COMET GOLDFISH

The comet goldfish variety is thought to have originated from the United States around the 1800s. It is a single-tail long bodied goldfish and is most often what people think of when they hear the word goldfish. This goldfish variety is an excellent choice for beginners. It is a hardy strain that can be kept in an outdoor pond or aquarium. 

The comet looks a lot like the common goldfish in appearance, except that its fins are longer and sleeker. The caudal fin on the comet is almost as long as the its body in a good specimen, but it can still be held erect. The caudal fin is deeply forked, and the lobes are sharply pointed. A large specimen with a twelve-plus inch body and tail of greater or equal length makes for an impressive sight. In the best specimens, the tips of the tail are almost clear, which produces a beautiful effect against the background color of the fish and fins. Comets come in a variety of colors including silver and yellow, as well as a combination of these colors. While they are often metallic in color, nacreous comets are not all uncommon. Much like the common goldfish, comet goldfish are fast and agile swimmers. Comets are smaller than the common goldfish and only grow to a length of about 6 to 10 inches in an aquarium, but they can reach a length exceeding 12 inches in a large pond.

Comets are prolific breeders and are bred commercially for sale to pet shops throughout the United States and elsewhere in the world. The most popular comet variety is known as the Sarasa, which can be recognized by the white patterning and deep red extending over the fins and body. Comets will often thrive in outdoor ponds but can be susceptible to fin congestions during long periods of cold weather.

A COMET GOLDFISH