Goldfish are a classic and beloved pet that have been kept by families for centuries. One particular variety, the fantail goldfish, is a great choice for families looking for a low-maintenance and peaceful pet. In this article, we will discuss 11 reasons why you should consider a fantail as a family pet.
Keep reading the fantail goldfish care guide below.
Fantail Pro’s
Orange fantail goldfish make great pets. Fantails are available in most pet stores and very rewarding pets. Their bright colors and flowing fins make them decorative addition to any household room.
They provide hours of entertainment as owners watch them gracefully swim around their tank.
Fantails are not aggressive fish. They don’t bully other fish nor are they able to fend off fish who are aggressive towards them.
Low-Maintenance Pet
One of the main reasons why fantails make great pets is that they are low maintenance. They do not need to be walked or groomed, and they do not require expensive veterinary care. They are also relatively hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
Although maintenance requirements are lower than other fish species, all aquarium fish have water conditioner in common when kept using tap water from most municipalities.
Peaceful Pet
Fantails are peaceful ornamental fish that do not have aggressive tendencies. They can be kept with other types of fish and will not harm them. This makes them a great choice for families with children who want to learn about the responsibilities of owning a pet.
Easy to Care For
Fantails are easy to care for, and their tank only needs to be cleaned once a week. They also have a simple diet, which consists of flakes or pellets, and do not require live food. It’s not difficult to learn how to breed fantail goldfish. After a while you may not be able to prevent it.
Lifespan of Fantail Goldfish
Fantails are fancy fish with lifespans of up to 10 years or even more, which is longer than most other types of fish. This means that families can enjoy their pet for a long time and develop a strong bond with them.
Affordable
Fantail goldfish are an affordable pet choice. The initial setup costs for a tank, filter and heater are relatively low, and the ongoing costs for food and maintenance are also low.
Great for Small Spaces
Red fantail goldfish do not require a lot of space and can be kept in a tank as small as 10 gallons. This makes them a great choice for families with limited living space.
Variety of Colors
Fancy goldfish come in a variety of colors such as orange, red, yellow and white. This means families can choose the color that best suits their taste and decor.
Can Live in Outdoor Ponds
Fantail goldfish can be kept in outdoor ponds in warm climate areas, providing families with a unique and enjoyable outdoor pet experience.
Educational
Keeping a fantail can be an educational experience for families, as they can learn about the fish’s needs, behavior, and the ecosystem of the tank.
Good for Children
Fish are great pets for children as they are easy to care for, do not require a lot of attention and are not aggressive (with a few caveats).
But small children need supervision around fish tanks to prevent a number of potentials hazards:
- Foreign objects added to the tank
- Over feeding
- Adding unconditioned water
- Throwing toys into the tank
- Pouring liquids into the tank which harm fish
- Spoiling the balance of water parameters in other ways
As with any small pet, it takes a lot of education and understanding to teach small children about proper pet care.
Relaxing
Watching fantail goldfish swim in their tank can be a relaxing and calming experience. They can be a great addition to any room in the house and make a great conversation starter.
If you are looking for larger fish that can be kept outdoors, koi fish make a nice option.
Fantail Goldfish Con’s
It is important to keep in mind that fantail goldfish do have some specific care requirements. Although they are low maintenance pets, they do require daily care and close monitoring.
Tank Size
They require a tank with a filtration system and regular water changes. It is also important to ensure that their tank is not overcrowded and that they have enough space to swim and grow.
How many fantail goldfish should be kept together? It’s recommended to keep no more than 1 full grown fantail per 10 gallons of water. For example, a 40-gallon tank can support 4 fantails, with proper care and proper tank maintenance.
How many gallons does a fantail goldfish need? Beginners would be better to keep no more than 2 fish in a 40-gallon tank.
Water Chemistry
They also require a specific pH and temperature range in the water, which can be easily maintained with a water test kit and a heater.
Fantails are in the carp family of fish, making them very hardy and forgiving. But, as with all fish they require regular water changes, careful monitoring, and quality food.
pH levels should range from 6.0 to 8.0 to keep them healthy.
Do fantail goldfish need a heater? Another common mistake beginners make is keeping the water temperature too high. In some warmer climates in the southern United States, a tank may not even need a water heater to maintain temperatures between 66- and 72-degrees Fahrenheit.
Signs of unhealthy fish include bottom sitting, tattered fins, floating rather than swimming, missing scales, scales that are “raised” or “textured”. These conditions often result from high or low pH, high phosphate, nitrite, nitrate, or ammonia in the water parameters. Ammonia should be at or very near zero at all times.
Conclusion
Goldfish are a great pet choice for families looking for a low-maintenance, peaceful, and affordable pet. They are easy to care for, have a long lifespan, and come in a variety of colors. They are also great for small spaces and can be kept in outdoor ponds in warm climates. They are also educational.
Good luck with your new pet!
