How to Identify Different Types of Goldfish

Goldfish have long been a popular pet for both children and adults. Many people do not realize that they have a choice in color and body type when it comes to selecting goldfish. With proper care and housing, goldfish can live up to ten years, so it's a good idea to learn about the different varieties available so that you can choose the type of goldfish that is the most visually pleasing to you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A knowledge of the different colors and varieties of goldfish.

1. 

   The most common type of goldfish is called the Comet. Most people, upon hearing the world "goldfish" picture a Comet in their minds. Hardy and curious, the Comet comes in several different colors, mainly red, orange, white, yellow, and any of these colors with black markings. What sets the Comet variety apart from the other types of goldfish is its tail fins. Called a "Comet tail" by fish experts, the fins have two lobes,with one sitting directly above the other.

2. 

   Black Moor goldfish are classifed as "fancy" goldfish. The Black Moor has slightly protruding, or "telescope" eyes. A beautiful, velvety black, their scales have a bronze/gold sheen when observed at a certain angle. There is another variety of Moor that is black and white which is called a "Panda Moor". Black Moors are very sensitive to temperature changes in their water, and can develop a white spotted skin disease known as "Ich" if they become too chilled. They must have very clean water at all times, perhaps more so than any other goldfish variety. Most Black Moors will not live very long in a dirty aquarium.

3. 

   The Oranda is a beautiful variety that is known for the hood or cap-like skin growth that surrounds the head and sides of the face. Its appearance and color variety has made it one of the most popular varieties of goldfish. The Oranda can be found in these colors - red, red and black, black and white, red and white, calico, tricolor, silver, bronze, blue, white, black and chocolate. It too is sensitive to water temperature changes and does not like cold water.

4. 

   The Bubble Eye Goldfish is an odd-looking variety,indeed! Its eyes point upward and are surrounded by what looks like bubbles, but are actually sacs of skin filled with fluid. These interesting goldfish come in several colors such as red, black, calico, red and white, and gold. Bubble Eyes can not see very well, so need a safe environment without any sort of aquarium decorations that could injure their eyes.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are planning to mix goldfish varieties, a large aquarium is best.
• It is possible for the different goldfish varieties to interbreed.