Do you want to know How To Look After a Fantail Goldfish? Read this article to find out How To Look After a Fantail Goldfish
Fantail goldfish is a fancy variety of goldfish. Recently this breed has gained more popularity. If you are a person who is fond of aquatic animals then fantail goldfish will be the right choice for a family pet.
This article provides a complete guide on how to look after a fantail goldfish.
What fantail goldfish is known for?
The fantail goldfish is the apt pet for beginners, it eases the care. Fantail goldfish come in various varieties and variations. This goldfish is mainly bred for display purposes.
This goldfish is scientifically called Carassius auratus. Its origin is from Asia and mainly comes from China and Japan. It originated in the early 1400s, during the Ming Dynasty of China.
Ryukin Goldfish is a name of a variety that is mainly seen in Japan. This fish has a curved back and a slightly wide caudal fin when compared to its Fantail cousin.
How fantail gold fishes are identified?
Like all fancy goldfish varieties, their body is egg-shaped, short, fat, and has a broad head. The actual variety of goldfish’s length is about three-fifths of its total body length.
The tail is a fan
The quality fantail consists of a split caudal fin which is average in length and slightly forked. This variety is mainly called a fantail mainly because of its sturdy and rounded fin at the end, which gives an image of a fan when it is seen.
Two lobes of the fin appear to be closer at the top than at the bottom. This gives a triangular appearance when seen from its back. It consists of a single dorsal fin.
The size of a fantail goldfish
The size of a one-month goldfish is approximately 0.9 to 1 inch. It is the starting size that is widely purchased by many buyers from pet shops.
Fantail goldfish grows rapidly and reaches up to 6 to 8 inches by its full maturity which is unexpected by many buyers. Fantail is capable of reaching the size of 10 to 12 if it is raised in large tanks or ponds.
Color and variety of fantail goldfish
Fantail goldfish is available in various colors and also comes in mixed combinations.
Fantails are seen in orange, blue, silver, black, bronze, red, and calico. If the color looks similar on both sides of the fish, then it is a high-quality fantail. If the particular breed has an assorted color, then it should extend till the end of the fish’s fin.
The calicos variety should be in blue and with random patches of other colors. The scales of the fish can be metallic, nacreous (sparkled), or matte.
How to differentiate males and females?
Both the male and female fantail look alike for many years. The fantail starts to breed during springtime. After they start to breed it is easier to differentiate the male and female as the female fantail looks plumper when they carry eggs. The male fantail can now be differentiated by the small white spots which appear over its gill covers and head. These spots are often mistaken for ich.
They are the tubercles that are commonly called breeding stars. They only appear when the fantail comes into a breeding condition.
How long can a fantail goldfish live?
Keeping in mind that they are fancy goldfish if proper care is given, they can live up to ten to fifteen years.
They are also known for living around twenty years and for a longer span.
Is fantail goldfish an apt pet for beginners?
Fantail goldfish is a fancy variety of goldfish and does not require much care. The fantail goldfish is also called a dirty creature and require efficient filtration to purify the amount of muck they produce.
This variety does not require any prerequisite water temperature. These goldfish can survive even in temperatures that are a few degrees above or even freezing. These conditions make them ideal to live even in outdoor ponds.
Whether it is raised in tanks or ponds, fantails are highly socially able and even survive when kept in small groups of their kind.
Its origin
Research says that all modern goldfish varieties are related to Prussian or Silver Prussian carp. It is a species of wild carp that are found in Siberia, Central Asia.
The crap has been locally called the “chi” for centuries and was fished as a food source. Due course of time, it was specifically kept and raised for that purpose alone.
By source of luck, a few bright orange fish were produced as a genetic mutation. Since this variety attracts predators, they were rescued reputedly by Buddhist monks.
They were raised as ornamental pets in a special pond in the monastery gardens.
The goldfish trade
The early pioneers were hybridized to produce large flat-bodied fish. Their beautiful bright colors made a hit.
Initially, In the 1500s the Chinese were the breeders who began to trade goldfish with Japan. Later in the 1600s, goldfish arrived in Europe, reaching the U.S. by the 1800s.
In Asia, the first round-bodied Fancy goldfish were developed and were showcased in ceramic urns and glass vessels in wealthy traders’ homes.
Who would have thought that today, there are nearly 100 varieties of Fancy goldfish, including the Fantail which will be suitable for beginners?
A full guide to growing a fantail goldfish
There are a few important fishkeeping husbandries that have to be kept in mind
The size of the tank
The fantail goldfish is known as the dirty fish mainly because they produce a large quantity of waste so having a larger quantity would help in purifying the tanks.
They are not great swimmers so purchasing a tank that could hold a higher volume would be easy for maintenance. They grow up to a reasonable size so 20 to 30 gallons is better to start and also to future add 10 gallons in.
It is necessary to make sure that the tank or pond is bigger to take care of the fish mainly because fantails are rapid growers. To grow them in good health conditions it becomes necessary not to overstock the quantity.
The rectangular size tank is mostly preferred because goldfishes are oxygen-hungry fishes. Owls and nano tanks are considered inappropriate for goldfish, as the tiny surface area is simply too small, and there isn’t enough swimming space whereas the rectangular tanks give a lot of surface space and proper gaseous exchange.
Parameters of water
Fantail goldfish are cold-water fishes hence, requiring a water temperature of between 65° to 72° Fahrenheit.
The ideal pH range starts between 6.0 and 8.0, and the water hardness should be in the range between 5 to 19 dGH.
The filtration
An aquarium vacuum can be used weekly to remove all the uneaten food, fish waste, and plant debris from the substrate to prevent the water from becoming polluted.
Quality filtration is necessary to purify the waste that the fantail produces. an external canister filter is recommended. It provides a GPH rate of at least four times the tank volume without taking up valuable space in the aquarium.
Decorations for the fantail
Driftwood, smooth stones, and pebbles make the tank look attractive and create a natural environment.
Apart from that anything sharp that could snag on the Fantail’s fins needs to be avoided. They need to be arranged in such a way that they do not obstruct their swimming space.
As mentioned earlier the fantail gold fishes are not good swimmers so, it is best to keep the tank clear of space.
Is having plants safe for fantail goldfishes?
Living plants give a magnificent look to the aquarium. Plants help in oxygenating the water and absorbing nitrates. They act as good fertilizers. It helps to keep the environment safe and clean for the goldfish.
Fantails, like other goldfish varieties, are diggers, and they will uproot plants that are not properly anchored in the gravel.
Goldfish will also nibble on new, soft leaves, so it is necessary to choose plants that aren’t appetizing to the fish.
Silk plants can be used in place of live ones. Plastic plants or ornaments are not recommended, because these can have sharp edges that might injure the fish.
How do I feed my Fantail goldfish?
Fantails need to be fed a varied diet that contains a balanced mixture of nutrients. Goldfish eat a variety of plant matter, algae, and meaty proteins. They are considered omnivorous species.
Certain choices of flake food and pellets are specifically available for round-bodied Fancy goldfish. This should also include a portion of frozen bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp.
It is recommended to be given daily to protect the Fancy goldfish from common digestive problems, such as constipation, Swim Bladder disease, and bloat.
What is the daily quantum of food for Fantail?
It is necessary to feed the Fantail thrice a day, which is enough for the Fantail to consume within one or two minutes.
Is live food recommended for Fantail?
Fantails like to eat live foods, but they can incubate parasites and bacteria that might harm the fish. Hence, it is better to use frozen foods. Live food is recommended if you can set up your brine shrimp hatchery.
You may accidentally import harmful toxins, bacteria, and parasites into your aquarium hence, never harvest live foods from nature.
What are the preferred Tank mates for Fantail Goldfish?
Fantails never should be kept alone. They love company and need to be kept with their kind. Fantails are peaceful fishes. They are good socializing creatures and not very aggressive.
Fantails love company and should always be kept with others of their kind, never alone. The fantail gold fishes are peaceful fish. They are considered non-aggressive and spend most of their time socializing and foraging in the substrate for scraps of food or grazing on algae.
Fish to Avoid
Fantail Fancy goldfish have large mouths. They quickly make a meal of very small fish such as
- Mosquitofish
- White Cloud Minnows.
- Shrimp
- Common goldfish
- Comets
- shubunkins
Breeding of Fantail Goldfish
Fantails are easy to breed if the conditions are favorable. During Spring, when there is a temperature rise, goldfish lay eggs. Fantail goldfish can be bred in small groups or mated pairs.
Setting up a Spawning Tank
Fantail goldfish are most likely to eat their eggs. So, it is a good idea to breed them in a separate spawning tank. The minimum required size is a 20-gallon tank for breeding goldfish.
We have to select healthy fish for breeding. The male and female fish can be separated for a few weeks before breeding them. Flat stones, spawning mops, and plenty of bushy plants are necessary inside the Spawning tank as it would be easy for the eggs to adhere to.
Breeding Fantail goldfish
After the fish are installed in the tank, slowly the water temperature has to be reduced to about 60° Fahrenheit. Later, the temperature has to be increased by 3° per day till they begin to spawn.
Water temperature between 68° and 74° Fahrenheit is ideal. At this time the fish has to be fed with lots of live or frozen meaty foods, including bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.
Fantail goldfish Breeding time
During the breeding period, the color of the fish increases in intensity. The male Fantail goldfish pursues the female fantail around the aquarium.
The fish vibrate against each other until the female drops her eggs onto the spawning media that is put on the bottom of the tank. They can lay up to 10,000 eggs over a few hours. The eggs stick to the spawning media via sticky threads and would remind there until they hatch, Generally, they hatch within four to seven days.
The parent fish has to be removed immediately from the aquarium after the eggs are laid to ensure that they don’t eat the eggs.
When the fry hatches, they can be fed with commercial fry food available in the market. After a period when the babies are large enough, they can be fed with crushed flakes and baby brine shrimp.
The Health and Disease of fantail
Fantail goldfish is one of the sturdy marine animals. Their survival level is high if their tanks are kept clean and fed with a varied, high-quality diet.
Having said that, these fantails can get diseases with certain common freshwater fish diseases that can attack weak or injure them.
There are successful treatments for these conditions with a condition-specific over-the-counter medication that you’ll get from your local fish store which is available in local fish stores.
The Protozoan Diseases
The common disease that affects the fantail goldfish is the Ich or white spot disease. It is produced by an aquatic parasite called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis.
A few other parasites which need to be looked after are Chilodonella and Costia. These two parasites are common infections that cause cloudy patches on the skin of the fish.
The Flukes
In certain cases, certain external parasites may enter along with the live food, new fish, and hidden plants into the aquarium.
They are visible to the naked eye and can be spotted in their body or gills.
The Fungus
The formation of fungus becomes very prevalent when the water contamination level in tanks is poor. It is a common type of fish disease.
Look out for white, cotton patches on their head, gills, or around their mouth. If these are visible then the fantails are mostly affected by the fungus
Bacterial Infections can affect the fantail
Fish tanks are prevalent with bacterial organisms. They lead to problems to the fantails
Only if the water contamination level is poor if the fantails are poor or weakened due to stress.
Bacterial infections can cause ulcers, red patches, or sores over the fish’s body, gills, or fins. Bacteria can also cause fin rot which causes ragged, torn fins.
Knowing the Swim Bladder Disease
Fantail goldfish can also suffer from swim bladder problems. The swim bladder is the organ that helps the fish swim at an even keel.
Fantail goldfish with swim bladder problems would float to the surface, sink to the bottom, or swim on one side, as they are unable to remain upright.
Constipation is the major cause of swim bladder problems in Fantails and this problem can be easily resolved by allowing the fish to starve for 24 to 48 hours. Later they have to be fed with live or frozen food.
How easily are Fantail goldfish available at stores?
Fantail goldfish are generally available in all fish stores and pet shops. Prices vary, depending on the size and quality of the fish, starting at around $10 and rising to a few hundred dollars for a potential champion show fish.
The final Thoughts
the fantail goldfish is an easy-to-grow kind of breed. It is the perfect pet for beginners who are willing to grow a pet. Fantails can easily be bred at home. It brings a lot of joy in the journey of pet raising.
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