Red & White Goldfish

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Carassius auratus
• Common Name: Red & White Goldfish
• Adult Size: 6 to 8 inches (15–20 cm) in home aquariums (can grow larger in ponds)
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years on average, up to 20+ years with excellent care
• Habitat: Originally from slow-moving freshwater bodies in East Asia.
  Modern fantails are captive-bred and thrive in cold or temperate freshwater aquariums or ponds.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for one, +10 gallons for each additional fish
  (Prefer wider tanks with good surface area)
• Ideal Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C) – can tolerate slightly cooler water
• pH Range: 6.5–7.5
• Water Hardness: 5–19 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful, Social
  Best kept with other fancy goldfish varieties
  Avoid fin-nipping tankmates or fast/aggressive fish

Diet & Nutrition

Omnivorous – Should have a balanced diet including:

• High-quality goldfish pellets or flakes
• Blanched vegetables: peas (deshelled), spinach, zucchini
• Occasional live/frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms

• Avoid overfeeding – they are prone to digestive issues and swim bladder problems

Breeding & Spawning

• Egg-layer; Breeding usually occurs in spring or when temperature increases
• Males chase females and nudge the belly to stimulate egg-laying
• Spawning mop or plants useful for egg-laying
• Remove adults post-spawning – they may eat the eggs
• Eggs hatch in 4–7 days

• Fry need infusoria or powdered fry food initially

Appearance

• Body Shape: Rounded, egg-shaped body
• Tail: Long, split double tail that fans out (hence "fantail")
• Color: Bright red or orange-red, sometimes with white accents

• Fins: Flowing and symmetrical

Distinctive Features

• Hardy and beginner-friendly
• Slower swimmer – should not be housed with faster or aggressive fish
• Needs good filtration due to high bioload

• Common in aquariums and decorative ponds