Goldfish, one of the world's three major ornamental fish, originated in China and has a breeding history of over 1700 years. They evolved from wild red and yellow crucian carp and, through long-term artificial breeding, have developed into numerous varieties with diverse forms, making them beloved by fish enthusiasts worldwide.

Among the many varieties of goldfish, some are hailed as "top-tier goldfish" due to their rarity, difficulty in breeding, and unique ornamental value. Below is a list of ten of the most prized goldfish , showcasing their splendor.

1. Crimson-topped purple robe

Characteristics: Purple body, black face, bright red top, extremely rare.

The Red-crowned Purple Robe goldfish is known as the "king" of the goldfish world. Its body is deep purple, and it has a bright red fleshy growth on its head. The red and purple colors intertwine, making it look like a work of art. Its eyes, nasal membranes, and mouth are all black, resembling a child's face, hence it is also known as the "baby fish".
This variety is extremely difficult to cultivate, and the proportion of genuine specimens is very low. High-quality individuals on the market can fetch prices as high as 300,000 to 500,000 yuan, making it a truly rare and precious item.

2. Double-hanging black water bubbles

Features: All black, four bubbly eyes, unique design

This fish has a deep, dark black body, resembling velvet. Its most distinctive feature is the presence of two water bubbles below each eye, totaling four, making it quite rare. As the fish ages, the bubbles gradually enlarge, forcing its eyes to turn upwards, giving it a seemingly aggrieved expression, which is extremely interesting to observe.
The number of double-hooked black water bubble fish is extremely rare, and the market price is often around 100,000 yuan. They are very hard to find.

3. Fluorescent Butterfly Tail Fish

Features: Black, white, and red stripes, shimmering like fish scales, resembling an ink painting.

The fluorescent butterfly tail fish is famous for its unique body color, which is often interwoven with black, white and red, resembling an elegant landscape painting. Its scales are rich in reflective substances, making it shine even in low light. Its tail fin spreads out like butterfly wings, which is similar to the Showa Sanshoku koi, hence the name "landscape painting butterfly tail".

4. Red-capped Oranda goldfish

Features: Silver-white body, red crown on head, auspicious symbolism.

The Red-crowned Crane gets its name from the bright red fleshy growth on its head that resembles that of a red-crowned crane, symbolizing "good fortune." Its body is silvery-white without any other colors, and its long, flowing tail fin makes it appear as if a white crane is gracefully dancing when it swims.
Among them, individuals with square, thick, and bright red fleshy growths are particularly precious and are considered representatives of high-end ornamental goldfish.

5. Black Dragon Eye

Features: Entirely black with a prominent tail fin, it is known as the "Black Peony".

The Black Dragon Eye is a classic variety of dragon eye goldfish, characterized by its deep, glossy black body, broad tail fin, and dignified posture. Its history can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty (1592 AD), making it one of the earliest black goldfish varieties. Individuals that remain entirely black and do not fade into adulthood are considered extremely rare.

6. Black Rancho

Features: Entirely black, with a strawberry-shaped growth on its head, and a unique shape.

The Black Ranchu is a goldfish bred from the cross between the Ranchu and the Shouxing. It has a short, round body, a large head with a strawberry-shaped fleshy growth on the top, making it highly ornamental. High-quality individuals have a large head, wide eyes, and an overall imposing presence, and are considered one of the representative varieties of Chinese goldfish.

7. Five-colored glazed gold

Features: Light blue background, colorful patterns, full shape

The Five-Colored Ryukin is a hybrid cultivar developed by the Japanese through crossbreeding Ryukin and Five-Colored Demekin. Its body is light blue with vibrant red, black, white, and blue markings. Its short, round, and plump body makes it highly prized for its ornamental value, especially its butterfly-shaped tail fin, which is particularly striking.

8. Jade Seal Head Fish

Features: Entirely red with a white fleshy growth on its head; unique design.

The Jade Seal Head Fish, also known as the White-capped Red Lionhead Fish, is entirely bright red except for a white fleshy growth on the center of its head, resembling a jade seal inlaid there, hence its name. Together with the Red-capped Oranda, the contrast of red and white creates a fascinating contrast when kept in the same tank.

9. Phoenix Tail Dragon Eye Fish

Features: Its tail fin resembles phoenix feathers, its swimming posture is elegant, and it is widely loved.

The Phoenix Tail Dragon Eye Fish combines the body shape of a dragon eye fish with the flowing tail of a phoenix. Its long, graceful tail fin hangs naturally when still, and when swimming, it resembles a phoenix spreading its wings, displaying an elegant and captivating posture. It is one of the most beloved and prized varieties.

10. Four-pom goldfish

Features: Four brightly colored, whimsical flowers on the nose.

Four-pom goldfish are a variant of the double-pom goldfish. Their nasal membranes swell into four spherical shapes, each unique in form and vibrant in color. When swimming, the spherical shapes sway gently with the water's ripples, resembling floating flower balls, making them highly prized for their beauty.

Summarize

The ten most prized goldfish are not only the dream fish of aquarium enthusiasts, but also the inheritors and representatives of goldfish culture. They are priceless due to their rarity or unique appearance, and are not just ornamental pets, but also symbols of art and culture.