Crucian carp (C. carassius) Goldfish (C. auratus) a) snout well rounded a) more pointed snout b) Always golden bronze b) often has a grey/greenish colour c) 33 + scales along lateral line (33;[1] 31-36 scales[2]) c) 31 or less scales on lateral line (27-31[9]) d) Juveniles have a black spot at the base of the tail, which disappear with age. ("transient dark marking on the caudal peduncle"[3]) d) This tail spot is never present. e) The leading ray of the dorsal fin is weak e) The leading ray of the dorsal fin is strong f) The dorsal fin is higher for longer and convex in shape[8] f) The dorsal fin is concave in shape g) caudal fin bluntly lobed[9] g) caudal fin deeply forked and sharp[9])