Veiltail

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Crown pearlscale

Country of origin
?
Type
Veiltailed
Breed standards
BAS

The veiltail goldfish, Carassius auratus, is an interesting development of the fantail. It has the body shape of a fantail but has extremely long fins, that are very attractive. The characteristic shape of the tails is that instead of being forked, the tails are more broadtail. Like all fancy goldfish should not be kept in ponds, and keeping them with other fish can be complicated by aggressive fish damaging the fins. They will not tolerate temperatures lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Care must be taken with aquarium decor as the fins of this fish are very long and may get trapped under rocks or ornaments. Plastic plants can also cause problems for the Veiltail, and the similar Fantail (goldfish). They are not excellent swimmers but can be kept with all other fancy varieties of goldfish, as they are still quite hardy. They come in many different colors, including orange, black, chocolate and calico.

Veiltails can grow to 6 - 7 inches in length. Although hardy, they are not suited to beginners, and are better kept by more experienced aquarists in dedicated aquariums that can best cater to their specific needs.

The original, and most highly saught-after variety of Veiltail is the Philadelphia Veiltail. Its origin in America is that goldfish were imported from Japan in 1893, to be exibited at the Columbian World Fair. The fish became sick, with most dying, but a few were rescued by William Seale, who was in charge of the fish exhibit. Seale sold one to Franklin Barrett, in his hometown of Philadelphia, and this was the start of the famous line of American or "Philadelphia" Veils. They have slender, delicate bodies, and very long, delicate fins.