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A basic variety with beautiful fan-shaped tail. Said to be the prototype of Ryukin, hardy and easy to keep.
The Fantail is one of the most widely kept fancy goldfish varieties worldwide and is considered a foundational breed from which many other fancy types, including the Ryukin, are thought to descend. It features an egg-shaped body, a high dorsal fin, and a broad, double fan-shaped tail in three-tail or four-tail form. Fantails come in an exceptional range of colors including red, white, sarasa, calico, and black. They are among the hardiest of the fancy goldfish varieties, tolerating a wide range of water parameters, which makes them an excellent choice for beginners. A 60 cm or larger tank with a reliable filter and neutral water quality is the standard care setup. Despite their hardiness, Fantails are still susceptible to swim bladder disorder if overfed, so moderate portions of easily digestible food are recommended.
The Fantail Goldfish lives 5-15 years.
The Fantail Goldfish grows to 12-20cm.
The ideal water temperature for the Fantail Goldfish is 18〜23℃.
Origin
China
Lifespan
5-15 years
Size
12-20cm
Temperature
Sources: FishBase / Aqueon Goldfish Care Guide
Goldfish varieties are line-bred for body shape, tail type, scale type, and coloration. Traits such as protruding eyes, transparent scales (calico), and albinism are single-locus traits.
Sources: Wikipedia - Goldfish (Varieties) / Goldfish — Wikipedia (Japanese edition, varieties)
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Cyprinus auratus Linnaeus, 1758, Carassius auratus auratus (Linnaeus, 1758), Cyprinus thoracatus Valenciennes, 1842, Carassius burgeri Temminck & Schlegel, 1846, Cyprinus chinensis Gronow, 1854
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF · FishBase: Carassius auratus · GBIF: Carassius auratus
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
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5〜30℃
Artificial feed, Bloodworms
A tank of 60cm or more is recommended. Install a good filter and maintain a neutral pH around 7.0.
Handles a wide 5-30°C range and can often be kept indoors year-round without a heater. It also tolerates a broad range of water conditions.
It has a voracious appetite and eats almost anything, but beware of overfeeding. Feeding easily digestible food in moderation is the basis of good health.
Fairly gentle and hardy, so it suits living with other hardy varieties. Easy to combine with many kinds of goldfish.
Its rounded body carries some risk of swim bladder disorder. Still, it is among the hardiest goldfish and easy for beginners.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Fantail Goldfish is 18〜23℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Fantail Goldfish is 5-15 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Fantail Goldfish typically reaches 12-20cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Fantail Goldfish feeds on: Artificial feed, Bloodworms. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Fantail Goldfish varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026