A Beautiful Variety
Species And Varieties Of Goldfish
Most of today's fish descended from the common goldfish (Carassius Auratus). A part from the tropicals, even the fancy breeds come from the Carassius Auratus.
A healthy original goldfish has a short, wide head, small mouth, bright eyes and a long flat body with arches in the belly and back. The dorsal fin will be rising from the middle of the back arch and the scales are bright.
The common goldfish is hardier than other types of goldfish and can even survive out of water for a few hours if kept moist. Common goldfish breed quickly and eat almost anything. The different colors of common goldfish go by different names, with the albinos known as Pearls, the yellow fish known as Canaries, and the black-patched fish known as Orioles. But what of the other types of fish descended and bred from these fish? The following are examples of just what other types are available.
Comet
Developed in the late 1880's, the Comet's body is more elongated and the fins are bigger than those of regular goldfish. The large fins make the Comet one of the fastest and most graceful fish. The fish can even leap out of the water, especially during its active time in spring. For this reason, aquariums with Comets should be covered with a screen during spring.
Japanese Fantail
The Japanese Fantail is a great addition to any pool. It is a slow and graceful fish. Experts agree that the fish with double tail and double anal fins are the most desirable. However, those with one joined fin are just as pretty to the amateur water gardener.
Veil Tail
The Veil Tail is an extended version of the Fantail. The body is shorter than a Fantail but the fins and tail are so big that they drape in filmy folds. It takes over two years for the Veil Tail to reach maturity and once it does it must be fed carefully. If you overfeed it the tail will continue to grow and will eventually break.
Nymph
The Nymph is a modified Veil Tail with a single instead of double tail and fin. These fish are generally accidents from Veil Tail stock but are extremely pretty nonetheless. They have similar bodies to Veil Tails but the fins and tail are not as well developed.
Shubunkin
The Shubunkin is a relative newcomer in fish terms, having been introduced by the Japanese about 100 years ago. It is a scaleless hybrid and resembles the common goldfish in size and form. It is usually found in colors ranging from red, black and blue to yellow and brown, all on a pale lavender background. Sometimes entirely purple or lavender fish will also occur. These fish are hardy and good both indoors and outdoors.