The fantail has a relatively short body with deep, short caudal peduncle. Its body coloration is variable, depending on the scale formation and pigmentation. The dorsal fin is held high, and in good specimens it should be around half the body depth. It has double anal and caudal fins.

Fantail Gender

The males will develop white tubercules on the gill covers and leading rays of the pectoral fins.

Fantail Breeding

Egg scatterer during the summer

Fantail Special Care

The fantail can be kept in an outdoor pond all year round, providing the water is deep enough to ensure a warm layer at the bottom where it can lie dormant.