The standard "fancy" type of goldfish is called a Fantail. They have a dual-lobed tail, unlike their cousins the Commons or Comets. Their fins can be different sizes, ranging from just an inch or so, up to 3 inches or more in length (also known as Veiltails).
Typical Fantails have paired fins, including anal fins, a single dorsal fin, and a round pointed body shape. They can range in color from Bronze (known as Chocolate), Orange, Red, Calico, and mixes of the colors. The are the hardiest of the Fancy Goldfish, grwoing up to 12"+ inches if given ample room and food.
They can be placed in outdoor ponds, but care should be given as they will be outted by larger fish, such as Koi, during feeding times. They also are slightly less toterant of the cold than their Koi cousins, but since they are cold-water fish, can stand tempatures down to the 65 F with no problems.
The distinguishing characteristic of the FantailGoldfish is its split or double caudal (tail) fin.
The FantailGoldfish is one of the few fancy goldfish, along with the Black Moor*, the Ryukin*, and the Shubunkin*, that are considered suitable for beginners and can be kept at temperatures close to freezing.
FantailGoldfish are egg layers that spawn readily in the right conditions.
Fantailgoldfish show the same range of colours as the comet, ie bronze, orange, white, red and white, as well as calico colouration similar to that of the shubunkin.
Goldfish will grow faster if they are fed a higher protein food, or are fed more often (more on feeding), and, given an adequate food supply, they will grow faster the warmer the water temperature (more on temperature).
Fantails are also hardy enough to be kept outdoors in most parts of Australia, but it should be noted that they are slow swimmers and so may be susceptible to predation from birds and cats.
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