There are many different types of goldfish widely available and ranging in colours from gold to purples and blues. Goldfish can be broken into two catergories; the slim bodied goldfish and the fancy varieties.

Slim Bodied Goldfish include the Common goldfish and the Comet, slim bodied goldfish also include the shubunkin and the Wakin. Slim bodied goldfish are incredibly hardy and fast swimmers, due to them being very active they require at least 40 gallons (151 litres) per fish a pond would be most suitable for these fish.  Slim bodied goldfish can easily reach up to 12 inches (30cm) long.

Fancy Goldfish are a little less hardy and usually recommended for the more experienced aquarist. the most common Fancy goldfish are the Black Moor, Panda Moor, Fantail, Butterfly, lionhead, bubble eye, veiltail and Oranda although there are many more varieties of Fancy goldfish, to see what some of these goldfish look like refer to the slideshow of photos below. When stocking an aquarium with Fancy Goldfish there is a golden stocking rule which is 20 gallons (75 litres) for the first fish and then 10 gallons (35 litres) for every additional fancy goldfish. fancy goldfish if well kept can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. Fancy goldfish have two tails are are characterised by their slightly chunkier bodies and features.