Types of Goldfish: Shubunkins and Comets

Did you miss the previous type of goldfish? We’ll see you when you get back!

Shubunkins and Comets both exhibit a similar appearance in body style. They are both very stream lined fish, and I generally refer to them as being torpedo-shaped. They are a single-tail variety of Goldfish, which is a trait that instantly places them at an advantage to double-tailed breeds – all of the previously mentioned types of Goldfish were double-tails. They grow to approximately 8 inches and 12 inches, respectively, which makes them excellent candidates for outdoor ponds!

The Shubunkin is a calico goldfish, while the majority of Comets you see are orange. There are obviously exceptions to this generalization! Some of the prettiest Comets are completely white or tri-colored. Many people find that their Comet will undergo a complete color transformation as it ages — it is not uncommon for a gold fish to turn white, or for a black one to go orange. Both breeds can have either long or short fins.

A Shubunkin or Comet is neither movement nor sight impaired. They have the ability to move very quickly because of their torpedo shaped bodies. Longer-finned varieties will move considerably slower than their short-tailed brethren, but still much faster than say, an Oranda!

Keep going to learn about what types of goldfish should not be kept together.

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