Fantail

The fantail is a foundational fancy goldfish variety with an egg-shaped body, high dorsal fin, and paired tail that opens like a fan behind the fish. Unlike telescope, bubble eye, or celestial varieties, it keeps normal eyes and lacks extreme head growth, so it is often the entry point for people interested in fancy Carassius auratus. Fantails occur in metallic orange, red and white, black, bronze, calico, blue-gray, chocolate, lavender, matte, and other ornamental color forms depending on the line.

Fantails are sturdier than many fancy goldfish but still slower and less streamlined than common goldfish or comets. They need a roomy, well-filtered aquarium or protected pond with gentle companions and enough floor space to forage without being pushed aside. Their compact bodies can be prone to buoyancy trouble when water quality, diet, or body shape is poor, so steady feeding routines and clean water are important. Show and breeding selections emphasize a balanced body, upright dorsal fin, matched paired fins, and a broad tail that spreads evenly.

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