Question
i have a large pond in which my large gold fish bred about two to three years ago. the fish are now 5-6" in length. they are a brown color with dark red fins. is this normal?
i also have two mirror carp, two shubunkins, a roach and a rudd.

Answer
Goldfish normally get their color at 1 to 3 inches in length but can sometimes hold onto their color when full sized (over a foot).  I had one finally change color at about 10 inches long.  The dark red finds though sounds unique and not typical of goldfish.  I assume the fish look nothing like your roach or rudd?  I think those fish get their adult colors when fairly small.  My comet goldfish normally go from the gray/brown/blah color to orange with black fins to orange to orange with white fins.  I've never had any with red fins but some white ones with red circles around their eyes.  I would like to see photos of your unique fish if you have them.  Good luck!

Robyn
fishpondinfo.com