Calico Fantail 5cm

Calico Fantail

Calico Fantail goldfish are amazing because no two of these fish are the same. They make for one of the world's most popular and readily available fish. Their genetics and the colours and patterning achieved through this make these fish one of the first that new aquarists start with. However, after most aquarists grow in their hobby the fantails can often be forgotten but they are wonderful, active, and bright fish.

Calico fantails are different from most other goldfish as they are much smaller growing in comparison to the common comet goldfish. They get their name from the diverse variety of dalmatian patterning and a range of colours ranging from black, white, red, orange, and blue. It's almost like these colours were just thrown onto the fish in random order and this randomness is present in every fish! To elevate this even further they have mirror-like scales scattered through the body that reflect light like a kaleidoscope.

Calico fantails are great hair algae eaters and will make a fantastic addition to outdoor ponds as they will readily graze and eat any algae which can proficiently grow in outdoor ponds. they can also be year-round outside providing the pond depth is below any present frontline. This is great because most fancy goldfish are usually kept in tropical environments but as long as the calico fantails have a well-maintained outdoor environment, they can be enjoyed year long.

They are also surprisingly smart contrary to popular belief and can easily associate their owners with food, come up to the surface during feeding and act like energy-filled water puppies. Though goldfish is not exactly a great beginner fish due to their size and at times messy habits the smaller growing calico fantail is great for those who have proper setups to house these fish and are wanting to have some fun or maybe even get their kids more interested in keeping a pet. The fantails max out at around 15 cm and are actually not found naturally in the wild as they are selectively bred fish for the captive environment.

Tank Recommendations for Calico Fantail Goldfish

The calico fantail goldfish can get fairly big at 15 cm meaning that an individual fantail would need around 75 liters (20 gallons) but a larger aquarium is always better because what is better than one calico fantail? Two calico fantails of course!

The thing to note however with calico fantail goldfish is that, though they have stunning fins, they are actually not the best swimmers so a slower flow is better. both in a pond or aquarium, a sand substrate is best as fantails will actively sift through the sand and smooth river stones can be added for further decoration. Sharp materials should be avoided in the aquarium-like pointy driftwood as fantail goldfish can easily get injured by them.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Calico Fantails are a great fish as they are not aggressive in the slightest and can be kept with tank mates. Common tank mates they can be kept with are active and small Coldwater tolerant fish. The goldfish however might eat fry produced by these smaller fish however they will be perfectly fine with adults. Fin nipping species however should be avoided entirely as they will make short work of the flowing fins of the goldfish.

Usually Compatible

Medaka icefish, paradise fish, giant danios, zebra danio, White Cloud Mountain minnows

Sometimes Compatible

Species can be fin nippers like rosy barbs and also tropical species such as angelfish, dwarf cichlids, mollies, and species of a similar sort.

Rarely Compatible

Larger cichlids and fish which have a mouth large such as Oscars, jaguar cichlids, and shrimp should also be avoided as fantails will eat shrimp in an instant.

Feeding your Fantails

Feeding calico fantails should be a breeze, they should immediately take to any aquarium food practically 24 hours of being added to their new home. Having other fantails as well will really cost their confidence making them an almost ravenous pack when feeding (all friendly though). Slow sinking foods would be best as fantails have been known to at times get swim bladder issues after frantically gulping for food at the surface. Good quality pellets or flakes which are rich in algae or spirulina content are best to suit their herbivorous diet.