Fancy Goldfish Care Guide: Types, Tank Setup, Feeding & Health

Thinking about adding a fancy goldfish to your aquarium? These ornamental varieties—like Oranda, Ranchu, and Fantail aren’t just beautiful; they’re also more delicate than common goldfish. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to keep your fancy goldfish healthy, comfortable, and thriving.

Table of Contents

What Makes Fancy Goldfish ‘Fancy’?

Unlike the streamlined body of common or comet goldfish, fancy goldfish have:

Rounded, egg-shaped bodies
Flowing double tails
Specialized features like head growths (wen) or curved backs

Some popular breeds include:

Oranda – known for its bubble-like head growth
Ranchu – a wen-covered goldfish with no dorsal fin
Fantail – a great beginner-friendly fancy goldfish
Ryukin – compact with a high back and flowing fins

These features make them charming but also more vulnerable to health issues.

Why Fancy Goldfish Need a Different Tank Setup

Fancy goldfish are slow swimmers. Their heavy bodies and long fins mean they can’t compete for food or swim through strong currents like single-tailed goldfish can.

Ideal Tank Setup Tips:

Tank size: 20 gallons for one fancy goldfish, +10 gallons for each additional
Low flow filter: Use sponge filters or adjustable flow filters
Soft substrate: Avoid sharp gravel that could damage fins
Rounded decor: Choose smooth ornaments they can’t get stuck in
Good oxygenation: Add an air stone if needed

Best Tank Mates for Fancy Goldfish

Because of their gentle nature and slow swimming, fancy goldfish should only be housed with other fancies.

Avoid:

Single-tail goldfish (they outcompete for food)
Fin-nippers like barbs
Bottom dwellers that may stress them out

Good tank mates:

Other fancy goldfish (same size or slightly smaller)
Slow, peaceful snails like Nerite or Mystery Snails

Feeding Fancy Goldfish: Be Careful with Floating Food

One of the biggest concerns for fancy goldfish is swim bladder disorder, which can be caused by:

Overeating
Swallowing air while feeding at the surface
Poor-quality pellets

Feeding Tips:

Use sinking pellets specifically made for fancy goldfish
Supplement with:
- Blanched peas (once a week)
- Bloodworms or daphnia (treats only)
- Gel food if available
Feed 2–3 small meals a day, not one big meal

Ideal Water Parameters and Temperature for Fancy Goldfish

Fancy goldfish prefer cooler water than tropical fish, but slightly warmer than common goldfish do better for them.

Parameter	Ideal Range
Temperature	70–74°F (21–23°C)
pH	7.0–8.4
Ammonia/Nitrite	0 ppm
Nitrate	Under 40 ppm

Keep temperatures stable—fancy goldfish don’t handle big fluctuations well.

Preventing Common Health Issues

Because of their body shape and wen growth, fancy goldfish are more prone to:

Swim bladder issues
Constipation
Bacterial infections in the head growth (especially Orandas)

How to Help:

Do weekly water changes (25–30%)
Clean the filter monthly, never fully replace media
Quarantine new fish before adding them
Watch for floating, sinking, or rolling behavior

Grooming the Wen (Oranda & Ranchu)

The wen—the fleshy head growth on Orandas and Ranchus—needs attention.

Tips:

Ensure it doesn’t block vision or gills
Avoid sharp decor that can cause cuts
If infected, treat with antibacterial meds or consult an expert
In rare cases, hobbyists carefully trim the wen (advanced keepers only)

Breeding Fancy Goldfish: Is It Right for You?

Breeding fancy goldfish can be rewarding but tricky. You’ll need:

A separate breeding tank (20–30 gallons)
Male and female fish in healthy condition
Soft plants or spawning mops

Eggs will hatch in 4–7 days, and the fry will need special care and food.

Final Thoughts

Fancy goldfish are peaceful, beautiful, and rewarding pets—but they need the right care. From slower swimming to specific tank setups and diets, their needs differ from standard goldfish. With consistent care, your fancy fish can live 10+ years and bring charm to your home aquarium.

Want to learn more about goldfish in general? Check out our full Goldfish Care Guide here.