Fantail Goldfish

Carassius auratus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii

Variety of Fancy Goldfish · fantail

📍 East Asia (China)

A double-tailed fancy goldfish with a rounded, egg-shaped body and a split caudal fin that fans out symmetrically, available in red, orange, calico, and other colors. It is a hardier fancy goldfish compared to more extreme varieties, suitable for well-filtered aquariums of 20+ gallons (30+ for multiple fish) and tolerates cooler water.

Size7"

Min Tank20g

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Fantail goldfish are omnivorous and should be fed high-quality goldfish pellets as a staple, supplemented 2-3 times weekly with blanched vegetables like peas, spinach, and zucchini. Feed frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia 1-2 times per week. Offer portions they can consume in 2-3 minutes, once daily, adjusting based on water temperature and fish size.

Behavior

Fantails are peaceful, curious fish that spend most of their time in mid-water zones searching for food and exploring their environment. They are social and can be kept singly or in groups, though they produce significant bioload and require substantial filtration. These fish are relatively hardy compared to extreme fancy goldfish varieties and tolerate cooler water conditions well.

Breeding

Breeding fantail goldfish in captivity is possible but requires careful planning and dedicated breeding tanks. Spawning typically occurs in spring when water temperatures rise to 18-22°C, with females producing thousands of adhesive eggs. Fry are difficult to raise due to their small size and high nutritional demands, requiring infusoria and finely powdered foods for the first weeks.

Tank Mates

Fancy Goldfish

Same species with compatible size and temperament; can be housed together in adequately sized tanks (30+ gallons for pairs)

excellent

Gold Mystery Snail

Peaceful snail that helps with algae control; goldfish may occasionally nip at tentacles but rarely cause serious harm

good

Ramshorn Snail

Small snail that helps maintain tank cleanliness; less likely to be harassed than larger snail species

good

Nerite Snail

Hardy snail with hard shell providing protection; excellent algae eater that complements goldfish bioload management

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots covering body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against surfaces, lethargy

Treatment

Raise water temperature gradually to 28-30°C over 48 hours, maintain for 7-10 days; use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per gallon) or ich-specific medication; perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, fin shortening, lethargy

Treatment

Perform 50% water change immediately, improve water quality and filtration, treat with antibacterial medication or salt baths; isolate if severe to prevent spread

Swim Bladder Disorder

Symptoms

Inability to maintain buoyancy, floating at surface or sinking, tilting or listing to one side

Treatment

Reduce feeding, offer blanched peas to aid digestion, maintain optimal water temperature (20-24°C), perform water changes; may be temporary or chronic depending on cause

Constipation

Symptoms

Loss of appetite, bloated appearance, reduced activity, stringy white feces

Treatment

Fast for 1-2 days, then feed blanched peas or daphnia to promote digestion; increase water temperature slightly and perform water changes; avoid overfeeding