Butterfly Tail

The butterfly tail goldfish is a fancy Carassius auratus variety bred for a broad double caudal fin that spreads horizontally like butterfly wings when viewed from above. Many are also telescope-eyed, though the name refers to the tail rather than a single head or eye type. The body is short and rounded, and the variety appears in black, red and white, calico, chocolate, blue-gray, lavender, metallic, matte, and nacreous lines. It is especially associated with Chinese top-view goldfish keeping, where symmetry of the tail is easy to judge in tubs or shallow ponds.

In care, butterfly tails sit between robust fantails and more fragile telescope varieties. They need room to turn without damaging the tail and should not be made to compete with fast single-tailed fish. Low to moderate current helps them display their finnage and feed comfortably. If the fish has telescope eyes, smooth decor and careful netting become more important. Breeders look for an even four-lobed tail spread, matching left and right fins, a stable swimming posture, and clear color boundaries in patterned fish.

Colors: Black, Black and Orange, Black and White, Blue-Gray, Brown, Calico, Chocolate, Gold, Lavender, Matte, Metallic, Nacreous, Orange, Panda, Red, Red and White, White, Yellow