Goldish were first bred over 1000 years ago during the Song Dynasty in China, where they were royally treated as a symbol of the imperial family. Later, they swum their way to Japan and Europe, becoming a popular ornamental fish worldwide. In some cultures, goldfish are considered a lucky charm—the conveyor of good luck and fortune.
As a goldfish enthusiast, you may also love to know that your favorite goldy can live even for 20 or more years, keeping you company. They also aren’t as forgetful as the saying goes. Various breeds of goldfish can be trained to hand feed and do simple tricks.
In this article, we’ll explore a few goldfish breeds that are comparatively smaller and can be kept in 20-30-gallon tanks.
Table of Contents
13 Goldfishes That Stay Small
1. Tosakin
| Adult Size | 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Number of Goldfish in a Tank | 1-2 in 30-gallon tanks |
| Color | Typically found in red, orange, white, and red-and-white combinations. |
Recently popular as Peacock Tail goldfish, Tosakin goldfish have a short, deep body with a broad head and a humped back. Their fins are long and flowing, with a particularly impressive dorsal fin that extends back to the tail.
The most distinctive feature of the Tosakin is its spectacular tail fin. This tail is deeply forked and should be perfectly symmetrical, resembling a swallow’s tail when viewed from above. Breeders spend years developing the perfect Tosakin tail.
Tosakin goldfish are generally peaceful fish, but they can be fin nippers towards other long-finned goldfish varieties. So, it’s best to keep them with other Tosakin or with shorter-finned goldfish.
2. Pom Pom Goldfish
| Adult Size | 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Number of Goldfish in a Tank | 1-2 |
| Color | Typically found in orange, red, white, and calico combinations. |
Pom Pom or hana fusa goldfish have a short, rounded body and a small dorsal fin. Their most distinctive feature is the pair of fleshy protuberances on their heads, which resemble red pom poms, cheering you for feeding them.
The adorable “pom poms” are actually growths called wen that develop on the goldfish’s head. Wen growth typically starts around 1 year of age and continues throughout the fish’s life. The wens can be singular or paired, and their shape and size can vary. The growths also are thought to aid the fish in reproduction by improving blood flow.
These goldfish are generally peaceful fish and can be kept with other calm goldfish varieties and other smaller peaceful fish species. However, their wens can be sensitive and easily damaged by aggressive fin nippers.
Also Read: Fancy Goldfish: Care Guide, Breeding, Tank Size, & Disease
3. Ranchu
| Adult Size | 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Number of Goldfish in a Tank | 1-2 |
| Color | Typically found in black and red-and-white combinations |
Ranchu goldfish have a deep, rounded body with a short caudal fin (tail) and no dorsal fin (the fin on the back). Their most striking feature is their headgrowth, called the wen, which is similar to pom pom goldfish but is larger in Ranchu.
Ranchu wen can be single or double, and its shape and size can vary greatly. Ideally, the wen should be well-proportioned to the body and smoothly rounded.
Ranchu goldfish are generally peaceful fish, but they’re slow swimmers due to the lack of a dorsal fin—making them vulnerable to fin nipping from faster or more aggressive fish. Therefore, it’s best to keep them with other Ranchu or with peaceful goldfish varieties that have shorter fins.
Their head growth often causes poor eyesight and reduced swimming abilities. Ranchus rely mostly on their other senses, including touch and smell. In extreme cases, human intervention may also be required.
4. Bubble Eye Goldfish
| Adult Size | 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Number of Goldfish in a Tank | 1-2 |
| Color | Typically found in orange, red, white, and calico combinations. |
Bubble Eye goldfish are small goldfish with a short, rounded body and a double anal fin. They, however, lack a dorsal fin. Their most distinguishing feature, inspiring their name, is the fluid-filled sacs located under each eye.
The bubble eyes are fluid-filled sacs made of thin skin that protrude outwards from the sides of the head. They can grow quite large and translucent. The ideal size and shape of the bubble eyes will vary depending on show standards, but generally, they should be symmetrical and proportionate to the body.
In our personal experience, Bubble Eye goldfish are peaceful fish, but their poor eyesight and delicate eye sacs make them vulnerable to injuries. They should not be housed with any active or aggressive fish that might nip at their bubbles and protrude them.
Despite their attractiveness, these delicate sacs are prone to injuries and infections. Stress, poor water quality, and rough tank decorations can all damage the bubble eyes pretty fatally.
Also Read: 20 Fun Facts about Goldfish – 13th One is the Most Interesting
5. Celestial Eye Goldfish
| Adult Size | 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Number of Goldfish in a Tank | 1-2 |
| Color | Typically found in orange, red, white, black, and calico combinations. |
Celestial Eye goldfish, aka Chotengan, are double-tailed goldfish with a short, rounded body. They lack a dorsal fin and their most distinctive feature is their unique eye placement. The eyes are positioned vertically, pointing upwards towards the “celestial” sky. These eyes develop abnormally during the first six months of their life, gradually rotating upwards until they face straight up.
The abnormal eye development is associated with degeneration of the retina, meaning they have limited vision or may even be blind. This makes it difficult for them to find food, navigate their environment, and avoid obstacles.
Celestial Eye goldfish can be peaceful fish, but their limited vision can make them clumsy swimmers. This can make them vulnerable to competition for food or bullying from faster or more aggressive tank mates. It’s best to keep them with other Celestial Eyes or other peaceful, slow-moving goldfish varieties.
6. Lionhead Goldfish
| Adult Size | 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Number of Goldfish in a Tank | 1-2 |
| Color | Typically found in red, orange, white, black, blue, and red-and-white combinations. |
Lionhead goldfish have a short, rounded body with a double anal fin and no dorsal fin. Their most striking feature is their massive headgrowth, called a “hood”. The hood is a fleshy protuberance that covers the head and extends over the forehead and cheeks. It can completely obscure the mouth and nostrils, giving the goldfish a permanent grin.
Lionhead goldfish are generally peaceful fish, but their poor eyesight due to the hood and lack of a dorsal fin can make them vulnerable to fin nipping. They do best in a calm tank environment with tank mates that have shorter fins and a peaceful temperament.
Lionhead goldfish require special care due to their head growth, often to the extent of surgical intervention. The hood can impede their ability to eat and can harbor bacteria if not kept clean. Regular tank maintenance and a diet of sinking pellets are important for Lionheads. Interestingly, some Lionhead breeders believe the hood grows throughout the goldfish’s life.
Also Read: Aquarium Fish Care Guides: Breeding, Disease, Diet
7. Pearlscale Goldfish
| Adult Size | 6 inches (15 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Number of Goldfish in a Tank | 1-2 |
| Color | Typically found in orange, red, white, black, and calico combinations. |
The Pearlscale goldfish has a compact, egg-shaped body with a short dorsal fin and a double anal fin. Their most distinctive feature is their unique scale formation. These scales have an iridescent sheen and a dark outline, resembling rows of tiny pearls covering their body. They come in a wide variety of colors, including red, orange, black, white, and combinations like calico.
Pearlscale goldfish are generally peaceful fish and can be kept with other calm goldfish varieties and fish species. However, their egg-shaped body with crowded internal organs keeps their swimming abilities limited. Avoid housing them with faster or more aggressive fish that might outcompete them for food.
Unlike some fancy goldfish breeds with headgrowths or protruding eyes, Pearlscales have a more streamlined body shape. This allows them to be slightly more agile swimmers compared to their fancy goldfish cousins.
8. Veiltail Goldfish
| Adult Size | 6 inches (15 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Number of Goldfish in a Tank | 1-2 |
| Color | Typically found in orange, red, white, black, and calico combinations. |
Veiltail goldfish have a deep, rounded body similar to the Ryukin goldfish (will explore later), but without the characteristic dorsal hump. Their defining feature is their long, flowing, double-tail fin. The tail fin of a Veiltail goldfish is truly stunning. It’s long and veil-like, with a square-cut edge and no forking or indentation between the lobes. It flows gracefully behind the fish as it swims, creating an impressive display. Their dorsal fin is also typically high and prominent, adding to their overall elegant look.
The swimming abilities of these goldfish are hampered by their long, flowing fins. Veiltail goldfish are generally peaceful fish, but their fins can be a target for fin nippers. They do best in a community tank with other peaceful goldfish varieties that have shorter fins.
While beautiful, the long, flowing tail of the Veiltail goldfish can be delicate. It can easily snag on tank decorations or be damaged by rough tank mates. For this reason, a well-furnished tank with smooth decorations and peaceful tank mates is essential for keeping Veiltail goldfish happy and healthy.
9. Fantail Goldfish
| Adult Size | 6 inches (15 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Number of Goldfish in a Tank | 1-2 |
| Color | Typically found in orange, red, white, black, and calico combinations. |
Unlike other fancy goldfish with single or double caudal fins, Fantails have a quad-forked tail. This means the tail fin is deeply forked into four lobes, resembling a fan when fully extended. Ideally, the two lobes on the top and the two on the bottom should be symmetrical and flow gracefully behind the fish as it swims. Fantail goldfish have a short, egg-shaped body with a well-defined dorsal fin.
Fantail goldfish are generally peaceful community fish. They are active swimmers but not overly fast, making them good tank mates for other peaceful goldfish varieties. Similar to other goldfish variants, their flowing fins can be a target for fin nippers, so avoid housing them with aggressive fish.
Fantail goldfish are considered one of the oldest and most common fancy goldfish breeds. They are relatively easy to care for and come in a wide variety of colors, including red, orange, white, black, and even calico. Due to their popularity and ease of breeding, Fantails are often seen as good beginner fish.
10. Ryukin Goldfish
| Adult Size | 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Number of Goldfish in a Tank | 1-2 in 30-gallon tanks |
| Color | Typically found in orange, red, white, black, and calico combinations. |
Ryukin goldfish have a short, deep body with a prominent hump right behind their head. This hump gives them a unique “egg and spoon” profile. Their fins are well-developed, with a high dorsal fin and a flowing double caudal fin.
The combination of the deep body, prominent dorsal hump, and flowing tail fin creates the Ryukin’s most striking feature – its elegant appearance. Their tail fin can be long and flowing, sometimes even twice the length of their body, and come in single or double-lobed varieties.
Ryukin goldfish can be peaceful fish, but their swimming ability can be hampered by their body shape. This can make them less competitive for food if housed with faster goldfish. Their deep body can also put a strain on their internal organs, and their long fins can be easily damaged by rough tank decorations or aggressive tank mates.
Also Read: Comet Goldfish Care Guide – Feeding, Breeding & Tank Setup
11. Oranda Goldfish
| Adult Size | 5-7 inches (12-18 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Number of Goldfish in a Tank | 1-2 |
| Color | Typically found in orange, red, white, and black combinations. |
Similar to Lionhead Goldish, Oranda goldfish have a short, rounded body with a prominent “wen” on their head. Their wen can cover the top of the head or even encase the entire face, excluding the mouth. Their fins are well-developed, with a double anal fin and a flowing caudal fin. Oranda goldfish also come in a wide variety of colors, including orange, red, white, black, and even calico patterns.
Oranda goldfish are generally peaceful fish with slightly lacking swimming abilities. However, their prominent wen can be a target for fin nippers or overly curious tank mates. They do best in a community tank with other peaceful goldfish varieties that have shorter fins.
While the wen adds to the Oranda’s charm, it also requires special care. The fleshy growth can trap debris and harbor bacteria if not kept clean. Regular tank maintenance and a diet of sinking pellets that won’t get lodged in the wen are important for Oranda goldfish.
12. Shubunkin Goldfish
| Adult Size | 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Number of Goldfish in a Tank | 1-2 |
| Color | Typically calico (blue, red, orange, and black speckled pattern), but can also be found in single colors like red, orange, white, and black. |
Shubunkin goldfish have a long, slender body similar to the Comet goldfish, but with a single caudal fin. Their defining feature is their unique, vibrant calico coloration. These markings consist of a white or iridescent base color overlaid with a patchwork of black, blue, red, and yellow. The specific color patterns and distribution can vary greatly, making each fish unique in coloration and patterns.
Shubunkin goldfish are active swimmers and do best in a spacious tank with plenty of room to roam. They also are generally peaceful fish and can be kept with other calm goldfish varieties. Shubunkin goldfish are relatively hardy and easy to care for, making them a popular choice for goldfish enthusiasts who want a vibrant and active fish for their tank.
13. Jikin Goldfish
| Adult Size | 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Number of Goldfish in a Tank | 1-2 |
| Color | Typically characterized by a metallic white body with red markings on the gill covers, tail, and fins. |
One of the most unique goldfish varieties in terms of patterns and shape, Jikin goldfish have a body shape similar to a Ryukin goldfish, but with a wider, compressed tail that looks like an “X” when viewed from behind. Their body is typically shorter and stockier than other goldfish varieties.
While the spectacular tail fin is the most striking feature, Jikin goldfish also showcase a desired color pattern called “Rokurin” or “Twelve Points of Red.” This pattern consists of red coloration on the lips and the fins.
Jikins do best in a community tank with other peaceful goldfish varieties that have shorter fins. However, some breeders believe Jikin is best kept in single-species tanks to avoid any competition or damage to their fins.
FAQs
There aren’t any particular goldfish species that can be termed dwarf, but we’ve discussed a few goldfish species that stay comparatively shorted throughout their adulthood. Among them, Tosakin, Pom Pom, and Celestial Eye Goldfish are particularly smaller variants.
If your goldfish hasn’t reached their maximum length, they may grow to the desired size despite the tank size. However, water quality and limited swimming space may hinder their growth and cause stress.
Your goldfish might “survive” in a smaller sub 20-gallon tank, but the ever-accumulating ammonia, nitrite, and constricting swimming space may pose fatal challenges.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, you’ll now be able to choose the best small goldfish to supplement your collection of rare and beautiful goldfish. Most goldfish have similar water parameters and tank requirements. Follow them and you’ll find yourself a friend for life.