15 Cheapest Goldfish To Keep as Pets

If you want a new pet, there’s a strong chance you’re thinking about a goldfish. Americans own 158 million aquarium fish, making these pets some of the most popular in the country. One reason for this popularity is price. The cheapest goldfish cost just $0.10. 

Saving money on your pet’s purchase frees you to splurge on toys and a good tank. Here’s a list of the 15 most affordable goldfish you can find.

15. Comet Goldfish

Average cost: $0.10  

Ask a child to draw a goldfish, and you’ll likely end up with a sketch of an orange comet. Comet goldfish are extremely popular, especially the orange variety. They’re the perfect choice if you want to add life to an outdoor pond. They grow to 12 inches long, and you can buy a dozen fish for the same price as a gas station soda.

14. Common Goldfish

Average cost: $0.15 to $0.20  

The common goldfish looks so much like the comet that some pet stores sometimes mislabel them. Finding a good deal on this pet won’t take long because they’re often less than $0.20. They’re among the cheapest goldfish because they don’t need special aquarium equipment like heaters.

If you have a large tank, your common goldfish might grow to an impressive ten inches long.

13. Shubunkin Goldfish

Average cost: $3

Shubunkin goldfish grab attention with their calico coloration. Within the pattern, you can see blue, black, red, and white. They look even more impressive when they grow to their maximum 18 inches.

There are three types of shubunkin goldfish, and they all have specked tails. You can get one shubunkin for 30 comet goldfish if you buy at the average price. The extra expense is worth it if you like the unique look

12. Fantail Goldfish

Average cost: $5 

If the fantail and the comet goldfish had a beauty contest, the fantail would likely win even though the two fish look almost identical. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the fantail has a gorgeous, flowy tail that “fans” out behind its plump body. All of their beauty has to stay indoors, however, because fantails don’t do well in outdoor ponds.

Choose this fish if you would enjoy a fancier pet than a plain comet goldfish. An appropriately sized aquarium and optimal conditions will let your fantail grow to eight inches.

11. Nymph Goldfish

Average cost: $5

Nymph goldfish are peaceful, hardy creatures that can withstand frigid water. That’s a significant advantage if you want to stock an outdoor pond in a cold area. These fish are also quite large, growing to a maximum of 12 inches.

Finding a nymph goldfish for $5 is easy. But a particularly striking fish, or one from a well-known breeder, may cost up to $40.

10. Ryukin Goldfish 

Average cost: $7 

Ryukins aren’t the cheapest goldfish, but they’re budget-friendly and have an adorable look. Ryukin goldfish are noticeably chubby, with humps stretching from the head to the dorsal fin. They were originally bred from fantail goldfish.

Ryukins are social and compatible with many other fish, so you can set up a thriving, colorful aquarium without worrying that they’ll cause trouble. Ryukins can stretch as long as 10 inches if they have ample space. Usually, they’re about six to eight inches long.

9. Oranda Goldfish

Average cost: $8

Oranda goldfish are beloved for the fleshy mound on top of their heads called a wen. It makes the fish stand out from other breeds. But, if it grows too large, you’ll have to take your oranda to the vet to get the wen safely trimmed. It’s too complicated for an amateur to do at home. 

Oranda goldfish need a large tank. They can get as big as 12 inches.

8. Black Moor Goldfish

Average cost: $8

If a goldfish with a protrusion on its head doesn’t appeal, how about one with huge, protruding eyes? Black Moor goldfish complete their unique look with jet-black scales and long fins. These are fun pets for owners who want a gentle goldfish with a fancy appearance.

Don’t expect them to be agile, however. Black moor goldfish are sometimes a full eight inches long, but they’re rarely fast movers.

7. Bubble Eye Goldfish

Average cost: $12

Bubble eye goldfish might have the strangest faces on this list. Their “bubbles” are delicate,  fluid-filled sacs attached to their cheeks. It’s actually possible for these bubbles to burst if damaged, although they can grow back. 

You’ll need to be pretty careful to keep your bubble eye goldfish safe. Avoid jagged or sharp objects in their tank, and make sure it’s not overcrowded. Pond living isn’t a viable option for these fragile creatures. They’re also one of the smaller affordable goldfish, with a maximum size of six inches. 

6. Pearlscale Goldfish

Average cost: $15

Look at a pearlscale goldfish, and you might think you’re seeing a pearl-encrusted ball floating in the water. At least, that’s how the pearlscale got its “ping-pong” nickname. These goldfish have raised scales over their round bodies. A well-fed pearlscale goldfish might grow to eight inches long and the circumference of an orange.

First-time fish owners may want to avoid this breed. They can’t swim very well and need a lifestyle accommodating that. For example, a tank with slow swimmers and easily accessible food is necessary.

5. Telescope Eye Goldfish

Average cost: $15 

If you were up for caring for a pearlscale or bubble eye goldfish, a telescope eye goldfish might be in your range, too. They have bulbous eyes attached to thin stalks, a striking visual feature but also a liability. 

The giant eyes actually have poor vision, so it’s hard for these goldfish to compete with swifter breeds. Their eyes are also vulnerable and prone to injury. A good-sized telescopic eye goldfish is eight inches long. 

4. Celestial Eye Goldfish

Average cost: $17

Another protruding-eye breed, celestial eye goldfish, has eyes that face straight up. The unusual placement is less impactful than it may seem because all celestial eye fish have poor eyesight, and many are completely blind.

Celestial eye goldfish also lack a dorsal fin, which means that they struggle to balance themselves. Some owners believe this breed should be retired because of its multiple serious problems. 

However, if you’re committed to great care, your celestial eye goldfish can grow to a full five inches and live for twelve years.

3. Ranchu Goldfish

Average size: $35

If you’re willing to spend at least $35, you can get a goldfish with cartoonish features that’s simple to care for. The Ranchu goldfish is one of the few expensive breeds that doesn’t come with more advanced needs. 

Ranchus lack dorsal fins just like the celestial eye goldfish, but they don’t have the extra sensitive body parts sticking out, so it’s less of a problem. What Ranchu goldfish do have are tucked tails, arched backs, and small head wens. Their maximum size is eight inches.

2. Veiltail Goldfish

Average cost: $45  

A veiltail goldfish might reach eight to 10 inches long, and about half that length would be tail. The lovely, long tail is why so many people love these fish. Veiltail goldfish are wonderful to look at. However, before you bring one home, you should know that the famous tail is easily torn. Veiltails are calm yet too easily damaged to live with lots of other fish.

1. Tosakin Goldfish

Average cost: $75 – $500

For another impressive tail, look at the tosakin goldfish. They have fluttering double tails shaped like a curving fan and can grow to eight inches long.

Tosakin goldfish are best owned by people with the money, interest, and experience to care for them. Their long tails constrict their movement, and they’re such poor swimmers that they need special tanks.

Summary of the 15 Cheapest Goldfish To Keep as Pets

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Rizelle Anne Galvez, Belle's/ via Canva.com