Fantail goldfish is a beautiful and popular freshwater fish that are enjoyed by both novices and expert owners. Despite their low-maintenance nature, there are a few aspects of their care that might be challenging.
Freshwater fish like this isn't found in the wild, and they're the simplest sort of fancy goldfish. These fish are another example of a Fancy fish that was produced through centuries-old selective breeding methods. The closest living relative of the fantail is the carp, although they are quite unique!
These fish are readily available at most pet stores across the world, and they can provide a lot of beauty to your aquarium. If you're thinking about getting a fantail goldfish or already own one, you might be concerned about whether they'll get along with common goldfish.
The answer is "No". It's not a good idea to mix Fantails with fast-swimming species like Common goldfish, Comets, and Shubunkins because they would likely be outcompeted for food. They are incompatible due to the fact that the quicker fish can consume all of the food before the slower, fancier fantail has gotten their portion. Nipping can also be an issue, and it's something that slower goldfish cannot avoid.
But there are a few types of fancy goldfish that make good tank mates for Fantails. Keep reading to learn more about keeping Fantail goldfish with other species!
Fantail Goldfish Facts
- Care Level: Beginner
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Size: 6-8 inches
- Diet: Omnivore
- Color: Various
- Lifespan: Up to 10 years
- Compatibility: Peaceful community
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Tank Setup: Cold freshwater planted aquarium
Fantail Goldfish Appearance
If you're new to fish keeping, you might be unsure how to tell a fantail goldfish from a regular goldfish. Here are some physical characteristics that distinguish fantail goldfish.
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Fantail Goldfish Behavior & Temperament
Fantail goldfish are not only non-aggressive but also very laid-back! These fish are naturally very peaceful and calm.
Your Fantail will swim about the tank all day long, having fun. They may be observed wriggling through the foliage, digging for food in the substrate, or socializing.
Fantails are sociable fish that enjoy being with other individuals. They won't shoal, but you may observe them congregate and explore the tank together.
Fantail Goldfish Tank Mates
It might be difficult to pick out appropriate tankmates for Fantail goldfish. They are not aggressive by nature, but they can become the victim of bullies in a matter of moments.
Because Fantails aren't great swimmers, they're not able to flee aggressive species or fin nippers. They can't avoid rowdy species or fin nippers. Keep your Fantail in a calm and peaceful tank with passive tankmates to prevent overstressing it.
Avoid any voracious or even semi-vicious fish. Additionally, stay away from quick-swimmers or species that could scratch the gorgeous flowing fins.
Here are some suitable tank partners for the Fantail goldfish:
- Ghost Shrimp
Molly Fish
Amano Shrimp
Neon Tetras
Cherry Shrimp
Zebra Danios
Bubble Eye Goldfish
Ryukins
Celestial Eye Goldfish
Cory Catfish
Rosy Barbs
White Cloud Mountain Minnows
Angelfish
Rosy Barbs
Dwarf Gouramis
Kuhli Loaches
Otocinclus
Other fancy goldfish do well with fantails. Because of their similar qualities, Ryukins are the greatest tank companions for fantail goldfish. Fantail Goldfish pair well with a few other types of goldfish as they don't mind sharing food while keeping to themselves.
Here are some great fancy goldfish that can be kept with Fantail goldfish;
Small invertebrates like Ghost Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, Mystery Snails, and other species are beneficial to your fantail goldfish's environment..
Fantail goldfish like to explore the entire tank, including the bottom, in search of food. As a result, you may run a goldfish aquarium without using bottom feeders. However, if you want bottom feeders to clean up the leftovers on the surface, you may use Hog Nose Catfish or Dojo Loaches.
Tank Mates to Avoid
Because fantails aren't powerful enough to compete with aggressive fish species, they must be avoided. Even the semi-aggressive ones can be a danger to them.
If you want your fantail's gorgeous tail fins to remain as beautiful as ever, avoid using fin nippers since these creatures have a nasty tendency of attacking outstanding tail fins. Avoid anything that is likely to harm or irritate fantail goldfish, as a rule of thumb.
Here are a few fish species to avoid matching with fantails:
All You Need to Know About Fantail Goldfish
Here's everything you need to know about Fantail Goldfish before purchasing one for yourself;
Average Fantail Goldfish Size
The average length of a Fantail goldfish is approximately six to eight inches. The distance from the nose to the tip of the tail fin is referred to as its length.
Their big fins account for a significant portion of that overall size. The bodies of a Fantail goldfish are generally tiny and may easily be held in the palm of your hand.
If you purchase your Fantail from a trustworthy vendor that follows ethical and sensible breeding practices, it's very likely that your fish will be larger than average.
Lifespan
The average Fantail goldfish lifespan is five to ten years. If you want your Fantail to live longer, ensure that they receive excellent care.
Fantail Goldfish Care
Fantail goldfish maintenance is quite simple, and it can be handled by most novices without difficulty. If you're considering purchasing one of these fish for yourself, you've got a lot of enjoyment ahead of you!
However, they do have their own unique needs that you must be aware of. These fish, like other types of goldfish, are unable to survive in the typical water parameters of tropical fish! They need a more stable, cooler climate that is designed to protect them.
Ideal Tank Size
Goldfish of the fantail variety can reach considerable sizes, although they are not strong swimmers. So, they don't need an enormous tank to survive. 10 to 20 gallons per fish is the tank size we recommend. If you can go higher than 30 gallons per fish, that's even better!
Water Parameters
Fantails, being a "designer" fish, are not native to the wild. As a result, we have no yardstick against which tank conditions should be compared, as many popular tropical species do.
However, we do know a little about the goldfish's nearest relative, the wild carp. The cruian and Prussian carp are among the most popular aquarium fish, and many aquarists use them as a source of inspiration.
The majority of these fish dwell in slow-moving lakes and rivers. They originate from higher elevations, such as mountain streams and tributaries. As a result, the water temperature is usually colder and the pH balance is more neutral.
Water Temperature: The ideal temperature is between 65°F & 80°F (around 73 to 74 degrees is ideal) |
Water Hardness: 4 to 20 dKH |
pH Levels: 6.0 to 8.0 (target neutral) |
To keep these standards and keep their tank constant, you'll need an aquarium test kit. This will allow you to monitor the water's condition and prevent any harmful fluctuations that might harm your Fantail goldfish.
Food & Diet
Fantail goldfish are omnivorous opportunistic feeders that will consume almost anything they can get their mouths on.
With all of this in mind, Fantail goldfish are more difficult to feed than one might imagine. Because of their propensity to suffer from digestive issues, their diet must be modified accordingly.
Stick to high-quality, nutrient-dense meals. To prevent swim bladder disease and indigestion, everything should be simple to digest.
You may give live or frozen foods, but we recommend avoiding dry flakes and pellets. Brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms are the most nutritious foods you can feed your fish. You can offer your fish less food without jeopardizing their health.
For plant-based meals, choose high-fiber snacks like lettuce, zucchini and blanched peas.
What to Put in Fantail Goldfish Tank
The finest tank setting for a Fantail goldfish is one that is natural and calm. Model your aquarium after a placid mountain stream!
Begin with a layer of the soft sand substrate. Fantail goldfish like to explore every nook and cranny of their surroundings, as well as dig from time to time. They're extremely delicate, so avoid using anything abrasive on them. Sand is the best option; however, if you must use something else, go tiny and gentle.
Large stones or chunks of gravel might harm them, so stick to sand for safety's sake. You can also add stones, driftwood, and fake decorations to the aquarium. Keep it simple! In order for these fish to hide, they'll need some ornamental things for protection. Also, double-check to see if there are any hazardous edges. These fish are extremely fragile!
Add a few floating and anchored plants to the aquarium. Goldfish are especially fond of hornwort. Anubias and java fern, on the other hand, perform beautifully.
A basic filter and lighting rig are required for equipment. Fantails can produce a lot of trash, especially if they're in a group. Because of this, make sure the filtration system can properly handle the tank's bioload. Air stones, pumps, and other amenities are always welcome. They aren't required. However, they may improve the habitat by adding oxygen to the water.
FAQ:
What Size Aquarium Fantail Goldfish Need?
Fantails require a lot of space. The minimal tank size is 20 gallons, but the more room you give them, the more likely they are to live comfortably.
Avoid using glass bowls instead of standard aquariums. When your fish grow larger, they will outgrow the majority of glass containers, making them inconvenient to maintain.
How Many Can Be Kept Per Gallon?
To be safe, aim for a minimum of 8 gallons of water per fish since they will gather together at times but also like to go off on their own.
Are Fantail Goldfish Suitable for Your Aquarium?
Although most freshwater aquariums are tropical, fantails require a cold-water aquarium.
This is most likely going to be the most challenging constraint when you begin your aquarium since it restricts the number of possible tank mates. There is still much different fish to select from if you want a community tank.
Beginners can look after fantails if they've done their homework. Your main responsibility will be to keep the aquarium clean if it has been built properly.
How Big Are Fantail Goldfish?
The average size of a fantail goldfish is 6 to 8 inches. Adult goldfish, on the other hand, can reach a maximum length of 12 inches in rare cases.
The large, long-tail fins distinguish them from ordinary goldfish and make fantail goldfish appear lovely. Best-quality breeds that are carefully nurtured tend to grow bigger than other breeds.
How Long Can a Fantail Goldfish Live?
Fantails can live 10 years or more with proper care and diet, making them one of the most rewarding pets you can keep in an aquarium.
This makes them an especially endearing choice for hobbyists who are looking to adopt a unique and long-lived pet.
How Often Should I Feed my Fantail Goldfish?
Fantails should be fed 1-2 times a day, depending on the food you're giving them. They are not grazers and will not eat continuously throughout the day like some other fish.
Overfeeding is a common mistake among new goldfish owners since they often think their fish are still hungry after they've eaten. This can lead to health problems and should be avoided.
Final Thoughts:
Fantail goldfish are a beautiful and unique addition to any aquarium. They are not the easiest fish to care for, but with proper research and preparation, they can be a rewarding pet. Fantail goldfish require a large tank, cold water, and plenty of space to swim.
They should be fed 1-2 times a day and are known to live for 10 years or more with proper care. If you wish to keep common goldfish with fantails, be sure to carefully select compatible species that are suitable for a cold-water aquarium. Some fancy goldfish like Ranchu Goldfish, Black Moor Goldfish, and Oranda Goldfish may be suitable companions for fantail.
When choosing tankmates for them make sure that they are not aggressive, fast swimmers, and very large. Overall, fantail goldfish are a rewarding pet that can bring joy to any home for years to come.
