Fantail goldfish

The Fantail Goldfish is a popular variety of goldfish known for its elegant caudal fin and rounded appearance. Here is a comprehensive guide to its needs and behavior:

General Characteristics

• Scientific name: Carassius auratus
• Adult size: 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches)
• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years (or more with good care)
• Origin: Bred in captivity, derived from the common goldfish

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 18 to 24 °C (64 to 75 °F) (tolerates lower temperatures, but avoid sudden variations)
• pH: 6.5 to 7.5
• Hardness: 5 to 15 dGH

Behavior and compatibility

• Peaceful and sociable fish, ideal for living in groups with other goldfish.
• Can be kept with other goldfish varieties of similar shapes (avoid fast-swimming goldfish like Comets).
• Poor swimmer: Due to its round body and voluminous tail, it is slower than other goldfish.

Diet

• Omnivore: Accepts pellets, flakes, vegetables (cucumber, zucchini, skinless peas), and occasional proteins (bloodworms, daphnia).
• Avoid overfeeding to prevent swim bladder problems.

Aquarium Needs

• Minimum volume: 80 liters (20 gallons) for one individual, +40L (10 gallons) per additional fish.
• Powerful filtration: Produces a lot of waste, good filtration is essential.
• Smooth substrate: Avoid sharp gravel that could injure their mouths.
• Suitable plants: Opt for robust plants such as anubias, vallisneria, or echinodorus, as they tend to nibble on vegetation.

The fantail goldfish is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a graceful and easy-to-observe fish, provided they have a suitable and well-maintained aquarium.