Veil-tailed fish are an excellent option if you want to give your aquarium a dash of elegance and drama. These fish, which are prized for their vivid colors and flowing, delicate fins, can transform any aquarium into a breathtaking spectacle of beauty. Aquarium enthusiasts of all stripes choose them for their elegant movements and striking tails.
There are many species of veil-tailed fish, and each one adds a special charm to your underwater environment. There is a veil-tailed fish to suit practically every taste, from the gorgeous betta with its amazing fins to the elegant guppy with its lively, colorful tails. They have a variety of lovely tails, from long and flowing to short and rounded, but they all have the same distinct elegance.
Veil-tailed fish are excellent for both novice and experienced aquarists due to their ease of maintenance and aesthetic appeal. They are renowned for their hardiness and typically adjust well to various tank conditions. They are therefore a fantastic option if you want to set up an attractive but low-maintenance aquarium.
We’ll delve into the world of veil-tailed aquarium fish in this post, covering their various species, maintenance needs, and advice on keeping them happy in your tank. Prepare to add some stunning, flowing fish to your aquarium that will make an impression on everyone who sees them and win your heart.
Where does this name come from?
It’s all about how the fish looks, or more specifically, how gorgeous its long fins and tail are hanging from its body. They are light, transparent, and flowing, much like a veil. They give the fish the appearance of floating or flying in the water. Thus, veil-tailed, or veil, as it is called.
History of appearance
The first ornamental fish were artificially bred several centuries ago by Chinese and Japanese fish farmers. The fish are veil varieties of goldfish, namely veiltail and comet. They continued to be the only fish with fins and tails like these for a very long time.
A new lease on life was given to this aquaristics trend starting in 1952. At that time, Moscow and New York nearly simultaneously released scarf guppies and Henkel guppies.
While the latter had veil tails, the former had elongated and widened dorsal and anal fins.
Moreover, it all seems like a thrilling race between American and Moscow guppy breeders to see who can produce the most veil individuals.
In this industry, Vasiliev N.A., Obraztsov S.A., Malinovsky A.G., and Levitas Ya.A. are the most successful Russians. That’s when the guppies with the longer dorsal fin than tail—the scarf-fork variety—came into being.
Amateur spawners have been involved in veiltail fish breeding since 1956. A veil tail was bred into angelfish by K. Butendorf (GDR).
We can now observe veil forms in a variety of fish species:
- golden;
- guppies;
- angelfish;
- cardinals;
- danios;
- neons;
- cocks;
- barbs;
- ancistrus;
- synodontides, etc.d.
What do veiltail fish look like?
- a long tail fin no less than 5/4 of the length of the entire body of the fish, outwardly resembling a veil;
- a tail consisting of 2-3, and ideally 4 lobes;
- there should be a right angle between the lower and upper lobes of the tail fins;
- the dorsal fin is usually high;
- large eyeballs with different colors of the iris;
- the body is spherical or ovoid.
It is important to remember that differences could exist in terms of scale presence, body structure, and color.
General features of maintenance
An aquarium for two people needs to be at least fifty liters in capacity. Small circular aquariums are completely inappropriate since they impair fish vision and stunt their growth.
Water indicators: acidity 6.5-8, hardness no more than 20, temperature 12-18.
Water aeration and active filtration.
Soil that contains small, blunt-edged pebbles and coarse sand because veiltails frequently dig in the ground to find food.
The decorations need special consideration. The fish’s lovely long fins will soon rip and start to look like rags if they are not smooth and free of sharp edges, with plenty of room for swimming. Similar considerations should be made with regard to vegetation: soft, small-leaved plants should be preferred over dense thickets.
Feeding schedules need special consideration. The truth is that these fish are typically indolent and sedentary. Overeating causes obesity and other illnesses.
Consequently, eating should not exceed three percent of one’s body weight each day. It ought to be given in the morning and the evening in two parts. Take out the remnants. It’s advised to observe a fast day once a week. You can give plant-based, combined, living, and dry feed.
Ideal neighbors
Generally speaking, valekhovy fish are calm, slow, docile, and self-sufficient. Their chicks’ easily damaged plumage is their weakness. As a result, these characteristics must be considered when choosing other residents.
Say "Yes!"a little fish with a calm personality:
- Danio,
- Neon,
- guri,
- Cardinal,
- Pecilia Shubankin,
- Telescope.
We make it clear that veil telescopes should ideally be kept in a separate aquarium because their eyes and tails are both sensitive areas.
Perfect pairing: veil fish with catfish, such as antsistrus or crumbs. It is a fact that the former produce a lot of waste, and the latter distributes it.
Declare: "No!"Barbuses, cockerels, and cichlids are nimble, active fish with fans to pull at their fins and tails. Shrimp have occasionally attacked the lush tails.
A beautiful addition to any tank, veil-tailed aquarium fish are distinguished by their graceful, flowing fins that mimic tiny veils. These fish, which include well-known species like bettas and some types of goldfish, not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of an aquarium but also require particular maintenance that is essential to their health. It’s crucial to comprehend their particular needs, such as ideal water conditions and suitable tank mates, to make sure they flourish and keep shining with their elegant presence.
Receiving offspring
In a typical aquarium, veiltail fish that are viviparous, like platies, swordtails, and guppies, reproduce. A 20–30 liter spawning tank filled with sand and small-leaved plants is where those who wish to spawn can do so. Usually, it has two to three males and one female.
The water should be at least 25 degrees when it first arrives. It is gradually raised by an additional five to ten. The parents are eliminated after spawning.
The fry are later fed live dust. To be clear, this is the broadest knowledge we have regarding veiltail reproduction. For each species separately, more thorough information regarding sexual differences, timing, and reproduction conditions should be covered.
| Fish Type | Description |
| Veil Tail Betta | Known for its long, flowing fins that resemble a veil. These fish are vibrant in color and have a graceful swimming style. |
| Veil Tail Guppy | Small and lively, with beautiful, elongated fins that spread out like a veil. They come in various colors and patterns. |
| Veil Tail Platies | These have a distinct tail fin that fans out elegantly. They are hardy and come in many colors, making them a popular choice for aquariums. |
| Veil Tail Swordtails | Recognizable by their long, pointed tails that extend like a veil. They are active and colorful, adding a dynamic element to any tank. |
With their long, flowing fins, veil-tailed aquarium fish lend a sense of refinement and beauty to any tank. Hobbyists love them for their vibrant colors and graceful movements. The veil-tailed varieties are sure to catch your eye, whether you’re more drawn to the captivating platies or the eye-catching betta fish.
Keep in mind that veil-tailed fish need a little extra care because of their delicate fins. To keep them healthy and lively, provide a clean, well-maintained tank with gentle filtration. Maintaining a well-balanced diet and doing routine tank maintenance will guarantee the continued health and happiness of your veil-tailed fish in your aquarium.
Adding veil-tailed fish to your aquarium can significantly improve its aesthetic appeal. They stand out in any aquatic setup thanks to their distinctive look and elegant behavior. These gorgeous fish will thrive and become a treasured part of your aquatic ecosystem if given the proper care.
