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Midwest Aquarium and Pond Supplier LLC

(182) Assorted fantail goldfish

(182) Assorted fantail goldfish

$19.99 USD
$19.99 USD
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The fantail goldfish (Carassius auratus) is a popular and hardy freshwater fish known for its egg-shaped body and signature forked double tail. They are a captive-bred, man-made variety of fancy goldfish that are generally low-maintenance, though their unique body shape requires some specific care considerations. 

Tank setup and requirements
  • Tank size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a single fantail, with an additional 10 gallons for each extra fish. A wider tank with more surface area is preferable to a tall one, as it improves gas exchange and provides more horizontal swimming space for these slower-moving fish.
  • Substrate: A soft, sand substrate is ideal, as goldfish enjoy sifting through it for food. Fine gravel with rounded edges can also be used, but avoid large or jagged gravel pieces that could be swallowed or cause injury.
  • Water parameters: While hardy, fantails thrive in stable, clean water conditions.
    • Temperature: 65° to 80°F (18° to 27°C). An indoor tank typically does not require a heater.
    • pH: 7.0 to 8.0.
    • Hardness: 6 to 12 dGH.
    • Filtration: A strong filter, like a hang-on-back or canister filter, is essential to handle the bioload of a goldfish. Regular, large water changes (50% or more weekly) are also vital for maintaining low nitrate levels.
  • Decorations: Include decorations that are smooth and have no sharp edges to prevent fin damage. Live or silk plants can be added, though they may be uprooted by the fish's digging. 

Diet and feeding
  • Food type: A varied diet of high-quality sinking pellets, gels, and fresh vegetables is recommended. Sinking pellets are preferable to flakes, as they prevent the fish from gulping air at the surface, which can contribute to swim bladder issues.
  • Feeding frequency: Feed adults once or twice daily, offering only as much food as they can consume in a couple of minutes. 

Compatibility and breeding
  • Tank mates: Fantail goldfish are best kept with other fancy goldfish varieties that have similar swimming abilities, such as black moors and ryukins. Avoid housing them with faster, single-tailed varieties like comets or shubunkins, as they may outcompete the fantails for food. They should not be housed with tropical fish that require warmer temperatures.
  • Breeding: Breeding can be induced by replicating seasonal changes by adjusting water temperature. Males develop breeding tubercles (small white bumps) on their gill plates and fins during spawning season. They will chase and nudge the females to encourage them to lay eggs. Parents should be separated from the eggs to prevent them from being eaten. 

Potential health concerns
  • Swim bladder issues: Due to their compressed, rounded body, fantails are more prone to swim bladder problems, which affect their buoyancy. This risk can be reduced by feeding a proper diet of sinking foods.
  • Injuries: Their flowing fins can be delicate and susceptible to injury, especially from sharp decorations or aggressive tank mates.
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