Fantail Goldfish: Fish Species Characteristics and Care

The fantail goldfish is a common variety of fancy goldfish, recognized for its striking double tail. Instead of one standard tail with a top and bottom caudal fin, these goldfish have been selectively bred to possess two top and bottom caudal fins, with the two upper fins fused. When keeping fantail goldfish, special consideration for their impaired swimming ability is necessary.

Characteristics

Origin and Distribution

Although the original comet goldfish originated from the Crucian carp in Asia, the fantail goldfish does not occur in the wild and has been developed through human-led selective breeding. Classified as a type of fancy goldfish, the fantail goldfish was bred by selecting fish with desired features over numerous generations.

Colors and Markings

Fantail goldfish are distinguished by their double tails and typically short bodies, with the potential for elongated pectoral and anal fins. If your fantail has been bred with other fancy goldfish varieties like orandas, ryukins, or pearlscales, they may display features from these goldfish, such as a small wen (head swelling), a tall body, or an enlarged coelom. Typically, fantail goldfish range from orange to white in color, but they can also be red or multicolored if crossed with shubunkin or ryukin goldfish.

Tankmates

When choosing tankmates for fantail goldfish, other goldfish species are the best options.

None

Some goldfish may prefer solitude, and that's perfectly acceptable. You can keep goldfish individually, but they still require a large, filtered aquarium to ensure optimal health. Remember to spend quality time with a single-housed goldfish, treating it as the cherished companion it is.

Another Goldfish

The ideal tankmate for a fantail goldfish is another fancy variety. Avoid pairing them with long-bodied goldfish, such as comets or shubunkins, as they can outpace your fancy goldfish and monopolize feeding. Select another fancy goldfish with similar slow swimming capabilities to ensure equitable access to food and space.

Zebrafish

When adding fish to a goldfish tank, the key factor is the temperate nature of the aquatic environment. Goldfish require lower temperatures than most tropical species, so compatibility is limited. However, a school of zebrafish, also known as zebra danios, can be a great addition. They thrive in groups, so maintain at least five in the tank. Zebrafish offer a variety of fin types and colors for added visual interest.

Fantail Goldfish Habitat and Care

Like other goldfish types, the fantail goldfish is easy-going and requires minimal maintenance. However, they produce more waste than many other pet fish, so adhering to a regular maintenance routine is essential. Due to their tail shape, fantail goldfish are not efficient swimmers, so avoid a crowded tank environment. They may rest more often than other goldfish, so providing an open area on the substrate will allow them to rest comfortably.

Fantail Goldfish Diet and Feeding

Many pelleted diets are available for feeding fantail goldfish. When choosing a pellet, be sure to choose the correct pellet size for your fish to easily swallow. Since they do not have an acidic stomach, goldfish rely on their grinding molars to crush up their food in order to digest it properly. Most goldfish will require about 32-35% protein, but given their swimming difficulties, fancy goldfish should be on a slightly higher protein level in the diet. Choose a diet with a fat content around 4-5% and replace your food container every 6 months to ensure adequate vitamin C levels. Sinking diets are recommended to help with any fish prone to buoyancy disorders, so they don't gulp air at the surface while eating a floating food.

Feeding frequency depends on your tank's temperature. Below 70°F (21°C), feed goldfish once daily. At 70°F and above, increase to twice daily. Provide a modest amount, allowing them to eat leisurely for about five minutes. Uneaten food indicates overfeeding. Remove leftover food to prevent waste buildup in the aquarium.

Gender Differences

Like comet goldfish, male fantail goldfish have identifiable features. During spawning, males develop breeding tubercles—raised, white bumps—on the operculum (gill cover) and leading edge of the pectoral fin. Females generally appear rounder, but this is less reliable in fantails due to their naturally enlarged bellies.

Breeding the Fantail Goldfish

Goldfish are prolific breeders, making it feasible even for novice caretakers. Before breeding, enhance your goldfish's protein and fat intake for full gonad development. Fantail goldfish should be placed in a breeding tank with one male and one female. Raising water temperature and adding live plants usually triggers breeding. Extended daylight hours in spring can also stimulate spawning, adjustable via indoor lighting. After spawning, remove the parents to prevent egg consumption. Feed fry powdered food once they are free-swimming post-hatch.

More Pet Fish Species

If you appreciate the fantail goldfish, consider exploring similar species:

• Comet Goldfish
• Shubunkin Goldfish
• Zebrafish