There are over 100 varieties of goldfish being bred in the world today. If you are new to goldfish you’ll want to start out with some of the hardier types. These include the Comet, the Shubunkin and the Fantail. The Comet is usually the variety everyone immediately thinks of when they think “goldfish.” Available in red, orange, silver and yellow it can grow up to 9” in length. However, it is quite an energetic little fellow and is really only suitable for outdoor ponds which allow them more room to move around in.
The Shubunkin, also known as the “Calico Goldfish” is a beautiful creature with splotches of black, orange and red against a blue background. Somewhat smaller than the Comet at 6” they are still vigorous swimmers and would prefer a pond environment. However, if you really have your heart set on a Comet or Shubunkin it’s a perfectly acceptable practice to raise it in your tank until it becomes too big and then take it back to the pet store. Usually they’ll be more than happy to take your fish and allow you to choose a new one.
This leaves us with the Fantail. The Fantail is known as a double tailed goldfish because they have two tail fins and two anal fins. It’s body shape is completely different from that of either the Comet or Shubunkin. Whereas the Comet has a very slender, stream-lined body, the Fantail has more of an egg-shaped body. Because of this it almost seems to wobble as it swims. If you decide on a Fantail, try to find one that is a solid orange metallic in color – these are the hardiest. Fantails grow anywhere from three to six inches and do very well in fish tanks.
Once you’ve made your choice, the clerk will partially fill a plastic bag with tank water and put your new friend inside. Once you’ve arrived home undo the bag and let it float, with the goldfish still inside, in your tank. Why are you doing this? All fish are very susceptible to sudden changes in temperature. At the very least, it will cause them extreme stress, which weakens their immune systems. Let the bag float in the tank for roughly 30 minutes. Then, using your fish net, gently scoop out the goldfish and place the net into the tank, allowing the fish to swim free. Try not to get any of the tank water from the store into your new aquarium. It could be harboring any number of diseases, which you certainly don’t want to add to your tank.