terri downs - 2011-06-24 I just took one of my moms fan tailed goldfish out of her pond and put it in my fish tank. We named her joey. I am worried that the change might kill her, what are some signs that may mean the change wasn't good? Also, how can you tell when one is pregnant?
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Jasmine Brough Hinesley - 2011-06-24 Are there any reasons that you may be worried that your goldfish is having problems? First, I would say that you would want to make sure that the temperature of the water that you are putting the goldfish into is the relative same temperature as the water it came from. As time goes on, just watch your fish for any sign of distress - breathing problems, rapid swimming, any skin irritations or scales/fins missing, etc.
Goldfish are not live-bearers, which means they can not be "pregnant" in the normal sense. Instead, they lay eggs during a spawning session, and these eggs are fertilized by a male goldfish.
Kasey - 2008-11-16 I have two fantail fish one all off white and a calico one and I don't know what is wrong, but my calico one is belly up and breathing for three days. But I don't know what is wrong with it, can you help me?
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theresa - 2010-07-07 I have a calico fan as well. She's been doing the belly up for months but doesn't seem to affect her or my other 4. I'm curious too. She goes upright when feeding and when she moves but relaxing she's belly up. Her body is about 3 in. She looks full all the time. I'm careful with feeding, nothing more than they eat in 10 min. 2 times a day. None of my others do this and 2 more are her size. Doesn't seem harmful. I am also curious.
ellie - 2010-07-17 I would suggest trying to oxygenate the water either with a pump or make sure the surface area is a decent size to allow for oxygenation. I have also heard that sometimes goldfish will do this when the water is too warm but im not 100% sure of that one. My best guess would be oxygenation. In the time between now and you getting a pump do a partial water change with lots of splashing when the water goes in to add diy bubbles and tide fishy over. You may see an improvement in which case you can be sure. Also ensure you aren't overfeeding. Hope that helps x
Jess - 2010-09-08 I believe that this would be a case of your little friend having "swim bladder"
Jan - 2010-09-19 I also have a fantail gold fish that has been doing this little "look I'm dead" act for close to two years, off and on. The first time it happened I wrote to a goldfish expert in California, and he said that my fish was constipated! He said cut back on how much I was feeding her, and to give her a small broken up SHELLED pea. Well guess what? My fish loves her occasional pea now. Goes absolutely crazy when we feed her it, and after two years, she's still going strong.
erin - 2010-12-29 It probably has a swim bladder problem :( or she might be dying I am sorry if that is the case but the best thing you can do is make her comfortable. If she does have swim bladder you will need to act fast she will be in a lot of pain look at some websites on swim bladder and it's treatment.
stephanie - 2011-07-21 To cure it, cook A pea, split it open, and feed it the inside of the pea. It really works! For swim bladder.
briana - 2011-07-17 One time I had a fantail named Fat Freddie. He was the best. Igot him when he was really small with three others and somehow the other three died when I put some aqua medicine from Wardley to clean because I didnt have a filter then but they died the next morning. Fat Freddie lived on for five years when all his companions died. He even lived when I put a crayfish in there and it almost took his tail off. I miss him. He died on my teachers birth day.
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Charlie Roche - 2011-07-18 AHHH sorry you lost Fat Freddy - sounds like you had fun.
Katt - 2010-09-08 I just got a calico fantail and a black moor just a few days ago because the guy at the store said they were breeds that would get along. Alf (my black moor) keeps chasing Chester( fantail) and nipping at his tail! I have no clue why. They are in a 1.5 gallon tank and seem to be just fine. Alf constantly tries to eat the rocks. I feed them 2 times a day so idk why Alf acts soo hungry compared to Chester.
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Jenny - 2010-09-15 No wonder he's chasing the other goldfish you are killing them. They need a 30 gallon tank as a minimum so no they are not fine they seem it on the outside but they are being internally crushed and swimming in ammonia. If you get fish you're 1 meant to get them a tank and two research so your not torturing them.
Jan - 2010-09-19 If you have only a 1.5 gallon tank, you should have only one fish in it. Also, with a small tank you need to be very careful to keep it clean! Clean often, every 4 weeks, so your fish is not overcome with ammonia (from urine). Well now that you have gotten the 2nd fish already, either get another small tank and put one of your fish in, or get a larger tank for the two of them to be together. (I have a fantail goldfish in a 2 gallon tank, and she's still going strong after 2 years. I believe keeping a clean tank is the trick.)
DEVIN - 2010-09-19 Sorry to burst your bubble but they need a bigger tank because goldfish usually don't but can become a bit territorial if limited space is available and they might out grow that in 6 months. You might want to think about getting them a 40 gallon tank considering they can growS to 8 inches!
Sarah - 2010-11-16 Your tank is too small. The dominant fish (Alf) is trying to chase off the less dominant fish (Chester) because there isn't enough space. On average, you can only put 1 inch of fish per gallon in a tank. That means a single 3 inch long fish needs 3 gallons. However, goldfish produce *a lot* of waste so they need even more per fish. Try a 10 or 20 gallon tank with twice the amount of filtration for the water volume, i.e. a 20 gallon filter for a 10 gallon tank or a 40 gallon filter for a 20 gallon tank. This also works for african cichlids, (though never put a cichlids in anything less than a 40 gallon tank). A 10 gallon tank with a lid and light are inexpensive and a Penguin 100 power filter will be less than $20 (Marineland Bio-Wheel filters are simply the best). Try a slightly larger tank with some plant decorations in it and I bet your goldfish will be happier and live much longer and healthier lives.
Karrie - 2010-12-12 Some fish are aggressive towards other fish due to territorial issues (alf was there first and chester will always be the newbie) and sometimes the fan tail movement does look like food to another fish. I would attempt to return one of the fish and try another combination. Aggression or chasing another fish around doesn't usually disappear and often gets worse until the bullied one dies. The tail gets ragged and infection sets in or starvation occurs because it's real hard to eat when you're always being chased around. If you are lucky you will end up with 2 females and everyone will be happy. They are usually not aggressive and they make better tank mates in my opinion.
Jo - 2011-01-23 My fantail was very tiny when purchased. Looked like any other goldfish. She is now a year old. I called her "calli" because she was calico in color. Since then she has turned into this large beautiful full blown fantail. Her fins are so long and floaty that it its mesmerizing to watch her swim. Just yesterday I bought her a friend. I think it is a Black moor or Black Molly. Supposed to be compatible. The little one does try every now and then to take a little nip at "calli's) fins, but they basically seem to get along just fine. I wish I had a camera to show you how beautiful my fantail is. She has since changed color. Very muted soft creamy light brown. I only feed them one a day. Thanks for your comments.
brandon - 2011-01-31 If you place your two fish in a bigger tank they will be able to coincide with one another...I own four different types and they don't attack each other.... a 5 gallon tank would be the best..
Mj - 2011-02-19 1) 1.5g tank is too small. The fish are competing for space and oxygen.
2) What size are the goldfish? If they are 1-2yrs old, at least 2-3" long, Alf could be male and want to breed with Chester (who could be female). Alf would have white growths on JUST his gill plates (tubercles).
3) If no tubercles, then it's bullying b/c of limited tank space. For two goldfish, 20g is best, if not 30-40g.
4) The chasing could be due to illness. Alf knows that Chester is weaker (if two males, he could be picking on him). Do you see any white specks on the main tail, dorsal, or hip fins? Any noticeable damage?
4Goldfish - 2011-07-03 I think it is most likely Alf is male and Chester is female. Have you tried checking their vents? Males' are triangular in shape and go inward, while a female's is a horizontal slit that curves out.
Also, did you buy them from the same tank? I got two from different tanks once. They got along fine, but with the male trying to nip the female's tail and bumping her belly -- classic egg-making behavior. After 13 days the female died from some illness, which was very sad, and the male swam around, distressed, looking for her. I went back to the store where I bought them and bought three more from the male's tank -- two females and a male -- and put them into the tank at home. All four were very excited when they saw each other. He acts much more gentlemanly to those three and they all have a good time together, swimming around in a pack and playing.
1.5 gallons is quite small to keep two goldfish in, especially fancy ones like a fantail and a black moor. I kept a small regular goldfish in a three gallon bowl for 10 months, which was not a very good idea. Now the same bowl houses 12 white cloud minnows, 3 neon tetras, and 2 algae-eating shrimp, courtesy of my seven-year-old niece and her parents.
Alf may be eating rocks because to him they look like food. On a website somewhere, I read brightly colored fish see in color. I dunno if that's true, but it could be.
Fantails and black moors are supposed to be compatible, though, so he wasn't lying to you. Hope I helped.
4Goldfish - 2011-07-03 Wait a second! Males also fight because they want space.
4Goldfish - 2011-07-03 Third post! Alf is eating the rocks because he's trying to eat the algae on them. Also, are they really rocks or gravel?
4Goldfish - 2011-07-03 By the way, my niece started out with the three tetras, the two shrimp, and three minnows. The minnows mated (one died in the process) and produced 3 babies that survived. Then the father mated with his three daughters to produce 5 grandsons and 3 granddaughters. (The grandmother died). The bowl actually is big enough to house all of them.
Lyndon - 2010-09-01 I have a golden fantail and a blackmoor in a 500 gallon outdoor pond along with 4 comets, 1 shubunkin, and a butterfly koi and they are all doing great together but I was wondering if I need a heater in there for the fantail and the moor. I live in north central fl and it gets to about 20 degrees F. It would be great if I could get a reply quickly, thanks.
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Anonymous - 2011-02-12 Yes you do need a heater.
barry - 2011-03-29 No you don't need a heater. They are hardy COLDWATER fish. I made that mistake before and they all died on me.
carla - 2010-08-19 I have had newly brought two fantails from the same tank from about a day ago. I have noticed that all the time they are swimming together side by side never separating. Is that normal, or do they just need time to settle in? Also, how do you know if fantails are male or female? Please help!
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Anonymous - 2011-02-12 Male has white spots close to the gills and is usually big and thin and girl is small and fat and around spring the male chases the girl (if there is a girl in tank).
Jason Hamblett - 2011-02-21 Hi I am new to this. I have kept fish for 2 years, I have a 4 ft tank and got four shubunkins and a orlanda fancy.. Do you think they will attack him? ( I know this may seem a little strange but can a goldfish and a shubunkin mate or do they need to be the same sort of fish... can someone plz help me)
James - 2011-02-07 I have a 60 litre (13 gallons) tank and I have 5 fantails. Is this too small for them? They seem to be very happy and active, also very friendly! But after a little scare the other day (old tank cracked and leaked while I was at work, got to them in time. There was still water in the tank so put em in a washing up bowl temporarily and a bloody door later hit the bowl and they all fell out, again luckily I got to them in time and after a sleepless night they all seem fine 3 days later) After all this I just want to ensure I'm doing things correctly. I feed them flakes 3 times a day, use a 600 litre an hour filter and I have bubbles in the tank to provide oxygen in the water. Then the usual plants and items to mentally stimulate the fish. If anyone can give advice that would be fantastic. Thank you.
Taylor - 2010-12-30 I bought a fantail Goldfish probably a month ago (named Trey) and it's been in it's own 6 gallon tank for a month at least. Today my best friend bought a fantail Goldfish (name undecided lol) She bought it to put with my fish and we put them together in the tank today well (Trey) started to chase the new fantail around the tank for awhile and I thought that they weren't going to get along so we started to clean an old tank to put the new fantail in, but Trey isn't chasing the new fish around anymore.. Are they going to get along? And also is my tank big enough for the both of them?
Mike - 2004-04-23 When I first got my Fantail Goldfish, I read to them. The goldfish were still in the bag. Strangly, my fish were looking at me like they were listening!! :)
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Anonymous - 2010-05-20 That always happens to me! My fishes name is Dory! My they're such beautiful fish!
Marilyn - 2010-11-28 Hello Mike. I loved reading your comment about your Fantail fish, that they really did seem to listen to you when you read to them. Yes, I totally agree with you, I have two fantail fish, for 5 years now, & they know me. When I have visitors they swim away & hide, & every time I come indoors they swim forward to greet me at the front of the tank. Their names are Dori & Nemo`s Dad. They are lovely company & I watch them for hours.
The Fantail is a show goldfish with one main distinguishing feature--a split, or double, tailfin!
I just took one of my moms fan tailed goldfish out of her pond and put it in my fish tank. We named her joey. I am worried that the change might kill her, what are some signs that may mean the change wasn't good? Also, how can you tell when one is pregnant?
Are there any reasons that you may be worried that your goldfish is having problems? First, I would say that you would want to make sure that the temperature of the water that you are putting the goldfish into is the relative same temperature as the water it came from. As time goes on, just watch your fish for any sign of distress - breathing problems, rapid swimming, any skin irritations or scales/fins missing, etc.
Goldfish are not live-bearers, which means they can not be "pregnant" in the normal sense. Instead, they lay eggs during a spawning session, and these eggs are fertilized by a male goldfish.
I have two fantail fish one all off white and a calico one and I don't know what is wrong, but my calico one is belly up and breathing for three days. But I don't know what is wrong with it, can you help me?
I have a calico fan as well. She's been doing the belly up for months but doesn't seem to affect her or my other 4. I'm curious too. She goes upright when feeding and when she moves but relaxing she's belly up. Her body is about 3 in. She looks full all the time. I'm careful with feeding, nothing more than they eat in 10 min. 2 times a day. None of my others do this and 2 more are her size. Doesn't seem harmful. I am also curious.
I would suggest trying to oxygenate the water either with a pump or make sure the surface area is a decent size to allow for oxygenation. I have also heard that sometimes goldfish will do this when the water is too warm but im not 100% sure of that one. My best guess would be oxygenation. In the time between now and you getting a pump do a partial water change with lots of splashing when the water goes in to add diy bubbles and tide fishy over. You may see an improvement in which case you can be sure. Also ensure you aren't overfeeding. Hope that helps x
I believe that this would be a case of your little friend having "swim bladder"
I also have a fantail gold fish that has been doing this little "look I'm dead" act for close to two years, off and on. The first time it happened I wrote to a goldfish expert in California, and he said that my fish was constipated! He said cut back on how much I was feeding her, and to give her a small broken up SHELLED pea. Well guess what? My fish loves her occasional pea now. Goes absolutely crazy when we feed her it, and after two years, she's still going strong.
It probably has a swim bladder problem :( or she might be dying I am sorry if that is the case but the best thing you can do is make her comfortable.
If she does have swim bladder you will need to act fast she will be in a lot of pain look at some websites on swim bladder and it's treatment.
To cure it, cook A pea, split it open, and feed it the inside of the pea. It really works! For swim bladder.
One time I had a fantail named Fat Freddie. He was the best. Igot him when he was really small with three others and somehow the other three died when I put some aqua medicine from Wardley to clean because I didnt have a filter then but they died the next morning. Fat Freddie lived on for five years when all his companions died. He even lived when I put a crayfish in there and it almost took his tail off. I miss him. He died on my teachers birth day.
AHHH sorry you lost Fat Freddy - sounds like you had fun.
I just got a calico fantail and a black moor just a few days ago because the guy at the store said they were breeds that would get along. Alf (my black moor) keeps chasing Chester( fantail) and nipping at his tail! I have no clue why. They are in a 1.5 gallon tank and seem to be just fine. Alf constantly tries to eat the rocks. I feed them 2 times a day so idk why Alf acts soo hungry compared to Chester.
No wonder he's chasing the other goldfish you are killing them. They need a 30 gallon tank as a minimum so no they are not fine they seem it on the outside but they are being internally crushed and swimming in ammonia. If you get fish you're 1 meant to get them a tank and two research so your not torturing them.
If you have only a 1.5 gallon tank, you should have only one fish in it. Also, with a small tank you need to be very careful to keep it clean! Clean often, every 4 weeks, so your fish is not overcome with ammonia (from urine). Well now that you have gotten the 2nd fish already, either get another small tank and put one of your fish in, or get a larger tank for the two of them to be together. (I have a fantail goldfish in a 2 gallon tank, and she's still going strong after 2 years. I believe keeping a clean tank is the trick.)
Sorry to burst your bubble but they need a bigger tank because goldfish usually don't but can become a bit territorial if limited space is available and they might out grow that in 6 months. You might want to think about getting them a 40 gallon tank considering they can growS to 8 inches!
Your tank is too small. The dominant fish (Alf) is trying to chase off the less dominant fish (Chester) because there isn't enough space. On average, you can only put 1 inch of fish per gallon in a tank. That means a single 3 inch long fish needs 3 gallons. However, goldfish produce *a lot* of waste so they need even more per fish. Try a 10 or 20 gallon tank with twice the amount of filtration for the water volume, i.e. a 20 gallon filter for a 10 gallon tank or a 40 gallon filter for a 20 gallon tank. This also works for african cichlids, (though never put a cichlids in anything less than a 40 gallon tank). A 10 gallon tank with a lid and light are inexpensive and a Penguin 100 power filter will be less than $20 (Marineland Bio-Wheel filters are simply the best). Try a slightly larger tank with some plant decorations in it and I bet your goldfish will be happier and live much longer and healthier lives.
Some fish are aggressive towards other fish due to territorial issues (alf was there first and chester will always be the newbie) and sometimes the fan tail movement does look like food to another fish. I would attempt to return one of the fish and try another combination. Aggression or chasing another fish around doesn't usually disappear and often gets worse until the bullied one dies. The tail gets ragged and infection sets in or starvation occurs because it's real hard to eat when you're always being chased around. If you are lucky you will end up with 2 females and everyone will be happy. They are usually not aggressive and they make better tank mates in my opinion.
My fantail was very tiny when purchased. Looked like any other goldfish. She is now a year old. I called her "calli" because she was calico in color. Since then she has turned into this large beautiful full blown fantail. Her fins are so long and floaty that it its mesmerizing to watch her swim. Just yesterday I bought her a friend. I think it is a Black moor or Black Molly. Supposed to be compatible. The little one does try every now and then to take a little nip at "calli's) fins, but they basically seem to get along just fine. I wish I had a camera to show you how beautiful my fantail is. She has since changed color. Very muted soft creamy light brown. I only feed them one a day. Thanks for your comments.
If you place your two fish in a bigger tank they will be able to coincide with one another...I own four different types and they don't attack each other.... a 5 gallon tank would be the best..
1) 1.5g tank is too small. The fish are competing for space and oxygen.
2) What size are the goldfish? If they are 1-2yrs old, at least 2-3" long, Alf could be male and want to breed with Chester (who could be female). Alf would have white growths on JUST his gill plates (tubercles).
3) If no tubercles, then it's bullying b/c of limited tank space. For two goldfish, 20g is best, if not 30-40g.
4) The chasing could be due to illness. Alf knows that Chester is weaker (if two males, he could be picking on him). Do you see any white specks on the main tail, dorsal, or hip fins? Any noticeable damage?
I think it is most likely Alf is male and Chester is female. Have you tried checking their vents? Males' are triangular in shape and go inward, while a female's is a horizontal slit that curves out.
Also, did you buy them from the same tank? I got two from different tanks once. They got along fine, but with the male trying to nip the female's tail and bumping her belly -- classic egg-making behavior. After 13 days the female died from some illness, which was very sad, and the male swam around, distressed, looking for her. I went back to the store where I bought them and bought three more from the male's tank -- two females and a male -- and put them into the tank at home. All four were very excited when they saw each other. He acts much more gentlemanly to those three and they all have a good time together, swimming around in a pack and playing.
1.5 gallons is quite small to keep two goldfish in, especially fancy ones like a fantail and a black moor. I kept a small regular goldfish in a three gallon bowl for 10 months, which was not a very good idea. Now the same bowl houses 12 white cloud minnows, 3 neon tetras, and 2 algae-eating shrimp, courtesy of my seven-year-old niece and her parents.
Alf may be eating rocks because to him they look like food. On a website somewhere, I read brightly colored fish see in color. I dunno if that's true, but it could be.
Fantails and black moors are supposed to be compatible, though, so he wasn't lying to you. Hope I helped.
Wait a second! Males also fight because they want space.
Third post! Alf is eating the rocks because he's trying to eat the algae on them. Also, are they really rocks or gravel?
By the way, my niece started out with the three tetras, the two shrimp, and three minnows. The minnows mated (one died in the process) and produced 3 babies that survived. Then the father mated with his three daughters to produce 5 grandsons and 3 granddaughters. (The grandmother died). The bowl actually is big enough to house all of them.
I have a golden fantail and a blackmoor in a 500 gallon outdoor pond along with 4 comets, 1 shubunkin, and a butterfly koi and they are all doing great together but I was wondering if I need a heater in there for the fantail and the moor. I live in north central fl and it gets to about 20 degrees F. It would be great if I could get a reply quickly, thanks.
Yes you do need a heater.
No you don't need a heater. They are hardy COLDWATER fish.
I made that mistake before and they all died on me.
I have had newly brought two fantails from the same tank from about a day ago. I have noticed that all the time they are swimming together side by side never separating. Is that normal, or do they just need time to settle in?
Also, how do you know if fantails are male or female?
Please help!
Male has white spots close to the gills and is usually big and thin and girl is small and fat and around spring the male chases the girl (if there is a girl in tank).
Hi I am new to this. I have kept fish for 2 years, I have a 4 ft tank and got four shubunkins and a orlanda fancy.. Do you think they will attack him? ( I know this may seem a little strange but can a goldfish and a shubunkin mate or do they need to be the same sort of fish... can someone plz help me)
I have a 60 litre (13 gallons) tank and I have 5 fantails. Is this too small for them? They seem to be very happy and active, also very friendly! But after a little scare the other day (old tank cracked and leaked while I was at work, got to them in time. There was still water in the tank so put em in a washing up bowl temporarily and a bloody door later hit the bowl and they all fell out, again luckily I got to them in time and after a sleepless night they all seem fine 3 days later) After all this I just want to ensure I'm doing things correctly. I feed them flakes 3 times a day, use a 600 litre an hour filter and I have bubbles in the tank to provide oxygen in the water. Then the usual plants and items to mentally stimulate the fish. If anyone can give advice that would be fantastic. Thank you.
I bought a fantail Goldfish probably a month ago (named Trey) and it's been in it's own 6 gallon tank for a month at least. Today my best friend bought a fantail Goldfish (name undecided lol) She bought it to put with my fish and we put them together in the tank today well (Trey) started to chase the new fantail around the tank for awhile and I thought that they weren't going to get along so we started to clean an old tank to put the new fantail in, but Trey isn't chasing the new fish around anymore.. Are they going to get along? And also is my tank big enough for the both of them?
When I first got my Fantail Goldfish, I read to them. The goldfish were still in the bag. Strangly, my fish were looking at me like they were listening!! :)
That always happens to me! My fishes name is Dory! My they're such beautiful fish!
Hello Mike. I loved reading your comment about your Fantail fish, that they really did seem to listen to you when you read to them. Yes, I totally agree with you, I have two fantail fish, for 5 years now, & they know me. When I have visitors they swim away & hide, & every time I come indoors they swim forward to greet me at the front of the tank. Their names are Dori & Nemo`s Dad. They are lovely company & I watch them for hours.