What Is the Life Span for a Calico Fantail Goldfish?

Surprisingly, goldfish have a relatively long lifespan. Many people assume that goldfish typically live only one to two years. However, a typical lifespan for a goldfish is at least 10 years with the correct care and habitat. Calico fantail goldfish are no exception. A healthy fantail goldfish will live more than a decade under the proper conditions. To get the most out of your calico fantail goldfish, care for it properly by providing decent living conditions and the correct food.

  1. Habitat

    • You must provide an ideal habitat for a fantail goldfish. While this species is hardy and has the ability to withstand extreme circumstances and habitats, fantail goldfish thrive on regulated living conditions. A properly stocked aquarium or pond ensures that fantail goldfish are happy. This type of goldfish enjoys plenty of plants such as elodea, anubias and java moss. A wide selection of plants also helps during the spawning process. Although fantail goldfish enjoy plants, you must also provide adequate swimming room. Whether you choose a pond or an aquarium for housing your fantail, keep the water temperature at 65 to 75 degrees. In extreme conditions, this species easily survives near-freezing temperatures. Because goldfish are considered messy, each goldfish must be housed in at least 20 gallons of water. For example, for two fantails, you must have a 40-gallon tank. Also ensure that the pond or tank has a decent water filter. Many goldfish have shortened life spans due to dirty tanks and a poor filtration system.

    Overcrowding

    • Not all fantail goldfish do well with other fish. However, the fantail goldfish is considered a community tank fish. Typically, this species does well with companions. Many owners place too many goldfish in one tank, which cuts down the lifespan of a goldfish. Too many goldfish in one tank or pond creates problems such as one fish not getting enough food and not having enough swimming room. An overcrowded tank also leads to ich and other illnesses. Ensure that your tank or pond is large enough for the amount of fantails you own.

    Proper Diet

    • Fantail goldfish need proper nutrition. Feeding the wrong food to your fantails results in malnutrition and overstress. Fantail goldfish must have a diet of goldfish pellets or flakes that contain vegetables. Fantails frequently graze for food on plants and pond or aquarium bottoms. Ensure that all plants are fresh and without harmful bacteria. Keep the tank clean of waste and slime. Fantail goldfish need food twice a day. Feed fish once in the morning and once in the evening.

    Predators

    • Although fantails are housed in water, that does not eliminate potential predators. Many fantails have shortened life spans due to outside predators such as cats and raccoons. When keeping fantail goldfish in ponds or aquariums, take precautions against predators. Use a fishing net for covering a pond. Ensure that all aquariums features a closing lid to discourage cats from attacking the fish.