This easy drawing tutorial shows how to draw a goldfish with a cute face.
We will build the shapes slowly, then add fins, scales, and clean details.
What You Will Need
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Black pen or fineliner
- Paper
- Optional: colored pencils or markers
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- Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
- 24 Colored Crayon Set
- A4 Printer Paper
- Crayola Coloring Pencils
- HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!
Time needed:
22 minutes.
Step-by-Step Drawing Guide
Step 1: Block In a Cute Face
Start with two big oval eyes near the upper area, spaced evenly.
Add a tiny curved nose between them, then draw a gentle smiling mouth.
Pro Tip: Keep both eyes the same size and height so the face feels balanced.
Step 2: Add the Rounded Body Outline
Draw a large curved outline around the face to form a plump body shape.
Close the belly with a smooth lower curve, but leave a small gap for the tail.
Pro Tip: Place the face slightly toward the front-left so the goldfish reads as a side view.
Step 3: Add the Tail Fin and Simple Scales
Sketch a small leaf-shaped tail fin in the opening, fanning outward.
Add a few curved fin rays, then place small curved marks on the back half as scales.
Pro Tip: Keep the scale marks on the back half only, leaving clean open space.
Step 4: Add a Dorsal Fin for a Goldfish Shape
Draw a tall, wavy dorsal fin on the top-back area of the body.
Add several curved fin rays inside, following the fin’s bend.
Pro Tip: Don’t place the dorsal fin too far forward, so the head stays nicely round.
Step 5: Enlarge the Tail and Add Fin Rays
Expand the tail into a big, flowing butterfly-shaped fin with two soft lobes.
Pull long curved fin rays from the base outward, spreading to the edges.
Pro Tip: A bigger tail feels more goldfish-like, but keep the edges soft and rounded.
Step 6: Add Small Bottom Fins
Add two to three small leaf-shaped fins along the lower belly edge.
Draw a few short curved fin rays inside each fin, pointing toward the tips.
Pro Tip: Keep the bottom fins small so they feel cute and not heavy.
Step 7: Color in your drawing!
Fun Facts
- Goldfish are a type of carp and have been kept as pets for centuries.
- A goldfish’s fins help it steer, balance, and brake while swimming.
- Some goldfish breeds have extra-large tails and fins, called “fancy” goldfish.
Pin it now, Draw later!
Carefully trace your final lines, then erase any rough sketch marks.
If you color it, try warm orange with a lighter belly for a classic look.
You now have a friendly goldfish drawing for beginners—try drawing a second one swimming the other way.
Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide
FREE Download Printable Goldfish Drawing Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the goldfish look even cuter?
Make the eyes slightly bigger, keep the mouth small, and round every corner.
What if my tail looks stiff?
Use longer, smoother curves and let the fin rays fan outward more gently.
Can I turn this into a faster step by step drawing?
Yes—lightly sketch the big body and tail first, then add the face and fin details.
