There are many types of goldfish, but most people conjure up thoughts of carnival midways, ping pong balls, and small plastics bags filled with water when they hear the word “goldfish”. In actuality goldfish come in every shape, size, and color that you possibly could imagine.  Fish with fancy, huge pectoral fins or large tail fins are part of the the goldfish family.  There are also fish with tiny eyes and others with big eyes that look like something from a science fiction author’s worst dream. As a matter of fact, goldfish actually began their existence as a genetic mutation in China during the Tang dynasty.  Pond carps began displaying gold, or yellowish orange, rather than the standard silver coloration.  This new color of carp was found to be a more prolific breeder, so the road to the goldfish breeds we have today began.

There are over fifty known types of goldfish, but some of the better known breeds include the black moor, fantail, and the comet.  However, the common goldfish is the species that many people think of when they are looking into the fish tanks of a pet store.

The next time you are eating cotton candy, thinking about the Ferris wheel, and waiting for your chance to win a new pet in a plastic bag, remember that your common little goldfish is just one of many offshoots of a fish that got its start 600 years ago.