
Fancy fantail goldfish are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to their striking appearance and gentle nature.
These fish have a unique fan-shaped tail that requires regular maintenance to prevent damage.
They come in a variety of colors, including veiltail, telescope, and black moor, each with its own distinct characteristics.
The veiltail variety is known for its long, flowing tail that resembles a veil.
Telescope goldfish have eyes that are permanently bulged out, giving them a unique appearance.
Black moor goldfish have a sleek black coat with red eyes, making them a striking addition to any aquarium.
In terms of size, fancy fantail goldfish can grow up to 6-8 inches in length, making them a suitable choice for larger aquariums.
They are relatively low-maintenance pets, requiring a balanced diet and regular water changes to thrive.
Fancy fantail goldfish are social animals and should be kept in pairs or groups to prevent boredom and stress.
Regular tank cleaning and monitoring of water quality is essential to keep these fish healthy and happy.
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Colors and Markings
Fantail goldfish come in a variety of colors, including orange, white, red, and multicolored.
Their typical colors are orange to white, but they can also be red or multicolored if crossed with other varieties.
Some fantails have solid colors, while others are speckled with white.
In addition to their colors, fantails can also display metallic bronze scales that reflect light.
If you've bred your fantail with other fancy goldfish varieties, they may display features from these fish, such as a small wen or an enlarged coelom.
Fantails can also inherit features from other varieties, such as a tall body or elongated fins.
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Habitat and Care
The fantail goldfish is a relatively low-maintenance pet, but they do produce more waste than other fish, so regular maintenance is a must.
Fantails are not efficient swimmers due to their tail shape, so it's best to avoid overcrowding their tank environment.
Providing an open area on the substrate will allow your fantail goldfish to rest comfortably.
To ensure a healthy environment, a strong filtration system is necessary, especially since fantails produce a lot of waste.
Here are some great canister filter options to consider:
- 207 Performance Canister Filter By Fluval
- Classic External Canister Filter 2213 (250)By EHEIM
- Aqua One 1000 External Canister Filter
A tank size of at least 25 gallons of water per fantail, plus 20 gallons for every additional goldfish, is recommended to provide a comfortable environment.
Size
When you're setting up a tank for your Fantail goldfish, tank size is crucial. A minimum tank size of 75L is recommended for a mature Fantail.
Fantail goldfish can grow up to 8 inches long, including their impressive tail.
Lifespan
When you're caring for your Fantail goldfish, their lifespan can be a significant factor to consider. Under the best care, your fish can live up to seven or even 10 years.
A well-maintained tank and a balanced diet are key to extending your fish's lifespan.
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Temperament
The Fantail goldfish is a relatively laid-back fish that can thrive in a solo environment. They don't require the company of another Fantail to feel safe and happy.
However, keeping multiple Fantails or other fancy goldfish can promote activity and make for a more engaging tank.
Unlike their slim-bodied cousins, Fantail goldfish are not agile swimmers.
Habitat and Origin
Goldfish originated in Asia, particularly in China, where competition for ornamental fish began.
Decades of selective breeding have yielded a wide variation of goldfish, including the Fantail goldfish.
All goldfish belong to the same species, bearing the same scientific name.
The Fantail goldfish, like other fancy goldfish, features a handful of different characteristics.
As a result of selective breeding, individual species of goldfish have distinct characteristics, such as Orandas having wens and Ryukins having dorsal humps.
Aquarium Size
When selecting an aquarium for your fantail goldfish, consider the tank size carefully. A tank size of 75L is recommended for a mature fantail goldfish.
A crowded tank environment can be challenging for fantail goldfish due to their inefficient swimming abilities. Providing an open area on the substrate will allow them to rest comfortably.
The size of the aquarium can be a source of contention among goldfish owners, but a general guideline is to provide 25 gallons of water per fantail, plus 20 gallons for every additional goldfish. The bigger the tank, the better.
Fantail goldfish can grow reasonably large, so it's essential to have a spacious tank to accommodate their size.
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Water Changes
Water changes are a crucial part of maintaining a healthy environment for your fantail goldfish. Regular water changes will help keep the water clean and free of toxins.
Fantail goldfish produce more waste than many other pet fish, so it's essential to perform water changes on a regular schedule. A 10 percent water change on weekdays and a 30 percent water change on Saturdays will suffice.
Using a water conditioner after each water change will render tap water safe for your goldfish. It will neutralize chlorine and chloramines, as well as partially eliminate certain metals like copper and iron.
Providing an efficient filter is also crucial for maintaining good water quality. But even with a good filter, daily water changes remain mandatory.
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Diet and Feeding
Fancy fantail goldfish are relatively easy to feed, but it's essential to choose the right food for them. They need a diet rich in protein, with most goldfish requiring about 32-35% protein.
To ensure your fantail goldfish get the nutrients they need, choose a pellet with a fat content around 4-5%. This will help them digest their food properly.
Since fantail goldfish have trouble swimming, they benefit from a slightly higher protein level in their diet. This will help keep them healthy and active.
You should replace your food container every 6 months to ensure adequate vitamin C levels. This is crucial for your fantail goldfish's overall health.
If you have a tank with a temperature below 70°F (21°C), feed your fantail goldfish once daily. At temperatures above 70°F, you can increase feeding to twice daily.
Here's a quick guide to help you determine how often to feed your fantail goldfish based on tank temperature:
Don't overfeed your fantail goldfish! If you notice uneaten food, it's a sign that you're feeding them too much. Remove leftover food to prevent waste buildup in the aquarium.
You can also supplement their diet with live insects, such as brine shrimp or Daphnia, or common water fleas. These will provide your fantail goldfish with a varied and nutritious diet.
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Breeding the Fancy Fantail Goldfish
Breeding the Fancy Fantail Goldfish is a relatively easy process, even for novice caretakers. Goldfish are prolific breeders, and with the right conditions, they'll take care of the rest.
To start, make sure your goldfish is receiving a diet rich in protein and fat to promote full gonad development. This will ensure they're ready to breed when the time is right.
Fantail goldfish can be bred in a small tank, around 5-10 gallons, and it's best to use the same tank you'll be rearing the fry in. This allows the female to bond quickly with her mate.
You'll also want to add some live plants or artificial breeding grass to the tank to create a nest for the eggs. Some good options include Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana) or Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum).
To prepare the tank, make sure the water has been sitting for at least three days before introducing your fish. This will help remove any impurities and make the water safe for breeding.
Here are the essential items you'll need to set up a breeding tank:
- A small tank (5-10 gallons)
- Floating plants or artificial breeding grass
- Water conditioned for at least 3 days
- A heater and thermometer
- An airstone
By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to breeding your own Fancy Fantail Goldfish.
Tank and Equipment
For a fancy fantail goldfish, you'll need a tank that's at least 10 gallons, but smaller tanks like 5 gallons can work too. A 5-gallon tank is actually ideal for breeding fantails.
To set up your tank, you'll want to add some floating plants or artificial breeding grass to create a nest for your fish. This will help your female fantail bond with her mate.
Here are the essential equipment you'll need:
- A small tank (5-10 gallons)
- Floating plants or artificial breeding grass
- A heater and thermometer
- An airstone
A strong filtration system is also crucial, as fantail goldfish produce a lot of waste. You can consider a canister filter like the 207 Performance Canister Filter By Fluval, the Classic External Canister Filter 2213 (250) By EHEIM, or the Aqua One 1000 External Canister Filter.
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Tank Setup
Tank setup is a crucial part of creating a healthy environment for your Fantail goldfish.
For a single Fantail, a tank size of at least 25 gallons of water is recommended. This ensures a stable and comfortable environment for your fish to thrive.
To set up a tank for breeding, a small tank of 5 gallons or less is ideal. This allows the female to bond quickly with her mate and limits space to avoid exhausting her during courtship.
You'll need to include some floating plants or artificial breeding grass in the tank to create a nest. Some good options include Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana) or Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum).
A small airstone is also necessary to help the sperm travel along the ripples and reach the eggs. Don't forget to condition the tank water for at least 3 days before introducing your fish.
Here are the basic requirements for a Fantail breeding tank:
- A small tank (5 gallons or less)
- Floating plants or artificial breeding grass
- Water conditioned for at least 3 days
- Airstone
For a mature Fantail, a tank size of at least 75L is recommended.
Equipment

Having a reliable filtration system is crucial for a healthy aquarium, and it's especially important if you have fish like Fantail Goldfish that produce a lot of waste.
Make sure to choose a filter that matches your tank size, as a strong filtration system is absolutely necessary for these fish.
A freshwater testing kit and miscellaneous cleaning tools are also essential for maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium.
You'll want to have some equipment on hand to keep your tank clean, but here are some must-haves:
- 207 Performance Canister Filter By Fluval
- Classic External Canister Filter 2213 (250)By EHEIM
- Aqua One 1000 External Canister Filter
Setting Up a Breeding Tank
To set up a breeding tank for your Fantail Goldfish, start with a small tank that's 10 gallons or less. A five-gallon tank is ideal, but if you don't have one, a shallow basin will do.
You'll want to add some floating plants or artificial breeding grass to create a nest for the female to bond with her mate. This will also help limit the space and avoid exhausting her during courtship.
The tank water should be sitting for at least three days before introducing your fish. This will allow the water to condition naturally.
A small airstone is also necessary to help the sperm travel along the ripples and reach the eggs.
Here's a list of the essential equipment you'll need:
- A small tank (10 gallons or less)
- Floating plants or artificial breeding grass
- Water conditioned for at least 3 days
- A heater and thermometer
- An airstone
Plants for
When choosing plants for your Fantail Goldfish tank, it's essential to select varieties that are beneficial for water quality and provide enrichment for your fish.
Annubis varieties are the best for Goldfish, and they come in different types.
Java Moss and Java Fern are good options, but Annubis is the top choice.
You can also consider Double Assorted Anubias Driftwood, which is a type of Annubis plant.
Some other plants that Goldfish will eat include Green Lotus and Hornwort.
Amazon swords and Moneywort are also good options, but Annubis is still the top choice.
Here are some popular plant options for your Fantail Goldfish tank:
- Java Moss
- Java Fern
- Anubias
- Double Assorted Anubias Driftwood
- Green Lotus
- Hornwort
- Amazon swords
- Moneywort
Water Parameters
Water parameters for fancy fantail goldfish are crucial for their health and well-being.
You'll want to keep the water temperature between 21.1 to 23.8℃, which is a bit warmer than what common goldfish can tolerate.
A pH level of 6.5-7.5 is ideal for these fish.
General hardness should be soft to medium, ranging from 50 to 150ppm.
Here's a quick summary of the preferred water parameters for fancy fantail goldfish:
Tankmates and Decorations
For a fancy fantail goldfish, choosing the right tankmates and decorations is crucial for their well-being.
You can add biOrb Ornaments Collections, Aqua One Ornaments Collections, or Kazoo ornaments collections to create a visually appealing environment.
These ornaments can be a great way to add some personality to your goldfish tank and provide your fantail with plenty of hiding spots and places to explore.
Best Tankmates
When choosing tankmates for your Fantail goldfish, it's essential to consider their social nature. Fantails can live with other Fantails and fancy goldfish varieties.

They get along famously with Lionheads, Orandas, Pearlscales, Ranchus, Ryukins, Veiltails, and other slow-moving goldfish. These peaceful cohabitants will keep your Fantail company and create a lively community.
To ensure harmony in your tank, avoid spiny fish altogether. Their sharp fins and scales can cause harm to your delicate Fantail.
Fast-swimming common goldfish are also a no-go, as they'll outcompete your fancy goldfish for food. This can lead to a weakened and malnourished Fantail.
Here are some guidelines to follow when selecting tankmates:
- Avoid spiny fish
- Stay away from fin nippers
- Never include fish with aggressive tendencies
- Avoid fast-swimming common goldfish
Decorations
Decorations can really make or break the look and feel of your aquarium. BiOrb Ornaments Collections are a great option for adding some visual interest to your tank.
You can choose from a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to match your aquarium's theme. Aqua One Ornaments Collections are another popular choice, offering a range of designs to suit different tastes.
If you're looking for something a bit more unique, Kazoo ornaments collections are definitely worth considering. They offer a range of quirky and fun designs that can add a playful touch to your tank.
Here are some popular ornaments collections to consider:
- biOrb Ornaments Collections
- Aqua One Ornaments Collections
- Kazoo ornaments collections
Vs
The Fantail and Veiltail goldfish are often confused with each other, but they're actually two distinct varieties of fancy goldfish.
The Veiltail goldfish is a specific variety that has a long, flowing tail, whereas the Fantail goldfish has a more compact, rounded tail.
In fact, people often mistakenly call Fantail goldfish Veiltails, but they're not the same thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a fantail and a fancy goldfish?
A fantail is a type of fancy goldfish with a doubled tail, distinct from the standard common goldfish tail. It's characterized by shorter length and less sharp forks compared to a comet-tail.
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