Page 342 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

340 POND FISH DIRECTORY

Carassius auratus
Fantail
This striking goldfish gets its name from its Red Fantail These fish
relatively stiff, double caudal fin, which does rank among the most
not droop. The dorsal fin is also enlarged and popular goldfish. When
is typically about one-third of the fish’s body their fins have a ragged
length. Fantails are probably most closely related appearance, it is usually
to Ryukins, but they differ in having a smooth an indication of poor
environmental
upper profile, with no sign of a hump. The body conditions.
shape is longer and less rotund than many other
double-tailed varieties. Fantails have been
developed in a wide range of colors, and
telescope-eye forms have also been bred. This
is an adaptable variety,
suitable for ponds Patterning
or aquariums. on the fins

Relatively long,
Flowing tail slim body
Nacreous Fantail Although not often available,
this attractive color variant has a pale bluish-white
background, coppery orange patches, and dark markings.

Carassius auratus
Butterfly It is possible that a number of the fry from a
single spawning may develop with one eye being
The tail lobes of these goldfish, when extended normal and the other telescoped, although such
and viewed from above, resemble the wings of a individuals are not favored. Butterflies, which
butterfly. A good specimen should have a strong exist in a wide range of color forms, have proved
caudal fin that does not droop down. The fin also to be relatively hardy goldfish,
needs to be compact and rounded in shape, although care should be taken,
rather than tapering to a point. There are as with other fancy varieties,
no embellishments on the head of the not to expose them to very
Butterfly; however, the telescope-eye low water temperatures.
characteristic has been bred into
this variety.
Predominantly Chocolate Butterfly An even depth of color is an
black and white
important feature of this goldfish, which is sometimes
called the Copper or Iron-Colored Butterfly.
Rounded
dorsal fin

Telescope-
eyes
Well-balanced
caudal fin
Panda Butterfly The black- Calico Butterfly (right)
and-white coloration of these This is an attractive,
goldfish is highly individual, with lightly marked nacreous
distinct patches being desirable. variety of the Butterfly.
ORIGINS Asia, originally from SIZE Highly variable; often DIET Goldfish food (flakes WATER Temperature 50–77°F TEMPERAMENT Relatively
waterways in southern China. exceeds 12 in (30 cm) in ponds. or pellets) and live foods. (10–25°C) and neutral (pH 7.0). social, but does not shoal.

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