-filled sacs. As the bubbles are fragile the bubble eye is best kept with slow moving or peaceful goldfish. Sharp tank decorations should be minimised to avoid puncturing the sacks, however they can regrow if this occurs. The other distinguishing feature of the bubble eye is the lack of dorsal fin. Available in a range of colours including red, red and white and calico. |
| BUTTERFLY TAIL | |
![]() | The butterfly tail is a variety of goldfish that is distinguished by the butterfly-shaped caudal fins when viewed from above. Generally available in red, red and white,blue, calico, and black, but occasionally seen in the stunning panda variation (black and white). |
| DRAGON EYE | |
![]() | Characterised by its protruding eyes, the dragon eye is a popular goldfish variety with a deep body and is sometimes know as a telescope eye. Generally available in red, red and white, black, black and white, black and red, and calico variations. |
| PEARL SCALE | |
![]() | The pearl scale is a round-bodied fancy goldfish with finnage similar to the fantail goldfish. The pearl scale is characterised by its thick, domed scales that have a pearl-like appearance. The spherical shaped body of the pearl scale looks similar to a golf ball. Most common colour forms are red, red and white, and calico. Due to the pearl scale's compact body form over-feeding should be avoided. Not suitable for temperature ranges under 13°c. |
| POM POM | |
![]() | This goldfish has bundles of loose fleshy outgrowths between the nostrils on each side of the head know as pom poms. The pom pom has a similar body shape and finnage to the lionhead, but instead of supporting a head growth or hood, it has nasal outgrowths. Pompoms may have either metallic or nacreous scales, and may or may not have a dorsal fin. Best kept with other slow-moving or peaceful goldfish. Most commonly available in orange, chocolate, or chocolate-orange (pictured) varieties. |
| ORANDA | |
![]() | The oranda goldfish is characterized by a prominent hood or head growth that encases the whole head except for the eyes and mouth. With a large, long and deep body, the oranda also features a quadruple tail. The hood or head growth may take up to two years to fully develop. Orandas are best kept with other fancy goldfish or less active varieties to avoid damage to their fins. The oranda is particularly sensitive to cold temperatures and should be kept within 17°c - 28°c. Generally available in red, red and white, blue, calico, chocolate, red and black, red cap, and white. |
| RANCHU | |
![]() | The ranchu is a hooded variety of fancy goldfish developed in Japan and was the result of cross breeding different varieties of Chinese lionheads. The distinguishing feature of the Ranchu is their lack of dorsal fin. The Ranchu has an egg shaped body, short down turned tail and deep belly and will develop the prominent head growth or hood from 12 months of age. Ranchus are well-adapted to water quality and pH fluctuations. Generally available in red, red and white, blue, black and chocolate. These fish make an interesting addition to any home aquarium. |
Please note that the advice presented on our site is intended to be used as a guideline only and includes techniques that in our experience have been successful. Many variables may affect the condition of your water and we recommend that you seek advice should you become worried about the health of your fish.
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