Trying our hand with Fancy Goldfish

[slakker]

We got Fan Tails last week... been researching it and think we should be able to keep fancy gold fish in our area with a cold frame over winter.

They're like little cows that graze constantly...

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152023681151408

 

[Mmathis]

How big is your pond?

I have fallen in love with Wakin & Watonai! I don't know if they're technically considered "fancy" or not, because they are actually old breeds that went out of popularity. And, they are very hardy gold fish. They're hard to find, and so far online has been my only option, but they are lovely. I'll try to find some links. I love these fish! They have the body of a comet, but the tail of a fantail (Watonai have the fancier tail).

These are pics of the last 3 I purchased.

Watonai

Wakin

Wakin

 

[Mmathis]

These are articles from the RAINGARDEN site. On the first one, if you scroll down a little they talk about the Wakin and Watonai fish.

http://www.raingarden.us/info - top view article.pdf
http://www.raingarden.us/wakin.pdf

 

[j.w]

I'd love to be able to keep some fancy tailed ones here but wonder if they would die from the cold. Don't want to have to cover them.

 

[dieselplower]

I'd love to be able to keep some fancy tailed ones here but wonder if they would die from the cold. Don't want to have to cover them.

I kept an oranda in my pond this past winter. Had ice on it for 3 months. Lived.

 

[Nepen]

You pond is just beautiful Thanks for sharing.. now my fish addiction spike again...

Turtle mommy, I've been looking into them for a while but the price just not right
If you have babies of these I'd love to buy some from you.

 

[slakker]

I kept an oranda in my pond this past winter. Had ice on it for 3 months. Lived.

That's really encouraging as mine are orandas as well and our winter is nothing like a Michigan winter. My wife just loves them and she gave them the nickname of our little "cows".

 

[Mmathis]

I'd love to be able to keep some fancy tailed ones here but wonder if they would die from the cold. Don't want to have to cover them.

The Wakin & Watonai would most likely survive as they are very hardy.

You pond is just beautiful Thanks for sharing.. now my fish addiction spike again...

Turtle mommy, I've been looking into them for a while but the price just not right
If you have babies of these I'd love to buy some from you.

Yes, they ARE expensive! I only have a few. I don't breed my fish, and this is only the 2nd season I've had spawn, but last year I did have one cute little guy that I'm pretty sure is a Wakin. This year, so far, all of the babies I've "rescued" have single tails. But, who knows, maybe one day I'll be adventuresome and try to breed some.

 

[haver79]

Very cute fish TM.

I have one fancy goldfish in my pond. He wintered just fine with the comets. He needs a little friend though as they are too fast for him. But it is so cute to watch him wiggling away swimming with the others.

 

[slakker]

How big is your pond?

Total volume is about 1500 Gallons, with about 600 in the lower pond and 900 in the upper pond.