Butterfly Goldfish

• Depth of body to be approximately 60% of body length.

• Caudal fin to be divided, well spread like the open wings of a butterfly and held almost horizontal when viewed from the side.

• Dorsal fin to be single, all other fins to be paired and their extremities slightly rounded.

• Eyes to project outwards and slightly forward from surface of head.

• Minimum length of body to be 5.5 cm (2¼ inches).

The fish should be bright and alert. The body should be short and rounded. The caudal fin should be well divided and shaped like open butterfly wings when viewed from above, and it should be at least 75% of the length of the body with the extremities being slightly scalloped in shape. The caudal rays should have the strength to support the tail spread with the lower lobes turning forwards towards the fish’s head.

The eyes should be large, prominent, with good development and well matched. Note: the eyes are large and spherical, set within raised sockets, as in the moor, and not the same as for the globe eye.

Metallic fish may be self-coloured (red, orange, yellow, blue, brown or black) or variegated (any combination of red, orange, yellow, blue, brown, black and white) in a pleasing pattern similar on each side. Quality fish will have high colour intensity and metallic shine extending into the fins.

Calico fish should have a blue background with patches of violet, red, orange, yellow, brown and white, spotted with black. Quality fish should have a high intensity of colour evenly distributed over the body, with colour, especially black, extending into the fins.