Goldfish Types

Goldfish are one of the first fish to be brought home by the humans. Today, goldfish are prominently seen as ornamental fish, in many houses. However, goldfish have been featured prominently in Chinese culture, since the ancient times. The classification of goldfish, according to their characteristics, behavior and other features, is very complex. These fish are scientifically known as the Carassius auratus. It is believed that goldfish are basically a distant cousin of the fish named 'Prussian carp'. These fish are yellowish golden in color, unlike the modern goldfish, that are predominantly orange in color. Goldfish are bred in a manner that is known as 'selective breeding'. Now a days, goldfish are available in almost any color and shape, as a result of this selective breeding. Due to these reasons, goldfish are rarely found in saltwater and untamed water bodies. Goldfish are basically found in fish tanks and safe ponds or lakes. As a matter of fact, goldfish have become so used to a protective environment, that if a goldfish that is bred in captivity, is let out into the wild, then there are low probabilities of its survival, in the harsh outside conditions.

Types of Goldfish

Goldfish, as mentioned above, are available in a huge variety, depending upon their genes and the manner of goldfish breeding. However, people still prefer to keep some selected goldfish types in their fish tanks.

Ryukin Goldfish
Ryukin is a very popular type of goldfish, that is used as a tank fish, throughout the world. The odd physical features of this fish make it look like a fancy, deep bodied fish. The ryukin also has a very peculiar hump near its shoulder, giving it an appearance of a fat balloon. This goldfish is available in various colors, such as deep red, red and white, pure white and even iron! The ryukin is said to be a native of the Ryukyu Islands, that are located in between the Taiwan and Japan. This fish is said to have arrived in the sea of Japan and the Japanese islands, in the early 1770's. The mention of this fish is found in several writings from this era.

Telescope Eye Goldfish
Telescope eye goldfish is a very strange looking goldfish, that is characterized by two bulging, oblong eyes, that share a resemblance with the astronomical telescopes. These goldfish have a very close resemblance to ryukin. Some of the telescope eye goldfish also have a deep body with long flowing fins. This goldfish is available in wide range of colors, like black, red, red-and-white, calico, black-and-white, chocolate, blue, lavender and chocolate-and-blue. The characteristic that makes this fish very different from the ryukin, is that it often grows very large.

Lionchu Goldfish
The lionchu is derived from the phrase, the 'lion head ranchu'. This type of goldfish has a very strange appearance because it is a mix between the 'ranchu goldfish' and also the 'lion head goldfish' breeds. This fish has very powerful fins and can be identified easily because of his oblong face.

Bubble Eye Goldfish
The bubble eye is a goldfish that has probably the most comical appearance. The fish has eyes that point upwards and are supported by fluid filled sacks, that are located just below the eyes. The sacks give the bubble eye, an appearance of a fish that has blown out its cheeks. It must be noted that this fish is extremely delicate and must be kept in a separate tank, as the sacks are particularly fragile.

Goldfish have always remained fashionable, no matter the era. Many people keep goldfish in large bowls, in their houses. They make excellent pets, as they are easy to keep and demand less time from the owners. Some cultures go on to claim that having some goldfish in the house can bring good luck in. As I conclude this write up, I am reminded of the famous goldfish from the cartoon series Tom and Jerry, which Tom consistently tried to eat while Jerry prevented him from doing so! Make sure to keep your cat away from yours!