Small Goldfish Species – Your Ultimate Guide To Thriving Fancy
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. You see those bright, beautiful goldfish at the pet store and imagine one swimming gracefully in a charming little bowl on your desk. But then you hear the horror stories: goldfish that outgrow their tanks in months, needing pond-sized enclosures and creating massive amounts of waste.
I’m here to tell you that your dream of keeping these iconic fish isn’t out of reach! The secret isn’t a magical shrinking fish, but rather choosing the right kind of goldfish from the start. This comprehensive guide will put you on the path to success by exploring the world of fancy goldfish—the true small goldfish species suitable for a well-maintained home aquarium.
Get ready to dive in! We’ll explore the most popular fancy varieties, learn how to set up their perfect aquatic home, and cover the best practices for care. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to confidently and responsibly raise a happy, thriving goldfish companion.
Debunking the Myth: What Are True Small Goldfish Species?
First, let’s clear up a huge misconception. The “common” or “comet” goldfish—the sleek, single-tailed fish you might win at a fair—is not a small fish. These are pond fish, plain and simple. They can easily grow over a foot long and live for more than 20 years. Keeping them in a small tank is one of the most common and tragic mistakes in the hobby.
So, when we talk about small goldfish species, we are almost exclusively referring to fancy goldfish. These are selectively bred varieties of Carassius auratus that have been developed over centuries to have specific body shapes and finnage.
Their round, egg-shaped bodies mean they don’t grow nearly as long as their common cousins, typically maxing out at around 6-8 inches. This makes them far more manageable for the dedicated home aquarist. Don’t worry—these fish are perfect for beginners who are willing to learn!
Top 5 Small Goldfish Species for Your Aquarium
Ready to meet your new potential pet? These fancy varieties are packed with personality and are the best place to start. Here is our list of the most popular and suitable small goldfish species for a home aquarium.
1. The Fantail Goldfish
The Fantail is the quintessential fancy goldfish and a fantastic starting point. They are one of the hardiest fancy varieties, making them more forgiving of minor beginner mistakes.
- Size: 6-8 inches
- Temperament: Peaceful and social
- Defining Feature: A split, flowing double tail (caudal fin) and a classic egg-shaped body. They come in a variety of colors, most commonly orange, red-and-white, and calico.
- Aquifarm Pro Tip: Look for a Fantail with a symmetrical, high-set tail for a truly stunning appearance.
2. The Ryukin Goldfish
Think of the Ryukin as a Fantail with an attitude! Their most prominent feature is a dramatic hump on their back, just behind their head. They are active swimmers and have tons of personality.
- Size: 6-8 inches
- Temperament: Generally peaceful, but can be competitive during feeding time.
- Defining Feature: A pronounced dorsal hump and a wider, more pointed head than the Fantail. Their fins are often longer and more flowing.
- Aquifarm Pro Tip: Due to their rounder bodies, Ryukins can sometimes be prone to swim bladder issues. Feeding high-quality sinking pellets can help prevent this.
3. The Oranda Goldfish
Orandas are famous for their “wen,” a fleshy, bumpy growth that covers their head. This “crown” is their signature feature and can take years to fully develop. They are gentle giants of the fancy world.
- Size: 7-9 inches
- Temperament: Slow, gentle, and docile.
- Defining Feature: The raspberry-like wen on their head. It can sometimes grow so large it covers their eyes, requiring a bit of extra care during feeding.
- Aquifarm Pro Tip: The wen is delicate and can be prone to bacterial infections. Keeping your tank water exceptionally clean is crucial for Oranda health.
4. The Black Moor Goldfish
A classic and beloved variety, the Black Moor is known for its deep, velvety black color and protruding telescopic eyes. They are a great addition to a community tank of other slow-moving fancy goldfish.
- Size: 6-8 inches
- Temperament: Very peaceful and slow-moving.
- Defining Feature: Their large, telescopic eyes. These eyes give them poor vision, so they should never be housed with faster fish that will outcompete them for food.
- Aquifarm Pro Tip: Avoid any sharp decorations in the tank. Their eyes are sensitive and can be easily injured. Smooth river stones and silk plants are perfect.
5. The Ranchu Goldfish
Often called the “King of Goldfish” in Japan, the Ranchu is a highly prized variety. They are unique because they lack a dorsal fin entirely, giving them a smooth, arched back. They are more suited for intermediate keepers.
- Size: 5-7 inches
- Temperament: Calm and slow.
- Defining Feature: A complete lack of a dorsal fin and a well-developed headgrowth similar to an Oranda. Their swimming style is a characteristic side-to-side wiggle.
- Aquifarm Pro Tip: Their swimming can be a bit clumsy. A tank with lower water flow is ideal to prevent them from being tossed around.
Setting Up the Perfect Home: A Small Goldfish Species Care Guide
Now that you’ve picked a favorite, it’s time to build their home. This is the most important part of our small goldfish species guide. Getting the setup right from day one is the key to a long, healthy life for your fish.
Tank Size: The Golden Rule
Forget the bowl. The golden rule for fancy goldfish is 20 gallons of water for the first fish, and an additional 10-15 gallons for each additional fish. So, a pair of Fantails needs at least a 30-40 gallon tank.
Why so much space? Goldfish are messy! They produce a lot of waste, which breaks down into toxic ammonia. A larger volume of water dilutes these toxins, creating a more stable and forgiving environment. This is one of the most critical small goldfish species best practices.
Filtration: The Unsung Hero
Because of their high bioload (the amount of waste they produce), powerful filtration is non-negotiable. You need a filter rated for a tank larger than the one you have. For a 40-gallon tank, choose a filter rated for 50-60 gallons.
A good Hang-on-Back (HOB) filter or a canister filter is an excellent choice. The goal is to turn over the total volume of your tank water at least 4-5 times per hour. And remember the nitrogen cycle! Your tank must be fully cycled before adding your fish to establish the beneficial bacteria that convert toxic ammonia into less harmful nitrates.
Water Parameters and Maintenance
Fancy goldfish are hardy, but they thrive in stable conditions. Here are the ideal parameters:
- Temperature: 68-74°F (20-23°C)
- pH: 7.0 – 8.0
- Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm (parts per million). Any level is toxic.
- Nitrate: Below 40 ppm, ideally below 20 ppm.
To maintain these levels, a weekly water change of 25-50% is essential. This removes nitrates and replenishes essential minerals. Always use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramine from your tap water.
Feeding Your Fancy Goldfish: Diet and Nutrition Tips
Knowing how to small goldfish species should be fed is crucial for their health, especially for round-bodied fancies who can be prone to digestive issues.
The best diet is a varied one. A high-quality, sinking pellet or gel food should be their staple. Flake foods can cause them to gulp air from the surface, which can lead to buoyancy problems (swim bladder disorder).
A Balanced Menu Includes:
- Sinking Pellets: Look for foods specifically formulated for goldfish. Soaking them in a bit of tank water for a minute before feeding can make them easier to digest.
- Gel Food: An excellent, moisture-rich option that is very easy on their digestive system. You can even make your own!
- Vegetables: Blanched (briefly boiled) peas (with the skin removed), spinach, and kale are fantastic treats that provide fiber.
- Occasional Protein: Frozen or freeze-dried brine shrimp and daphnia are great protein boosts, but use them sparingly (1-2 times a week).
Feed your goldfish only what they can consume in about one minute, once or twice a day. Overfeeding is a very common mistake that pollutes the water and can make your fish sick.
Common Problems with Small Goldfish Species (and How to Solve Them)
Even with the best care, you might run into a few bumps. Here are some common problems with small goldfish species and how to handle them like a pro.
Swim Bladder Disorder
The Problem: The fish is struggling to control its buoyancy. It might be floating to the top, sinking to the bottom, or swimming upside down.
The Cause: Often related to diet, constipation, or gulping air. The round body shape of fancy goldfish compresses their internal organs, making them susceptible.
The Solution:
- Fast the fish for 2-3 days.
- After the fast, feed it a blanched, skinned pea. The fiber can help clear its digestive tract.
- Ensure you are feeding high-quality, sinking foods going forward.
- In some cases, a mild bacterial infection could be the cause, which might require medication, but always start with diet first.
Fin Rot
The Problem: The edges of the fins appear ragged, frayed, or milky white.
The Cause: This is a bacterial infection, almost always caused by poor water quality.
The Solution:
- Test your water immediately! Check for ammonia and nitrite.
- Perform a large water change (50%) to improve conditions.
- Continue with smaller, more frequent water changes (25% every other day) for a week.
- In most mild cases, pristine water is all that’s needed for the fins to heal and regrow.
The Benefits of Small Goldfish Species: More Than Just a Pretty Face
Beyond their beauty, there are many benefits of small goldfish species. They are intelligent, interactive pets that can learn to recognize you and even be trained to eat from your hand. Their clumsy, charming swimming style brings a sense of calm and wonder to any room.
Choosing to keep them responsibly is also a form of eco-friendly small goldfish species stewardship. By providing a proper, life-long home, you are moving away from the “disposable pet” mentality often associated with goldfish won at fairs. A well-cared-for fancy goldfish can live for 10-15 years, becoming a true long-term companion. Opting for a tank-raised fish from a reputable breeder is also a more sustainable small goldfish species choice than wild-caught alternatives in other parts of the hobby.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Goldfish Species
How big do “small” goldfish actually get?
Fancy goldfish, the true small goldfish species, typically grow to be 6-8 inches in body length. Their fins can add a few more inches. They are not “small” in the way a Neon Tetra is, but they are significantly smaller and more manageable than their Common or Comet goldfish relatives who can exceed 12 inches.
Can I keep a single small goldfish?
Yes, you can, provided you give it enough space (a minimum of a 20-gallon tank). However, goldfish are social creatures and often do better in pairs or groups. If you keep a single fish, make sure to interact with it regularly! They will come to see you as their companion.
What are the best tank mates for fancy goldfish?
The best tank mates for fancy goldfish are other fancy goldfish of a similar size and swimming speed. Do not mix them with fast, single-tailed varieties like Comets, as they will be outcompeted for food. You can also keep them with other peaceful, cool-water species like Dojo Loaches, but be sure the tank is large enough to accommodate everyone.
How often should I do a water change?
For a properly stocked goldfish tank, a weekly water change of at least 25-50% is the standard. If your tank is heavily stocked or you are dealing with high nitrate levels, you may need to do more frequent or larger changes. Consistency is key to maintaining a healthy environment.
Your Journey with Fancy Goldfish Starts Now!
You now have a complete small goldfish species care guide at your fingertips. We’ve busted the myth of the “bowl-sized” goldfish and introduced you to the wonderful world of fancies. We’ve covered the crucial elements of tank setup, feeding, and troubleshooting common issues.
Remember, the most important ingredients for success are research, patience, and a commitment to providing the best possible environment for your aquatic friend. The reward is a vibrant, personable pet that will bring you joy for years to come.
Go forth and grow! Your beautiful goldfish aquarium awaits.
- Honey Gourami Clamped Fins – Expert Guide To Diagnosis, Treatment, And - December 14, 2025
- Gourami Upside Down – Decoding Behavior & Ensuring A Thriving, Healthy - December 14, 2025
- Gourami Swimming Vertically – Deciphering Behavior & Ensuring Health - December 14, 2025