Although these spots can be mistaken for Ich, they are actually tubercles, commonly called breeding stars, and appear when the fish is coming into breeding condition. Males develop a scattering of small white spots over their gill covers and head. When viewed from above, female fish appear plumper as they fill with eggs. However, once the breeding season comes around in the springtime, it becomes easier to tell the difference between males and females. Is My Fantail Male or Female?įor most of the year, male and female Fantails look pretty much alike. The Fantail’s scales can be metallic, nacreous (speckled), or matte. Variegated colors should extend to the fish’s fins, and calicos should be predominantly blue with random patches of other colors. However, a top-quality Fantail should have well-balanced coloration on both sides of its body. The fish can be solid in color or a mixture of different shades. Many people buy a cute, 1-inch Fantail goldfish from a pet store, only to find that their little fish rapidly grows to measure a monstrous 6 to 8 inches long when it’s fully mature.įantails kept in very large tanks or ponds can reach 10 to 12 inches in length, so be warned! What Color Are Fantail Goldfish?įantails come in a mixture of colors, including: The caudal fin should be sturdy and rounded at the end so that when viewed from above, the tail resembles a fan, hence the fish’s common name.įantail goldfish have a single dorsal fin. Show Fantails have a double anal fin that also has complete separation. That gives the tail a triangular look when viewed from behind. The caudal should be completely split with the two lobes of the fin held closer together at the top than at the bottom. Show Quality FantailsĪ show quality fantail has a split caudal fin (tail fin) that is slightly forked and moderate in length.

In true Fantail goldfish, the body should account for roughly three-fifths of the fish’s overall length.

The Fantail’s body is stubby and short, and the fish’s head is very broad. What Do Fantail Goldfish Look Like?įantail goldfish have the characteristic egg-shaped body of all Fancy goldfish varieties. In Japan, there’s a version of the Fantail called the Ryukin Goldfish, which has a very highly curved back and wider caudal fin than its Fantail cousin.Īll Fantail varieties are considered to be relatively easy to care for and are suitable for beginners. The Fantail goldfish, C arassius auratus auratus, is one of many types of fancy goldfish that originate from Asia, specifically Japan and China.įantails come in several variations, including some that develop telescope eyes. 12 Final Thoughts What is a Fantail Goldfish?

Fantail goldfish tank size