The Fancy Fantail goldfish is a popular and well-known variety of fancy goldfish. It is easily distinguished from other goldfish breeds by its egg-shaped body that makes up about three-fifths of its overall length. The Fantail goldfish has a single dorsal fin, but all other fins are paired, including the caudal fin which is split down the middle with a forked appearance on each fin. The fins are sturdy and rounded at the end, resembling blades of a fan. This is most noticeable when viewing the caudal tail fin from directly above.
Fancy Fantail goldfish come in a wide range of colors and patterns, from metallic self-colored (single color) to variegated (multiple colors), including calico. The ideal coloration of the variegated variety should extend into the fins, and the calico variety should be mainly blue with patches of other colors. Colors of the fantail goldfish usually come in a few solids or a mix of orange, blue (silver), black, bronze, and red. A high-quality fantail will have a good balance of color on both sides of its body.
Despite being a fancy goldfish breed often bred for show, the Fantail is a very hardy species and an excellent choice for beginners or outdoor goldfish ponds. With proper care, fantails can live for more than ten to twenty years. At maturity, the fantail can grow up to six to eight inches long.
Fantail goldfish are peaceful and social creatures that get along well with other goldfish breeds. They are relatively easy to care for, but it is important to maintain a clean and well-aerated environment for their optimal health. Learn more.
Fancy Fantail Goldfish Care Tips
Tank Size and Environment
- Fantail goldfish require ample swimming space due to their flowing fins and active nature. Provide a spacious tank with a minimum capacity of 20-30 gallons for a single fish. Increase the tank size accordingly if you plan to keep multiple Fantails.
- Incorporate decorations, rocks, and plants (live or artificial) in the tank to provide hiding spots and create a stimulating environment. Ensure that the tank has a secure lid to prevent jumps or escapes.
Water Quality
- Maintain good water quality to keep your Fantail goldfish healthy. Regularly test the water parameters for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH levels using a reliable test kit.
- Perform regular water changes of 20-30% every 1-2 weeks to remove accumulated toxins and maintain stable water conditions. Adjust the frequency and volume of water changes based on the tank size and stocking level.
- Use a suitable filtration system to keep the water clean and clear. Choose a filter that provides mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration for optimal water quality.
Feeding
- Offer a balanced diet to ensure the nutritional needs of your Fantail goldfish are met. Feed them a high-quality goldfish pellet or flake food as the staple diet.
- Supplement their diet with small portions of live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, or tubifex worms to provide variety and enhance their diet.
- Offer fresh vegetables such as peas (with the skin removed), lettuce, spinach, or blanched zucchini as occasional treats. These vegetables provide essential fiber and nutrients.
Tank Mates
- Fantail goldfish are generally peaceful and can coexist with other goldfish breeds. However, avoid keeping them with aggressive or fast-swimming breeds that may outcompete them for food or nip at their flowing fins.
- Ensure that tank mates have similar requirements in terms of water temperature and quality. Compatible goldfish breeds include other fancy varieties like Oranda, Ryukin, or Ranchu.
Observation and Health Care
- Regularly observe your Fantail goldfish for any signs of illness or distress. Look for changes in behavior, appetite, or physical appearance.
- If you notice any abnormalities or signs of disease, promptly isolate the affected fish and seek advice from a knowledgeable aquatic veterinarian or fish expert.
- Maintain a suitable temperature range of 68-74°F (20-23°C) to provide a comfortable environment for your Fancy Fantail goldfish.
Sources:
- “Fancy Goldfish Care” by Inland Aquatics: https://inlandaquatics.com/fancy-goldfish-care/
- “Fancy Goldfish” by The Goldfish Council: https://thegoldfishcouncil.org/fancy-goldfish/
Reviewed By: Tim Winter
Tim Winter has a strong affection for pets and wildlife. His years of experience caring for various types of pets has led him to share his knowledge with others on the best practices in pet care. Tim holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communications.