How to Distinguish a Fantail Goldfish From a Veiltail

Goldfish hold the distinction of being the first foreign fish species introduced to North America, and they have been resident on the continent since the early 1600s. All goldfish are from the same species, but more than 20 different varieties exist, of which fantail and veiltail are just two. Fantails and veiltails have much in common, including their single dorsal fin, their metallic or calico color scheme and their minimum body length of around 2.25 inches. However, once you know what to look for, it̵7;s easy to tell the difference between the two.

Things You'll Need

  • Veiltail goldfish
  • Fantail goldfish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look at the shape of the tail, properly known as the caudal fin. Fantails hold their caudal fins above the horizontal and the tail itself is a forked shape. Veiltails do not have this forked tail.

    • 2

      Examine the length of the tail in comparison to the body of the fish. Veiltails have a long tail, measuring at least three-quarters of their body length. Fantails have a much shorter tail.

    • 3

      Look at the fish̵7;s overall body shape. Veiltails have a body depth of at least two-thirds their body length, while the ratio for fantails is three-fifths.