The term "Fancy Goldfish" refers to members of the Goldfish family specifically bred to enhance certain colors or body characteristics, such as tail or head shape. Goldfish are members of the carp family (Cyprinidae), which includes more native members of freshwater fish in the northern hemisphere than any other group.
Varieties of Fancy Goldfish include the Fantail or Ryukin, Veiltail, Globe-eye, Celestial, Bubble-eye or Toadhead, Pearlscale, Pompom, Lionhead or Ranchu, Black Moor, and Oranda. They are named as a result of appearance, place of origin, or both. These distinctions are further expanded to include color and head variations such as the "Calico Pompom Lionhead" or the "Calico Oranda with Fantail."
Each variety may share commonalities with other varieties but generally, has at least one characteristic that sets it apart. The Fantail or Ryukin has a body shape that is shorter and deeper than the traditional Goldfish. The Veiltail is characterized by smooth, flowing curves and a translucent, sweeping tail. The Globe-eye (commonly known as Telescope-eye in the U.S.), as one might suspect, has large, protruding conical or spherical eyes. Lack of a dorsal fin coupled with a metallic color characterizes the Celestial variety. The Bubble-eye has large, distinctive sacs protruding from the lower orbit of each eye. Hypertrophy or exaggerated growth of the nostrils has resulted in the characteristic puffs or pompom features of the Pompom. The Lionhead variety is distinctive because of its "hood" and broad face, both of which have a somewhat lumpy appearance. The Black Moor is sometimes grouped with the Globe-eye but is always highly melanic — or black. A hood of mountainous flesh atop the crown typifies the Oranda.
No matter which variety is chosen, the fancy goldfish is sure to add color and beauty to any aquarist's collection.
- Black Moor Goldfish
- Crown Pearlscale Goldfish
- Oranda Goldfish
- Panda Butterfly Goldfish
- Ryukin Goldfish
- Sarasa Comet
- Shubunkin
- Telescope Goldfish
