How to Identify Different Types of Goldfish

The American Goldfish Association recognizes 13 separate types of goldfish. Many goldfish in pet stores are small juveniles, so their type may not be readily apparent. Goldfish sold in large "feeder tanks" tend to be common goldfish, but can sometimes be rarer varieties that do not fit to show standards. Goldfish normally go through color changes throughout their lives.

Things You'll Need

  • Camera
  • Library card
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Instructions

    • 1

      Photograph the goldfish that needs identifying. Use a digital or standard film camera. Take many photos in order to get one clear photo showing the fish in profile with the tail fin fully extended. Scan print photos into computers in order to send digital photographs to goldfish breeders and hobbyists over the Internet.

    • 2

      Note the goldfish's overall body shape. Determining the shape will significantly narrow the possibilities. Imagine the goldfish without fins or tails to see the overall body shape. Goldfish fall into two body types -- torpedo shaped and egg-shaped.

    • 3

      Study the goldfish's fins and tail. Does the goldfish have a dorsal fin or a fin on the top of the body? How long is the tail? How many forks or lobes does the tail have? Compare these features to a goldfish book from the library or from the American Goldfish Association type standards to find a match.

    • 4

      Go online and contact a fish hobbyist forum, online community or the American Goldfish Association. Post or email your fish's photo to them for identification. Note how old the goldfish is or, if the age is unknown, how long you have owned the fish. Some features like nasal "pom poms" or head bumps on orandas do not develop until the fish approaches sexual maturity.