Red & White Butterflytail 5cm

Red & White Butterflytail

Fancy Goldfish have remained one of the most popular ornamental fish in the aquarium hobby for centuries, with selective breeding producing an incredible range of body shapes, finnage and colour varieties. One fascinating thing about Butterflytail Goldfish is that they were specifically bred for viewing from above, with their spectacular double tail opening out like the wings of a butterfly. Combined with the classic red and white colouration, this variety has become one of the most elegant fancy goldfish available.

The Red White Butterflytail develops a beautiful porcelain-white body highlighted by rich crimson-red patterning that varies from fish to fish. Every individual displays its own unique combination of colours, making no two fish exactly alike. The defining feature, however, is the enormous butterfly-shaped caudal fin, which spreads out symmetrically behind the fish as it swims. Viewed from above, the tail resembles the wings of a butterfly in flight, which is exactly where this variety gets its name. Against darker substrates or black backgrounds, the crisp white body and rich red markings really stand out, whilst the flowing finnage adds an incredible level of movement to the aquarium.

Like most fancy goldfish, males become slightly slimmer than females during the breeding season and may develop small white breeding tubercles across the gill plates and pectoral fins. Females generally become noticeably rounder when carrying eggs. They are enthusiastic egg scatterers, releasing thousands of adhesive eggs amongst plants and spawning mops, where they receive no parental care. Given suitable conditions, they are relatively straightforward to breed in larger aquariums or ponds.

Tank Recommendations for your Red & White Butterflytail

A dedicated fancy goldfish aquarium of 150 litres or larger is recommended, depending on stocking. Butterflytails are slower swimmers than common goldfish and benefit from open swimming space with smooth décor that won't damage their delicate finnage. Strong biological filtration is essential; however, excessive current should still be avoided as it can make swimming difficult. Darker backgrounds work particularly well with this strain, allowing the bright white and red colouration to really become the centrepiece of the aquarium.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Red White Butterflytails are peaceful and are best maintained alongside other fancy goldfish.

Usually Compatible
Orandas, Ranchu, Lionheads, Telescope Goldfish, Ryukins and other similarly slow-swimming fancy goldfish.

Sometimes Compatible
Other peaceful fancy varieties of a similar size may coexist successfully, provided they are not overly competitive during feeding.

Rarely Compatible
Comets, Common Goldfish, Shubunkins, and fast-swimming species should generally be avoided, as they will often outcompete Butterflytails for food and may accidentally damage their delicate fins.

Feeding your Red & White Butterflytail

These fish are extremely food-motivated and do best on slower-sinking foods that reduce the risk of buoyancy issues. The ideal diet would be a high-quality sinking fancy goldfish pellet, supplemented with frozen bloodworms, blanched peas, spinach, and other vegetable matter to maintain excellent health, vibrant colouration and strong fin development.