Animal-World > Freshwater Fish > Goldfish

Goldfish Varieties

Assorted GoldfishPhoto © Animal-World

     Dr, Jungle says, "The average lifespan of the common goldfish is over 20 years and some have been known to live up to 32 years!"

     Goldfish are one of the all-time favorites of fishkeepers everywhere. They are colorful, most of the commonly available varieties are relatively easy to care for, and all types of gold fish are fun to watch!

     The goldfish available in pet stores today are descendants of a wild carp fish, known by such names as the Crucian Carp, Gibel Carp, or Golden Carp. They originated from southern China, and are one of the first aquatic animals in recorded history to be kept as pets. Although they originated in China, in the early 1600's they were exported first to Japan and then to Europe. These countries developed them into the wonderful colors and forms we see today, with the majority being developed by Oriental breeders. It is estimated that there are over 125 varieties of gold fish.

     Goldfish are a cold water fish and will do best at temperatures between 18 °-22 ° C (65 °-72 ° F) although some of the hardier species such as Common goldfish, Comets, Moors or Shubunkins can tolerate temperatures a few degrees above freezing!   Many people try to keep goldfish in small one or two gallon bowls with no heater or filtration. But for the best success in keeping goldfish, provide them the same filtration, especially biological filtration, that other aquarium residents enjoy.

For more Information on keeping Goldfish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Goldfish: Click on the small images below
for more information about each one.

Goldfish
Black Moor Goldfish	Bubble Eye Goldfish
Carassius auratus auratus	Carassius auratus auratus
Celestial Eye Goldfish	Comet Goldfish
Carassius auratus auratus	Carassius auratus auratus
Common Goldfish	Fantail Goldfish
Carassius auratus auratus	Carassius auratus auratus
Lionhead Fancy Goldfish	Oranda Fancy Goldfish
Carassius auratus auratus	Carassius auratus auratus
Pearlscale Goldfish	Ranchu Goldfish
Carassius auratus auratus	Carassius auratus auratus
Redcap Oranda Goldfish	Ryukin Goldfish
Carassius auratus auratus	Carassius auratus auratus
Shubunkin Goldfish	Telescope Goldfish
Carassius auratus auratus	Carassius auratus auratus
Veiltail Goldfish
Carassius auratus auratus

Goldfish: Don't see your favorite here?
Send us a picture and/or description and we'll try to include it!
Submit it Here

Back to Freshwater Fish