Goldfish Varieties are one of the most favored fish pets. Goldfish are ideal pets for beginners due to their hardiness, easy-care, and adaptability to different water conditions.
A goldfish’s lifespan can range from 1-to 5 years, and they are extremely inexpensive to maintain compared to other aquarium fishes weighing no more than 2 pounds (1kg).
There are many different varieties of goldfish available in pet stores that vary based on color, fin-type, eye color, and background pattern.
Goldfish Varieties include
Here Are The Best 11 Breed Info Of Goldfish Varieties
1. Black Moor (African glass)
These fish have an overall opaque black color with a metallic sheen and are very hardy, with a high capacity for breeding.
The black moor has thick scales that help protect against predators. They have long fins and large bands of color on their fins.
Blackmoor goldfish are excellent for beginning hobbyists due to their relatively easy care and maintenance requirements.
Characteristics
- It usually grows to 6-8 inches.
- Not very active, so not suitable for large aquariums.
- It is also peaceful towards its tankmates, making it a good community fish.
- It has a limited capacity to breed as it reaches sexual maturity at around 6 months of age.
- It has a long lifespan
- it is sometimes used as bait for catching larger predatory fish.
- It is an omnivorous fish that eats various foods, including algae, insects, and even small fishes.
- It may also eat some vegetables if it is kept in an aquarium.
- It is relatively easy to breed fish, but it is not advisable to breed them in captivity.
- Blackmoor goldfish can be threatened by their color because they are easily preyed upon by other fish or bird predators.
The Appearance
The black moor has a uniform opaque black body color with an iridescent sheen. The fins are also darker blue, often with a metallic sheen. Blackmoor goldfish are very hardy and are quite long-lived.
6 Black Moor Goldfish
1. It is probably one of the easiest fish to breed.
2. When their gender is developed, the male will usually create a cave in the aquarium for itself. While creating this cave, it will destroy some plants and decorations in the aquarium, so you have to prevent it from doing so and provide it with a lot of hiding places like plants and ceramic cafes.
3. If you notice that your black moor goldfish have spawned, then move your pregnant female black moor goldfish to an isolation tank. If you leave them together in the main aquarium, it will kill and eat its offspring.
4. Blackmoor goldfish are aggressive breeders. This means that they will chase their partner away so the female can be fertilized by the male, spawning for about 7-10 days.
5. They do not require any special breeding techniques to create healthy babies with a high survival rate if kept in a proper breeding tank.
6. Blackmoor goldfish have a very good capacity to survive. If you cannot keep many of them together in the same aquarium, then you can keep them in groups or pairs and provide them with a lot of hiding places.
Origin
Blackmoor goldfish (sometimes called African glassfish) comes from the Lake Malawi areas in Malawi and Mozambique.
The black moor is generally used for ornamental purposes, as a display fish, in the aquarium trade, and as a sport.
The best-known Asian variety of the black moor is from Indonesia. This variety has a bright metallic green color and is much more common in the trade.
2. Black Moor Marbled (or Black Copper, Marbled, Or Gold)
This is the most common goldfish available in American and British tank stores. The black marbled or goldfish has a two-tone copper/black blend coloration on the body and fins, perfect for showing off in a bowl or aquarium.
The black marbled goldfish is a variety that is still capable of developing its full coloration, even in a small bowl. This species is best suited for ponds and large aquariums, where they can thrive and develop their full potential.
Characteristics
- Black marbled, black or gold coloration with large blotches of marbling that are dotted across the entire body of the fish
- The Head has a red-orange or copper coloration, which is consistent with the copper and green shades on the body. The lips and fins have a light orange to a yellow tinge.
- The eyes of this goldfish (or black coppers) are not colored in metallic sheen; instead, it has a bronze or red-orange tint similar to its body color.
- The scales are fine, and the fins are long and tapered
- The black marbled goldfish likes to climb on rocks and plants for food. Therefore, ensure the aquarium or pond is equipped with a shelter for this fish (e.g., driftwood or a plant that has thick, sturdy leaves for the fish to nestle under)
- These goldfish are very hardy and can even endure a tank with inadequate filtration.
- This fish will readily eat daphnia and mosquito larvae when kept in outdoor ponds. Make sure the pond is stocked with green algae as well.
- Black marbled goldfish (or black coppers) prefer cooler water temperatures (56F to 64F).
The Appearance
The black marbled goldfish have a two-toned body and fins, with a bright orange to red-orange Head and lips. The eyes are bronze or orange in color but lack the metallic sheen found in other goldfish species.
This fish has a solid body with large blotches of marbling dotted across the entire body of the goldfish. The color of the fish is a copper/black blend that has been dyed in some parts (i.e., the white portion). The nose, lips, and under-body are more of a greenish shade.
Breeding Information
1. The black marbled goldfish is more difficult to breed than the Lionhead and Comet varieties.
2. Breeding these goldfish requires a lot of patience. The faster-growing fish in a breeding tank will often bully the slower-growing fish and prevent them from breeding with each other.
3. It is best to keep two separate tanks for breeding purposes, one for males and one for females. This prevents the faster-growing fish from bullying its mate and ensures that they get enough food to produce eggs.
4. As the eggs hatch, it is important to ensure that the water temperature is maintained at a perfect 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. The black marbled goldfish breed best during the spring and early summer, when the water temperature is around 68-70F.
6.. Avoid exposing eggs to very hot temperatures as this can cause them to fail to hatch or hatch with deformities. Temperatures above 72F are not recommended when incubating these eggs, either.
7. Black marbled goldfish eggs require three to four days to hatch. The eggs hatched will tend to float on the water’s surface, so make sure that you keep the egg nests amongst a bed of gravel.
8. Black marbled goldfish hatchlings are only about 3-1/2 inches long at birth but grow rapidly. They should be added to a fully-stocked and well-performing aquarium with mature parents for maximal success.
9. The black marbled goldfish reaches sexual maturity in about 6 months.
Origin
The black marbled goldfish originated in China and has been selectively bred as an ornamental fish for centuries. These goldfish are often referred to as “black coppers.”
3. Black Moor Veiltail (or Black Veiltail)
The black veil tail has extremely long fins with a deep blue sheen. These fish are very hardy, with the same high capacity for breeding as the black moor variety. The black veiltail is a very well-rounded goldfish variety.
Characteristics
- Body edged with white.
- The dorsal, tail, and anal fins are high and rounded.
- The caudal fin is long and deeply forked.
- The Head is flat with a slightly concave forehead.
- Eyes are very large, up to 1/3 of the body length.
- Scales are small, fine, and tightly set together.
The Appearance
The body of this variety is generally long and slender. The back is straight and the belly curved, with a silvery-colored sheen.
Their fins are very long and have a deep blue sheen that matches their eyes. These fish should have a fully forked caudal fin, with all rays extending from the body’s center to the end of their fins.
The Head is flat but with a slight indication of concavity near the eyes, which are very large in proportion to their body size.
Eye coloration is very important to this variety, with the eye color ranging from a bright blue to nearly black.
Breeding Information
Black Moor Veiltail (or Black Veiltail) is a very hardy variety of goldfish with the same high capacity for breeding as its black moor counterpart. The breeding period extends from March to June.
Origin
This variety originated in the 1850s from fancy goldfish being bred and developed in Japan, although there are records of similar types being bred in China as early as the 16th century.
4. Blue Mollie (or Blue Marbled)
Similar to the black moor variety, but with a bluer and mollier coloration. This is the most popular variety of goldfish available in pet stores today, and their popularity has soared over the years for a good reason.
The blue mollie has a low maintenance requirement, produces large numbers of fry, and shows off in a bowl or aquarium very well due to its unique coloring.
Characteristics
- Rounded body shape.
- Spacious mouth with a small overbite.
- Wide tail fin (about half of the body length).
- Full, thick, and long fins. The caudal fin that looks like there is too much going on is a special characteristic among goldfish fanciers.
- Stocky and compact build with a round head and a long, lower jaw.
The Appearance
The blue mollie has a white, or sometimes light grey, body surrounded by an irregular cloak of bright bluish marbling.
The body is usually darker on the back and lighter on the sides, with five to seven dark horizontal stripes going across the fish’s back.
Breeding Information
1. Breeding Blue Mollie (Or Blue Marbled)
The blue mollie is a simple fish to breed due to its hardy nature and the ability to withstand various water conditions. A single pair of blue moilies can multiply rapidly in a short period.
2. Breeding Tank Setup And Preparation
To breed goldfish, you will need a breeding tank that is large enough to provide sufficient space for two adult fish and at least 10 gallons of water.
If you have a breeding tank that is at least 20 gallons of water, then you will have more room to add more fish in the future if needed. An ideal temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit is best for most goldfish with a pH closer to neutral.
3. Feeding Blue Mollie (Or Blue Marbled)
Blue moilies naturally have a high growth rate due to their appetites and quick metabolism, so feeding them doesn’t require much fussing or preparing different food types. You can feed them a diet of goldfish flakes, blood worms, regular earthworms, or brine shrimp.
4. Grooming Blue Mollie (Or Blue Marbled)
Blue moilies turn to an overall darker color as they age, so it is recommended that you clean their tank every few weeks to keep the water from becoming too cloudy and stressful to their systems. This can be accomplished by siphoning out some water and thoroughly washing the tank.
5. Container Setup And Conditioning
To start breeding blue moilies, you can prepare a container that’s 20 gallons or larger. You can also opt for an aquarium set up where you place several small bowls that are 5 gallons in size, but blue mollie breeders usually prefer larger containers for their fish.
6. Mating Behavior
The blue moilies begin mating during the spring and fall months when the water is warmer. The male fish will chase after the female fish until she is ready to spawn, taking a few hours or a couple of days to complete.
7. Spawning Process
A normal spawning process starts with the female releasing her eggs, followed by one or two males moving in to fertilize them for about 20 minutes or so. The eggs will be left alone until they hatch in about three days or less.
8. Hatching Process
The newly hatched fry will swim around and feed on infusoria and other tiny organisms. They will then grow into adults after two months to a year or more, depending on the quality of their environment.
Origin
The blue mollie was first introduced in the United States in 1925 and has become the most popular variety of goldfish.
The blue mollie is commonly found in Asian countries but is highly popular among western countries.
5. Butterfly Or Celestial (or Ryukin)
This variety is most frequently mislabeled as the celestial because this is the only variety for which it is commonly found.
The butterfly or celestial has the same metallic sheen and blue coloration but a longer body and wider fins than the blue molly.
There are some major differences between these two varieties, however. The butterfly has large scales on its spine that protect it from predators and has a much higher capacity for breeding than the blue molly. There is less color in the butterfly variety, distinguishing it from the celestial.
Characteristics
- Cephalic extension, body size, and fins.
- Large scales on the spine protect from predators.
- The longer body and wider fins than blue molly.
- Slightly darker coloration, resulting in less color.
- Oviparous (egg-laying) rather than viviparous (live-bearing).
- More than the blue molly can lay up to 200 eggs per clutch.
The Appearance
The butterfly molly has a black, blue, and white/metallic body covered in scales. The black scales are edged with metallic blue, giving the fish a sheen.
The Butterfly Or Celestial has a slightly darker color because of its extra black scales. The Butterfly Or Celestial has larger fins than the blue molly because of its long body.
Breeding Information
1. Butterfly mollies are oviparous (egg-laying), making them especially well-suited to breeding when they want to produce many eggs.
2. If you plan to breed butterfly mollies, it can be helpful to feed them brine shrimp and frozen daphnia.
3. You can breed them in a home aquarium, but the fish should have a male-female ratio of about 1:1.
4. The male butterfly molly will almost always be smaller than the female, but this rarely causes problems.
5. Butterfly mollies will lay their eggs on plants, so you should provide plenty of floating plants for the eggs to settle on before placing them in the water column.
6. The eggs will take approximately three days to hatch.
Origin
The butterfly and celestial varieties are native to the coasts of China, Taiwan, and Japan and have been bred in this country since the 1970s.
6. Blue-Green Albino
The blue-green albino has a brilliant cobalt blue body and fins with very little green coloring. This goldfish variety is also known as the “silver dollar” because of its distinctive silver dollar-like scales on the belly and fins.
These scales do not appear smooth and glossy but are a pattern of small bumps or “saddlebags.”
This variety has a very low maintenance requirement but can still produce or host large numbers of fry.
The blue-green albino, like all the other varieties, is extremely hardy, with a high capacity for breeding.
Characteristics
- Brilliant cobalt blue body and fins with very little, if any, green coloring.
- Unusual saddleback “saddlebags” on scales of body and fins.
- Discrete barring is present on the fins.
- The lower fins are white with red edging.
- The lower fins are trimmed in white, and the body is trimmed in red.
- Short, broad body with deep-set eyes.
- Bold black spotting on the gill covers shading to grey toward the base of the caudal peduncle.
- Deep orange-red coloration is present along the dorsal midline of the fish.
The Appearance
The Blue-Green Albinos are stunningly beautiful fish. Their blue and green colors, combined with black coloration, make them a unique color variation. The best way to make these fish stand out is to get them in two or more groups.
Breeding Information
1. Temperature: 65-72F (18-22C)
2. pH 5-7.0
3. Hardness: Soft to medium-hard
4. Spawning time: Early spring to late fall
5. Breeding density: 3 per gallon
6. Feeding: Feed live foods, tubifex worms, daphnia, cyclops, and high-quality flake food.
7. Water quality: Clean water is an absolute must for breeding any fish
8. Changes to water chemistry can lead to the worst problems
9. When spawning, you need a ratio of three males to two females.
10 . Just before spawning, eggs appear in the vent area of the female (this is where the male will deposit his sperm).
11. The young will hatch in about 48 hours.
Origin
The blue-green albino goldfish has been around for many years. The first “litter” of this variety was discovered in the Netherlands in 1894.
In the United States, among them were catfish hatcheries, which bred the fish as juveniles for human consumption. It has since become a popular aquarium fish due to its ease of breeding and brilliant colors.
7. Chinese
The Chinese are an excellent choice for beginners due to their hardiness, low maintenance requirements, and adaptability to different water conditions.
The goldfish’s body coloration can range from bright orange to deep red, with darker spots on its Head and fins. This variety of goldfish is a very well-rounded tank-friendly species.
The Chinese have a high capacity for breeding and can be found in nearly every pet store on the market today.
Characteristics
- Their hardiness to aquatic life.
- Their adaptability to water conditions.
- Their average lifespan of 10 years.
- Freshwater fish at the bottom, marine fish at the top of their range.
The Appearance
Long and very thin body. Dark red color on most body surfaces, with silver scales on the head, fins, and tail.A diamond-shaped spot on its Head. Long sharp barbels with black color on the left side of their face.
Breeding Information
1. The female and male need to stay together in their tank.
2. The female needs to have a well-rounded body, with many eggs in some weeks to months before spawning. On the male’s belly, you can see the eggs in filaments.
Hold these filaments until they fully grow into single eggs. The length of the filament determines the size of each egg is, so by keeping more than three filaments made of eggs, they will all develop as small size goldfish after 3 – 7 days.
When the female feels the male’s sperm in her eggs, she can spawn in 1-3 days. The eggs should be placed in a heater within a few hours. When the water temperature reaches 101.6 degrees Celsius, they will hatch after 5 to 7 days.
3. After spawning, keep the eggs in a warm place with no light for 2-3 weeks to hatch earlier. This will make them mature faster.
4. Don’t let the adults eat the eggs or let the fry swim around before 2-3 weeks. These are the most important steps to gain strength before they leave their parents’ tank.
5. After 2-3 months, you can put them in a larger tank of at least 8 square feet with 5 gallons of water and 1 inch of water surface with about 10 – 15 API gravity, or 55 – 75 degree temperature and 17% – 23% humidity. Add the goldfish to a community tank, like 3 – 6 other goldfish with good compatibility. Keep the tank clean and stable so the goldfish will breed.
6. Chinese goldfish are very hardy and can survive even for 3 generations in a single tank. They can live for 10 years or longer in captivity with perfect water quality and nutrition if well-maintained.
Origin
The Chinese goldfish is an ancient fish originally kept in Eastern Asia more than 2,000 years ago. They appeared in China during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC). They are called “Chinese” because they were originally developed and bred by the Chinese.
8. Fancy Varieties
The fancy goldfish varieties have vivid coloring, a plumper body, and a shorter tail compared with regular goldfish varieties.
These differences are enough to tell them apart from other types of goldfish. However, beginners may still mistake them for common goldfish varieties until they get used to their unique appearance. These fish can breed and produce large numbers of live young.
Characteristics
- They can mate and lay eggs, just like common goldfish.
- They live for about ten years.
- They can grow large, up to 50 centimeters (20 in) in length.
- They are omnivorous and eat both vegetable and meat proteins.
- They reach sexual maturity in two to three years.
- They must be kept in a pond with plenty of water or aquariums with a current.
The Appearance
Tall and plump body. Longer fins. Vivid coloration. Short, rounded tail fin. Many scales on the body. A slightly larger head with a protruding snout. Shorter fins.
Breeding Information
1. Breeding these types of goldfish can be difficult because they are not compatible with other breeds.
2. To prevent the golden color from changing, they should be kept away from goldfish varieties that show a more orange or red color.
3. They are monogamous, which means that only one male can mate with a female at a time.
4. For breeding to occur, both the male and female must have their spawning tank or pond set up together
5. The first step to breeding these types of goldfish is to create a spawning tank or pond; you can either buy one from a breeder or start making one on your own. You will need an external filter for the water, a heater for the tank/pond, and a mesh net covering all the tank’s sides.
6. To prepare this tank for breeding, you should remove all fish other than the female. Lastly, make sure that enough oxygen is in the water by installing an air pump with an air stone.
7. In this breeding tank, place either a large flat stone or a large piece of PVC pipe that serves as a spawning site for the eggs to be laid on.
8. The female will lay her eggs on this rock or pipe.
9. The eggs will hatch within two to three days.
Origin
Fancy varieties of goldfish originated in the 1500s, possibly in China. The royal family first bred them to serve as ornamental fish for decorative ponds.
Despite being more popular in Asia and Europe than in America, these beautiful fish are becoming increasingly popular among hobbyists worldwide.
9. Fantail
This variety is famous for its long, sweeping tail fin, making it look like it is constantly wagging its “tail.”
The fantail goldfish has had a long-term presence in the aquarium hobby and is the most popular variety of goldfish today.
Characteristics
- The long tail fin.
- Round body.
- Slightly pointed Head.
- Operculum.
- Narrow, long, and compressed body shape.
- Black spots on the side.
- Yellowish-white or golden belly.
- The color of the spiracle.
- Sides darker than the belly.
The Appearance
The body is deep and compressed. The Head is slightly pointed and sometimes a bit square. The forehead is flat, and the back of this fish is convex. The belly of this goldfish variety is a pale yellow color, while its sides are dark or blackish.
Breeding Information
1. Breeding should be done during the warmer months.
2. The aquarium should have a minimum of 50 liters (13 gallons) and a fine-grained, easily-filtered substrate, an active filter, and an air pump.
3. A water temperature of 21 degrees Celsius (70F) is preferred for breeding.
4. The pH level of the water should be between 7.5 and 8.5.
5. Goldfish should be fed fine-grade pellet food and flakes.
6. When the female is concave, she is ready to breed. The male will fertilize the eggs and fall to the substrate to develop. The parents should be removed after spawning for their safety.
7. The eggs should be fertilized after six to eight hours.
8. Depending on the size of the eggs, they should be removed from the substrate four to six days later. They should be moved into an individual breeding tank, where they should hatch in four to six weeks.
Origin
Fantail goldfish was originally developed in the 1870s by breeding common carp with the Fantail. When these fish were crossed with each other, a fantail appeared. Eventually, this fish caused such a stir that it came to be considered the “bravest” of all fish.
10. Oranda
The oranda has a dark body color with characteristic orange stripes that run across its entire body. The oranda may also have a “diamond” pattern of black and orange on its body, usually located where the tail meets the body and forms a heart shape. This variety has a plump, round appearance and is very hardy.
Characteristics
- An orange stripe running the length of the body may have a diamond pattern over the back.
- Broad, flat body with a round head.
- Large, dark fins overlap and hang down to the body.
- A black spot is located at the base of the caudal fin.
- Their eyes are usually red.
The Appearance
The oranda goldfish is a robust fish usually about 3 inches long. They have an orange stripe on the fish’s body and a flat, round head with a black spot near the base of the caudal fin.
The fins are large and overlap, making them appear to be one big fin. The tail is long and thin, with large scales.
Breeding Information
1. The water temperature should be 68-76F.
2. Change 25% of the water every week to remove waste and replenish oxygen in the water.
3. If a male and female are kept together, the male will keep the eggs from hatching. If only one male is in the tank, this will be a large goldfish and breeder.
4. The breeding season is from March to June.
5. The pair should spawn at least twice.
6. Breeding should occur in an aquarium with a water temperature of 68-76F, 25% water change every week, and no sharp objects in the tank (i.e., ledges).
Origin
The history of the oranda goldfish is not well known. However, it seems to have originated in China and was bred there.
11. Ryukin
The ryukin goldfish has a deeper body than other goldfish varieties, giving it the appearance of being heavier than it is.
This fish has a very hardy nature and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. The ryukin goldfish is the most expensive goldfish to obtain and maintain, but it is also the most popular variety used in aquariums today.
Goldfish are carnivorous, scavenging primarily on infusoria (tiny creatures that float in the water). Some undigested plants that they find floating by their tank may also be consumed.
Goldfish live in well-balanced environments, where they enjoy temperatures between 64° and 82° F (18° to 28° C), a pH level ranging from 7.0 to 8.2, and a hardness level of at least 25 ppt (mg/L).
Goldfish require plenty of oxygen to live properly in their tank. Goldfish have split gill membranes that make it difficult to absorb oxygen efficiently.
Characteristics
- A bit more expensive than common goldfish
- Gold body with red, purple, or black fins.
- Ryukin goldfish can grow up to 19-28 cm in size.
- Can live for up to 20 years.
- Less active as compared to common goldfish.
- Active during the breeding season.
The Appearance
Ryukin goldfish has a deep body. It has larger scales and is covered with goldish-yellow hair rather than the usual brown pigments. Its sides have red, purple, or black stripes and a light green or white belly.
Breeding Information
1. To get a pair of ryukin goldfish to spawn, you must have two 1-year-old adult fish.
2. Place the male into a separate tank and allow him to de-stress for one week.
3. Reduce the temperature in the spawning tank to 75° F (20° C).
4. Ensure that well-fed, sexually mature fish are in good health before breeding them.
5. Put a black or dark-colored object in the tank. The fish will find it and start to spawn over it.
6. Adjust the temperature of the spawning tank to 86° F (30° C).
7. Observe them. You will notice that the female’s belly starts swelling. This is when she is ready to spawn.
8. Maintain the water temperature at the same level for about two weeks. The eggs will hatch in 24 hours.
Origin
The Ryukin originated in Japan in the early 1800s. It was bred from common goldfish by a farmer named Ryukin.
He kept the first ryukin goldfish in a small bowl. He sold the fish to other goldfish enthusiasts, who raised them in their homes.
Special note
Goldfish Varieties are very easy to keep and easy to breed. They can be housed in community tanks or even with other goldfish, but they may begin to fight, especially a male ryukin and a female molly.
They can survive in small tanks if they have plenty of hiding places and the ability to create a current in the tank. However, it will be necessary to provide them with live plants.
Conclusion
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