FANTAIL GOLDFISH (Carassius auratus)
ALIAS: Veiltail, oranda, moore, ryunkin,
IDENTIFICATION: Fantail goldfish are a type of double-tailed goldfish with split tail fins. Mostly originating from China, fantail goldfish come in color varieties such as metallic red, calico, orange and white, and orange. Unlike single-tail goldfish varieties, fantail goldfish have a short and deep body shape.
DIET: Fantail goldfish have the same dietary needs as their single-tail cousins. Special attention during feeding may be necessary to prevent slower swimming fantails from being outcompeted by faster swimming fish.
SPAWNING: During the spawning process, slow swimming female fantails can be over-spawned by amorous males to the point of exhaustion or even death. Over-spawning can be reduced by providing fantail goldfish with generous space to rest and recover.
HUSBANDRY TIPS: The slower swimming habits of fantail goldfish make them easy targets for keen-eyed predators such as great blue herons. Consider providing fantail goldfish with a submerged ledge or sanctuary to escape predation.
TRIVIA: The world’s oldest goldfish lived in captivity for 43 years.
