veiltail goldfish

Veiltail Goldfish

Looking to add a Veiltail Goldfish to your collection?

veiltail goldfish

The Veiltail Goldfish is one of the most beautiful goldfish out there but, it is also one of the rarest.

The fish is known to be delicate, difficult to breed, and even more difficult to breed true.

This breed of goldfish has an egg-shaped or rounded body.

Also known as the feather-dressed long finned Ma-yu, the Veiltail Goldfish this fancy goldfish comes in all three scale types and can be acquired in a solid red or orange, variegated colors, or calico.

In this article, I will quickly introduce you to the Veiltail goldfish and share everything you need to know about it. 

orange and white veiltail goldfish

Let’s begin.

All About the Looks: The Veiltail Goldfish 

This fish has a compact body which has a shape similar of that to a Fantail’s but is somewhat rounder.

This fish has a deep belly and a slightly arched back.

The fish’s body should ideally be as deep as it is long and the it should have the fins flowing yet graceful.

If the fish has large anal fins, it means that it’ll develop a beautiful tail as it matures. 

According to breed standards, the tail of this variety of goldfish breed should be twice the length of the body at minimum and should be fully divided from tip to caudal peduncle without any distinct lobes.

spotted orange and white veiltail goldfish

It is square in shape and drapes elegantly behind the fish as it swims.

This variety has a remarkably tall dorsal fin which is similar to the sail of a boat.

It should ideally be as tall as the body is deep, with no folding to the one side or another. This fin makes the fish’s presence angelic.

How Do I Know If My Fish is a Veiltail? 

It is common for OrandaFantail, and Ryukin owners to mistakenly believe that their goldfish is a Veiltail when they observe the length of the tail increase with age. 

black and blue veiltail goldfish

The fish may even have an excellent finnage if they are provided with proper tank room and time, even trailing their fins along the substrate as they swim.

It is important to know that, true Veiltails are a separate breed on their own and do not belong to any other category.

The so-called veil tailed Fantail isn’t anything more than a Fantail with a genetically long tail.

If your goldfish that has a humped back, head growth, or the typical body shape of a Fantail it probably is not a Veiltail goldfish, to be brutally honest.

Fishing Around: Veiltail Breed History

The Veiltail Goldfish finds its origins in Japan but, the exact origins are still unknown. 

tri colored veiltail goldfish

The breed was first bread in the United States in Philadelphia during the late 1800’s and came to known as the Philadelphia Veiltail during the 1920s.

Later, these fish were called the Broadtail but, that breed is known to have more shorter and squared fins.

This breed of goldfish was near extinction in the United States but, was saved by hard-working enthusiasts that revived the breed and continued to preserve all the traits of the first strains.

The Veiltail Goldfish has been modified with certain varieties which include color varieties from China and a dark, velvety telescope-eye from Europe.

Caring for Veiltail Goldfish

You need to pay close attention to your Veiltail Goldfish’s fins which are likely to get tears and nibbings from tankmates. 

opened mouth orange and white tail veiltail goldfish

You should try and keep the fins in a good condition by making sure that the water quality of the tank is adequate, that the fish gets a well-balanced diet, and keeping only fish-safe decorations in the tank to prevent any further damage.

All these precautions will help protect your fish against fin rot---a condition that can permanently ruin the Veiltail’s fins.

Feeding Your Veiltail

Veiltails have compact bodies which makes them quite susceptible to getting swim bladder disorder.

So, to counter this, you should feed your fish veggies which will help with their digestion and maintain their overall health.

These fish do rather well on diets foods that are fresh and a diet of ​sinking pellet.

You can also give the fish prepared foods such as flakes.

Housing

These fish can get up to 6 to 8 inches in length which means that they’ll need a tank which can accommodate their size.

While a 10-gallon tank is manageable, a 20-gallon tank is ideal for one fancy goldfish.

When you’re deciding housing for Veiltails, it is important to keep in mind that the trailing tail of the veiltail the trailing tail of the fish can get easily torn.

The tank needs to have decorations that are not the least bit sharp.

orange and white tail veiltail goldfish

If the Veiltail gets injured on the tail, it could lead to bacterial infections so, you’ll need to keep the water clean at all times and weekly water changes are a must. 

These fish are quite delicate which means that they shouldn’t be kept in ponds.

Temperament

These fish are known to be docile and easy-going ones.

The slow-moving fish come under the category of less energetic breeds and are often described to be sweet-natured and gentle fishes.

side view orange and white veiltail goldfish

These fish aren’t likely to bully other fish in the tank and they thrive on community if the other fish are not aggressive.

Compatible Fish

The Veiltail shouldn’t be housed with more aggressive goldfish as they are slow-moving.

This is to ensure that the fish get enough to eat and live a peaceful life.

Compatible tank mates include butterfly tails, fantails, and other delicate breeds.

side view silver gray butterfly fish 2

Varieties such as the common goldfish or the comet will out-compete them for food and may even bully the fish.

Summing Up: A Quick Look at the Veiltail Goldfish

The Veiltail Goldfish is one of the most beautiful goldfish out there but, it is also one of the rarest.

The slow-moving fish is known to be delicate, difficult to breed, and even more difficult to breed true.

This fish has an egg-shaped body and is gorgeous and somewhat angelic to look at.

These fish are known to be docile and easy-going ones and don’t do well with aggressive tank mates.

Scientific Name:

Carassius auratus auratus

Family:

Carp, Minnow Cyprinidae

Type:

Twin Tail

Environment:

Freshwater

Temperament:

Community, Peaceful, Friendly

Swimming Speed:

Slow

Tankmates:

Other slow swimmers Telescope Eye, Bubble Eye)

Lifespan:

10-15 years

Size:

6 - 8"

Diet:

Omnivore

Temperature:

65° - 78°F

Care Level:

Medium (decorations with sharp points and edges should be removed so as to avoid damaging the fins of the veiltail)

Veiltail  Goldfish Questions and Answers

goldfisho mascot

What is a Veiltail goldfish?

Type: fancy

Colors: red, orange, red/white, calico

Type of Swimmer: slow

Temperament: peaceful

Single or Twin-tail: twin

Level of Care: not for beginners due to poor eyesight and distorted swim bladder

What does a Veiltail goldfish cost?

$$$ Very rare to find

What are compatible tank mates for Veiltail goldfish?

Because Veiltails are slow swimmers, never place them together with fast swimming fish. They are best with other slow swimming fish such as Lionheads, Bubble Eyes, Fantails, or Butterfly Tails

Note: Slow swimming goldfish should not be placed with fast swimming goldfish. Fast swimmers are aggressive eaters at feedings.



Characteristics and Traits of Veiltail Goldfish


How large does a Veiltail goldfish get?

6” - 7”

What is the lifespan of Veiltail goldfish?

10-15 years


Diet of Veiltail Goldfish


What does a Veiltail goldfish eat?

Pellets

Live food (bloodworms, shrimp)

Fruits & vegetables

Flake food


Tank Requirements for Veiltail Goldfish


What size tank does a Veiltail goldfish need?

Minimum: 20-30 gallons

Fish-to-tank Ratio is 1” of fish per 1 gallon of water

What should the water temperature be for a Veiltail goldfish; and do I need to have a heater for the tank?

65 - 72 degrees (F)

A heater is required to maintain water temperature.

Do I need to have an air stone (air pump) in my Veiltail goldfish’s tank?

Yes, but avoid having one that is too powerful because Veiltails are slow swimmers and too much water movement will cause them to have trouble swimming

Does a Veiltail goldfish’s tank require a filtration system?

Yes, all goldfish should have a filtration system in their tank.

Be careful that your filtration system’s water intake is not too powerful for the Veiltail because they are slow swimmers and too much movement in the water can be difficult for your Veiltail to tolerate.

Do you have any questions? If so, leave them in the comments, and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

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