What kinda goldfish do I have?!?

[Rapunzelle]

I bought these 2 goldfish for my office aquarium, but not sure what type they are. I did quite a bit of research on the net, but they don't seem to fit a particular description. What I mean is according to some sites, fantails have oval bodies but shorter tail, veiltails have round bodies with long tails, well mine have oval bodies with long double tails (as long as the body), dorsal fin, anal fins etc. I have a red & a calico. What are they? they have no lumps, no bulging eyes, no big heads, just a normal body, a bit rounder belly maybe than comets or common goldfish. Please help? I want to identify them. I used to have a 55g cichlid tank at home, (not anymore), but my mom will give me her 33g and I am interested in getting some fancy varieties of goldfish. I want to know more about them, and my first step is to identify the ones I have. thanks!

Rachel

[OrionGirl]

Many goldfish are difficult to identify as juveniles, because their adult body shape forms as they grow. I would likely say that you have veil tails, and that the body shape will begin to develop into the adult form within 6 months.

Moving this to the goldfish forum.

[Rapunzelle]

I had already posted to the goldfish forum - but noone goes there! :confused: That is why I had also posted in general freshwater - so I had a chance to get as many responses as possible .. Was that so bad? :(

PS - my goldfish are now about 7 months old approx.

[CordyRoy]

Goldfish typically need 20-30 gallons of water EACH. Be prepared for big tanks.

[Rapunzelle]

I know that's what they say. I'm getting either a 33g or 44g, will put a pair of goldfish in there. When they're too big for the tank, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. There is nothing more boring than a 33 or 44g tank with one single fish in it when you think about it.

But the main purpose for my post is that I would appreciate if someone could help me identify the ones I currently have, based on the info I provided.

tks

rap.

[val]

Well, it's hard t know based on what you've said. GF strains are frequently intermixed, so if you bought them at a local fish store, they could be anything. They might just be fantails that are extra long. Care for both are pretty much the same.

As to tank size, if you take care of the fish, you'll do fine. I have a 29 and a 30, both with 3 mature fantail species each. Keep the water clean and use a good filter. I also recommend a bubble wand. GF seem to like the additional agitation the wand provides...

You could let us see pictures if you've got them in a couple more months for a more definitive "diagnosis".

Val

[Rapunzelle]

Thanks Val_. I'd also like to see pics of your tanks & goldfish if you have some. Will try to think of taking pics of mine.

rap.

[val]

Thanks, but I've never gotten around to taking pictures. In my mind, it takes a pretty spectacular tank for it to photo well, and my are fairly pedestrian. Also, my fish are pretty similar: three nice moors and three nice fantails: one very yellow, one a redcap, and one real ugly calico. This last one was quite attractive as a juvenile, but it's colors bled and it's something of a disappointment...

Val

[GoLdFiSh_GrL]

i took a pic of my tank... it came out VERY small though. its a gourami tank (for now)

[val]

Are you planning on changing tanks, GF Girl? Not that there's anything wrong with gouramis, which were part of my first biotope tank, and still my favorite setup. I'm going to set up a tank of dwarfs at my office in my 10G later this fall, once I get some plants... My office needs something different...


Val

[GoLdFiSh_GrL]

i'm not planning on changing tanks, though i'm trying to find my kissing gourami a better home... :( it'll grow too big for a 29gal.