Panda Butterfly Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

The Panda Butterfly Goldfish (Carassius auratus) is a real head-turner, wrapped in bold black and white panda coloring and finished with a broad, flowing butterfly tail. Its rounded body and telescope-style eyes give it a gentle, almost cartoonish charm that looks stunning viewed from above. Hardy and social, it is a wonderful centerpiece for a cool-water fancy goldfish tank.

Pair it with our other fancy goldfish, or browse the full freshwater livestock and supplies selection.

Care Guide

• Cool, clean water: Goldfish are temperate fish that thrive between 65 and 75°F and rarely need a heater indoors. They are messy eaters, so give them strong filtration and stay consistent with water changes.
• Tank size: Plan on about 20 gallons for the first fancy goldfish and roughly 10 more gallons per additional fish. They grow larger and live longer than most people expect.
• Butterfly tail: The signature split, fan-shaped tail is at its best viewed from above. Keep decor smooth and snag-free to protect the delicate finnage.
• Eyesight: Telescope-eyed fancy goldfish have limited vision, so give this one a little extra time to find its food and keep tankmates calm and slow.
• Feeding: An omnivore. Offer a quality sinking goldfish pellet or gel food plus the occasional blanched vegetable. Sinking foods help prevent the swim-bladder and buoyancy issues round-bodied fancies are prone to with floating flakes.

Specifications

Compatibility

• Great with: other slow, round-bodied fancy goldfish such as orandas, ranchus, telescopes, and ryukins.
• Use caution: avoid fast single-tailed goldfish like comets and common goldfish, which outcompete fancies at feeding time.
• Skip: tropical community fish that need warmer water, and any fin-nipping species that may target the long tail.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Repashy Super Gold Goldfish & Koi Gel Food for color and growth
• Seachem NutriDiet Goldfish Flakes with probiotics
• Mix in more fancy goldfish: Black Moor, Red Cap Oranda, or a Shubunkin
• More freshwater livestock and supplies

FAQ

Does it need a heater?
No. Goldfish are coldwater fish and do best at normal room temperature, around 65 to 75°F.

How big will it get?
A healthy Panda Butterfly can reach 6 to 8 inches, so plan to grow it into a larger tank over time.

Can it live with tropical community fish?
It is not ideal. Goldfish prefer cooler water and gentle, slow tankmates, so other fancy goldfish are the best match.

Why does it look at food so slowly?
Telescope-eyed fancies have reduced vision. Drop food near them and give them a moment to find it, and avoid fast eaters that steal every bite.