CALICO FANTAILS

Calico Fantails are a stunning variety of fancy goldfish known for their vibrant, multicolored appearance and graceful, flowing fins. Here’s a deep dive into what makes them so special:

Appearance

Calico Fantails display a mosaic of red, orange, black, and pearl white markings, giving them a painted, almost impressionistic look. Their signature feature is the forked caudal fin, which resembles butterfly wings when viewed from above. All their fins are rounded and well-proportioned, adding to their elegant silhouette.

Size & Habitat

• Max Size: Up to 8 inches long
• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a single fish; larger if you’re keeping more
• Pond Friendly: Yes! They thrive in outdoor ponds of 180 gallons or more

Water Conditions

• Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• KH: 4–20

Diet

They’re omnivores and will eat flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods. Just keep protein to about 30% of their diet to avoid swim bladder issues.

Behavior & Care

• Temperament: Peaceful and social
• Care Level: Easy to moderate
• Plant Caution: They’re diggers and may uproot delicate plants

Breeding

They have a visible courtship ritual and can lay up to 1,000 eggs. Fry hatch in about 5–6 days and need finely crushed food or live baby brine shrimp.
Each Calico Fantail is like a living watercolor—no two are exactly alike. If you're thinking of adding one to your tank or pond, they’re a hardy, beginner-friendly choice with loads of personality.