Comet Goldfish
Carassius auratus
About this strain
The Comet is defined by its deeply forked, single tail fin — often as long or longer than the body itself — giving it a swept, streamlined silhouette that no other goldfish matches. Body coloration is typically solid red, red-and-white, or sarasa (crisp red patches on white), though yellow and orange variants exist. Fast and athletic, Comets thrive in ponds and large tanks and will outcompete fancy varieties for food without hesitation. Select fish with symmetrical tail lobes and clean color borders; avoid specimens with clamped or ragged fins at purchase.
Origin
Developed in the United States in the late 19th century, often credited to Hugo Mulertt and the U.S. Fish Commission around the 1880s. It was one of the first distinct goldfish varieties bred in the West.