Types Of Goldfish

There are more than twenty types of Goldfish. Before deciding which type is best for your aquarium, it is best to get to know a bit about each of the varieties. Below are brief descriptions of several varieties of Goldfish to help you choose the one that is right for you.

Common Goldfish

The Common Goldfish can live up to ten years and, depending on tank size, can grow quite large.  The tanks should be at least 25 gallons and proper filtration is required. Because this is a coldwater fish, you do not have to worry about heating the tank. This fish is fairly low-maintenance and is a good choice for beginners. This fish can grow greater than ten inches.

Fantail Goldfish

The Fantail Goldfish is quite popular, and one reason for that is that the fish is available in a wide variety of colors. Keeping the Fantail Goldfish is one way for freshwater hobbyists to add a bit of color to their tanks. The fish can be kept in either a tank or a pond, but keep in mind that they will likely not survive in very cold water. This is another good choice for beginners. They grow up to six inches and can live for more than ten years.

Telescope Eye Goldfish

Telescope Eye Goldfish are so named because of their large protruding eyes. This feature gives them a unique look which many hobbyists find appealing. The amount of care that they need is a bit more than the two aforementioned types of Goldfish. For that reason, these are not the ideal choice for beginners. Their eyes are quite sensitive to damage and they have quite poor vision. Therefore, it is not a good idea to keep them in a tank with decorations or accessories that have sharp edges. They grow up to eight inches and live up to ten years.

Lionhead Goldfish

Lionhead Goldfish are another popular choice among those who are trying to add a bit of color to their tanks. While the bodies are light colored, they have a shock of red right above their eyes.  This fish lives between five to ten years, and reach a length of up to six inches. The tank water should be kept around 60 degrees.

Pom Pon Goldfish

These Goldfish are another example of why Goldfish are a good way to add variety to a freshwater tank. This fish has long tailfins, giving them a unique look. They only grow to five inches and live up to ten years.

The above is only a few of the many varieties available. Some are easy to care for, while some require a bit of experience. Most types of Goldfish prefer to live in communities. It is not a good idea to keep a Goldfish alone in a tank.

It is also not a good idea to keep them with aggressive fish. Not all types of Goldfish can be kept together. Be sure to check that each type you would like to keep are compatible before placing them in the tank together.

Goldfish are a fun hobby. It does not have to be expensive, but it can be depending on the type of fish and accessories that you choose. Start with a small 25 gallon tank to see if the hobby is right for you. More than likely you will get hooked and soon want to expand the size of your tank.