Introduction

Originating from ponds in China, then refined in Japan, the Fantail Goldfish is an extremely popular fish found commonly in coldwater aquariums and ponds.

Fantails are distinguished by  a medium sized tail that is split in two -  giving a double tail effect on the anal and tail fin. A better specimen will have its tail split right down the tail’s root.

Behaviour

Fantails are a timid species and will cause no harm in the aquarium or pond.

Fantails are social animals and thrive in a community.  They are also good scavengers and they will rummage through the substrate picking up bits of left over food -  particularly after a feeding.

Fantails are extremely hardy fish and can survive a PH of between 6.0 and 9.0 - but do best in a PH between 6.5 and 7.5. They can also tolerate  extreme temperatures, but will do best between 13-21C. Fantails grow to a maximum of 16cm and can have the feature of telescope eyes or normal.

Feeding

These fish have no stomach -  so be aware of overfeeding them as what goes in comes straight back out !!

Fantails will eat a variety of foods, including flake, frozen foods, live foods, sinking & floating pellets.

Set Up

Breeding

Fantails are surprisingly good breeders. You can simulate breeding conditions by reducing the temperature of the water for a month, then slowly raise the temperature using a heater.

In the pond they will breed in late spring with the natural rise in water temperature. Make sure you keep the fish well fed with a varied diet of live, frozen and flake food to condition them around this time.

Fantails lay eggs and you can provide larger substrate gravel to help to protect the eggs at the bottom of the tank or pond. Otherwise Java fern or netting is a handy addition for eggs or young fry to hide during their infancy.