I have a 50 gal. aquarium. It currently contains 4 common fantail goldfish (not ryukin a.k.a. Japanese fantails). Common fantails are the smallest type of goldfish (reachin 4 to 6 in. on Average (record is 10 in.)) Common goldfish were developed in America. Ryukins are larger and slower than common fantail goldfish. Common fantail goldfish (unlike other fancy goldfish breeds) have been reputed to be the only breed of fancy goldfish to keep up with faster single tail goldfish.
I recently ordered 2 red neon moons. They are a variety of moon fish. Moon fish are a member of the platy familly. Some have also been crossed with the Variatus. The red neon moon tends to grow to be 2 to 3 inches.
I know the rule for fancy goldfish is 10 gal. per fish. And I know single tails need 20 gal. for one fish, and an adittional 10 gal. for each adittional fish. And I know the rule of 1 gal. per 1 in. of fish for small and other community/tropical fish. Except messy types or very active fish, like algae eaters and sharks for example.
Howevr, these two species do share some traits that might make them compatible as well. Both species like to eat freez-dried bllodworms, freez-dried brine shrimp, siprinullia flakes, blanched spinach, and blanched lettuce. The red neon requires different flake food (tropical flakes) compared to goldfish (which can eat pellets and flakes developed specifically for goldfish). Due to the fact they have very small mouths the red neons need tropical flakes. I hear that if you monitor these species when feeding (to make sure the red neons get their tropical flakes) the red neons and goldfish suffer no ill effects. Both species can be kept in a ponds in warm climates (the red neons won’t do well in pondsin cold climates) and aquariums (an aquarium with a heater is advisable with the red neons). Both species can be found at any level in the tank. And both can do well within a range of 75 to 78 degrees. And I know goldfish will eat smaller fish, if they can fit the fish into their mouth and the smaller fish is slow enough for them to catch. Ihear neon reds are fast. And concidering neon reds grow to be 2 to 3 in., and the common fantails don’t get as large as other goldfish, I figure the red neons should be safe enough from the goldfish.
My question is, with 4 common fantails already in my 50 gal. tank, will the red neon moon fish and goldfish have enough room to live comfortably together in the tank? Or do I need to move the red neons to another tank for all the fish to be hapy and healthy? Also if it is truly unsafe in the tank for the red neons, despite there being enough room and their size and speed, please tell me. If there is not enough room, unsafe, or both those things I can move the red neons to a spare 12 gal. tank I have. Just let me know. Thank you for your time, answers, and most of all your paitence. It is most appreciated.