Goldfish come from China, arising from a mutation of crucian carp. Raising goldfish is considered good luck because a common expression for wealth— “gold and jade fill the hall”—sounds like “goldfish fill the hall.” Both are “jin yu man tang” in Mandarin, with the only difference being a change in tone from “jade” to “fish.” To introduce the beauty of goldfish, Chunghwa Post has specially planned a release of a set of four stamps. Their designs are described below:
1. Red Swallow-tail (NT$6): In Japan and the west, this fish is known as the “comet,” but in Taiwan it is known as the “red swallow-tail.” With a single long and flowing caudal fin, it has a shape resembling the tail of a swallow—hence its name.
2. Ryukin (NT$6): Its Chinese characters are a homonym for “keeping gold,” suggesting a sense of holding on to wealth and abundance. This fish has a pronounced hump on its back, an egg-shaped body, a small triangular head, a large dorsal fin and two caudal fins. It is highly adaptive and easy to care for.
3. Dragon Eye (NT$12): The “dragon eye” or “telescope” goldfish has protruding round eyeballs—its most salient feature—which resemble dragon's eyes. It has a dorsal fin and typically three or four caudal fins.
4. Goose Head Pearl Scale (NT$28): The “goose head” or “crown” pearl scale goldfish has large and bright scales, having a pearl-like appearance. It swims gracefully through the water with a smoothly curving body, and it has a prominent head growth, known as a “hood,” that makes it resemble a goose—hence its name. Commonly seen varieties have both one and two hoods.

These stamps were  painted by marine painter Mr. Jheng Yi-lang and printed by Central Engraving and Printing Plant in color offset. A first-day cover, folders with and without crystal mounts and a loose-leaf album page will be released along with the stamps and will go on sale on January 22, 2019. A pre-cancelled FDC with a NT$6-denominated stamp or the full set of stamps will go on sale on January 24, 2019, the stamps' date of issuance.

To purchase the relative philatelic products, please go directly to the post office branches, Postal Museum or order on line at https://stamp.post.gov.tw.