Goldfish Anatomy
Goldfish anatomy may not be brain surgery, but the more we know about our goldfish friends, the better we can be at keeping the happy and healthy.
Please use the following image as your guide to the anatomy of a goldfish. The markers represent the different part of the goldfish. Click on any of the markers for a detailed description of that specific part of the goldfish anatomy.
Goldfish Anatomy: Dorsal Fin
The dorsal fin gives the goldfish stability in the tank. Some goldfish have longer dorsal fins than other goldfish, while some goldfish have no dorsal fin at all. Another difference between the dorsal fin in goldfish can be the height. From Lionheads and Ranchus, that have no dorsal fin, to the veiltail variety of goldfish that can have a long dorsal fin. Goldfish with an average size dorsal fin a sign of good health is an upright dorsal fin, while the longer dorsal finned varieties of goldifsh it is regular to have a bend in the dorsal fin.
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Goldfish Anatomy: Caudal Fin
The caudal fin, or tail fin, is used by the goldfish to move forward. These fins be different depending on the type of goldfish. Some goldfish have a single tail, while many fancy goldfish have double tails.
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Goldfish Anatomy: Pectoral Fin
The pectoral fins are located on both sides of the goldfish just under and behind the gills. Pectoral fins in goldfish are used for forward and backward movement. During the spring months male goldfish will develop breeding tubercules along the leading ray of the pectoral fin, which can be stiff and thick.
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Goldfish Anatomy: Pelvic Fin
The pelvic fins are located on both sides of the goldfish, in front of the anal fin, but behind the pectoral fin. These pelvic fins are used for both stability and stearing.
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Goldfish Anatomy: Anal Fin
The anal fin on a goldfish helps keep the goldfish upright and stable, and is found just before the caudal fin on the lower portion of the goldfish body.
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Goldfish Anatomy: Gills
The gills are the part of the goldfish that are used for breathing. The opening allows water to flow out of the mouth, past the gills, for breathing. During the spring males can be easily identified by the breeding tubercules that appear on the gill covers.
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Goldfish Anatomy: Lateral Line
Running along the side of goldifsh, the lateral line is a sensory organ. The lateral line is extrememly sensitive and can detect motion, current, pressure, and even sound.
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Goldfish Anatomy: Eyes
Goldfish have a pair of eyes that they use for seeing. Most goldfish can see well, but some breeds that have telescoping eyes can have very poor vision.
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Goldfish Anatomy: Mouth
The opening at the front of the head that takes in food and water is called the mouth.
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