Shubunkin, known as 朱文金 or red brocade, is an ornamental goldfish variety bred from Carassius gibelio forma auratus. These fish are characterized by their transparent scales and vibrant coloring, which can include hues of blue, orange, and white. Shubunkins are popular among aquarists for their hardiness and ability to thrive in community tanks or ornamental ponds.
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Habitat in the wild
The shubunkin is a striking type of goldfish from the Cyprinidae family, known for its vibrant calico pattern featuring patches of red, orange, blue, black, and white. This variety of single-tailed goldfish thrives in both freshwater aquariums and outdoor ponds, making it a favorite among hobbyists due to its hardiness and visual appeal.
Belonging to one of the largest fish families, the Cyprinidae includes notable species such as the common goldfish and koi. The shubunkin’s history traces back to early 20th-century Japan, believed to stem from selective breeding between the calico telescope eye goldfish and the common goldfish, which contributed to its unique body shape and coloration.
The name “shubunkin,” meaning “red brocade” in Japanese, aptly reflects its colorful pattern. By the 1920s, the shubunkin gained popularity beyond Japan, making its way to Europe and the United States. In England, the London shubunkin emerged, followed by the Bristol shubunkin, which has an elongated body and well-developed tail fin. The American shubunkin, with its slimmer body and longer fins, also became distinct. Today, the London variety is the most commonly available.
Selective breeding has refined the shubunkin’s colors and patterns, leading to high-quality specimens with intricate markings. Widely available in pet stores and through breeders, shubunkins continue to be cherished for their adaptability and beauty, making them a delightful addition to freshwater aquariums and water gardens worldwide.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Shubunkin Goldfish |
| Scientific Name | Carassius auratus (variant) |
| Family | Cyprinidae (Minnow or Carp Family) |
| Origin | Japan (early 20th century) |
| Size | 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in length |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years (can live longer with proper care) |
| Body Shape | Slender and streamlined body with a single tail |
| Color | Calico pattern with patches of red, orange, blue, black, and white |
| Temperament | Generally peaceful and sociable, suitable for community tanks |
| Tank/pond requirements | Needs ample space to swim, at least 20 gallons per fish in an aquarium, and a large pond for outdoor setups |
| Water conditions | Prefers a pH range of 7.0 to 8.4 and a temperature of 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) |
| Diet | Omnivorous, will eat commercial flakes, pellets, and live/frozen foods |
| Behavior | Active and energetic, spends time exploring and foraging for food |
| Hardy | Resilient and can tolerate a range of water conditions, making them suitable for beginners |
| Breeding | Can breed in captivity, spawning occurs in warmer water with the presence of plants or spawning mops |
| Tank/pond compatibility | Can coexist with other peaceful freshwater fish, but avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping species |
Description
Body
The shubunkin has an elongated, laterally flattened body reminiscent of its wild ancestor, the common carp. Unlike typical goldfish, its body is short, wide, and rounded, with long, always-open fins and a distinctive claw-ended tail fin.
One of the shubunkin’s unique features is its transparent scales, earning it the nickname “scaleless goldfish,” along with its vibrant calico coloring. This colorful pattern includes various combinations of red, orange, blue, black, and white, with some specimens exhibiting a bluish body adorned with dark red, brown, yellow, and black spots. Notably, shubunkins breed true, ensuring consistency in these striking traits.
Shubunkins can exhibit a range of calico patterns, making each fish visually unique. This variability means that no two shubunkins look exactly alike, which adds to their appeal for collectors and aquarists. The different color combinations and patterns can create a stunning display in any aquarium or pond, captivating both fish enthusiasts and casual observers.
Additionally, the transparent scales of shubunkins can give the fish a shimmering effect in water, enhancing their overall beauty. This characteristic not only highlights their vibrant colors but also allows for a unique interaction with light, making them stand out even more in a well-lit aquarium. Their lively movements and playful behavior further enhance their visual appeal, making them a joy to watch.
Size
If housed in a tank, shubunkins typically grow to about 15-20 cm (6-8 in), though some sources indicate they can reach lengths of 23 to 46 cm (9 to 18 inches) when kept in ponds with optimal conditions and high-quality feeding. While the latter size is achievable, it requires a spacious environment and attentive care.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a shubunkin goldfish typically ranges from 10 to 15 years, but with proper care and a healthy environment, they can live even longer. Some well-cared-for shubunkins have been known to reach 20 years or more. The key to extending their lifespan lies in providing a suitable and well-maintained habitat, including adequate space and quality filtration.
Difficulties in keeping
The shubunkin is a stunning and enduring variety of goldfish, known for its resilience and adaptability. They are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal demands regarding feeding and tank conditions. This active fish thrives in community tanks, where its lively behavior and vibrant colors can be showcased alongside compatible tank mates. Their hardiness makes them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarists looking to enhance their aquatic environments.
Care and keeping in a tank
As mentioned earlier, the shubunkin is one of the most undemanding fish to keep. Native to Japan, where it originated, shubunkins are often found in outdoor ponds, even in regions where winter temperatures can be quite low. Their hardiness allows them to thrive in various conditions, making them a popular choice for pond enthusiasts. This adaptability to colder climates further emphasizes their resilience, as they can continue to flourish with proper care and management, even during seasonal temperature fluctuations.
Tank size
For shubunkin goldfish, the minimum recommended tank size is 20 gallons per fish. However, it’s important to keep in mind that shubunkins are active and energetic fish that can grow quite large, reaching lengths of 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches) or even more. As they grow, they will need additional space to swim and thrive.
For optimal conditions, a 30-gallon tank or larger is preferable for a single shubunkin. If you plan to keep more than one, it’s essential to increase the tank size accordingly; a minimum of 40 to 50 gallons is recommended to comfortably accommodate their size and activity levels.
In general, the larger the tank, the better it is for your fish, as it promotes better water quality, provides more swimming space, and reduces the frequency of necessary water changes. A spacious environment also allows for a more diverse and engaging aquatic habitat, complete with hiding spots and decorations that enrich their lives.
If space or resources are limited, consider keeping shubunkins in an outdoor pond, as they are well-suited for such environments. Outdoor ponds can provide a natural habitat with ample space, greatly benefiting the health and well-being of your shubunkin goldfish. In these settings, shubunkins thrive as they can exhibit natural behaviors, such as foraging and socializing with other fish species. They also benefit from natural filtration and a more varied diet, as they can graze on algae and insects found in their environment.
Tank decor
Creating a well-decorated tank for your shubunkin goldfish enhances their living environment and provides mental stimulation and exploration opportunities. Here are some tank decor ideas suitable for shubunkins:
Substrate: Use smooth gravel or sand as the tank substrate. Avoid sharp or rough gravel that could injure your fish. It’s best to use sand or larger gravel, as goldfish frequently dig the substrate. Smaller grains can be swallowed, leading to potential health issues.
Plants: Live aquatic plants not only add visual appeal but also provide hiding spots and oxygenate the water. Hardy and fast-growing plants like Anubias, Java Fern, and Hornwort are excellent choices. However, be aware that shubunkins might nibble on live plants, so select varieties that are less likely to be eaten. Since shubunkins enjoy digging, it’s advisable to use plants with strong roots that can withstand their activity.
Driftwood and Rocks: Incorporating driftwood and rocks creates hiding places and adds a natural aesthetic to the tank. Ensure that any rocks used are smooth and free of sharp edges.
Bubbler or Air Stones: Air stones or bubble walls improve oxygenation and create visual interest with bubbles rising from the bottom of the tank.
When arranging decorations, be sure not to obstruct water flow or create barriers that could lead to territorial disputes among the fish. A well-decorated tank can reduce stress in shubunkins, as it offers them places to hide and feel secure.
Water parameters
When setting up a tank for your shubunkin goldfish, it’s essential to consider the water parameters, which can vary greatly but should ideally fall within the following optimal ranges:
Temperature: 18°C to 24°C (65°F to 75°F)
Shubunkins are cold-water fish that thrive in slightly cooler temperatures compared to tropical fish. It’s important to avoid extreme fluctuations, as these can stress the fish.
pH Level: 7.0 to 8.4
Shubunkins can tolerate a wide pH range, but slightly alkaline water (above pH 7.0) is generally preferred for their health and well-being.
Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm
Both ammonia and nitrite are toxic to fish, so it’s crucial to regularly test the water and maintain these levels at 0 ppm.
Nitrate: Below 40 ppm (ideally 20 ppm or lower)
Nitrate is a byproduct of the nitrogen cycle in an aquarium. While shubunkins can tolerate moderate levels of nitrate, keeping it as low as possible is best for their optimal health.
Hardness: 5 to 20 dGH (degrees of general hardness)
Shubunkins can adapt to a range of water hardness levels, but maintaining it within this range is generally suitable for their well-being.
These water parameters serve as guidelines, and slight variations can be tolerated by healthy, well-acclimated fish. However, sudden and significant changes in water conditions can be harmful. Regular monitoring with a reliable water test kit is crucial, along with performing water changes as needed to maintain stable and suitable conditions.
For outdoor pond setups, shubunkins are hardy fish that can tolerate a broader range of water conditions, making them well-suited for such environments.
Diet
Shubunkins are omnivorous fish that will happily consume various types of food, including frozen, live, and artificial options. Their diet should consist of 50-70% vegetable matter and 30-50% protein sources to ensure balanced nutrition. To help maintain clean tank water, it’s crucial to feed shubunkins high-quality flakes or pellets.
One of the benefits of a varied diet is that shubunkins enjoy foraging for different types of food, making feeding time an engaging experience. They can benefit from vegetables like peas and spinach, which not only enhance their diet but also provide essential nutrients. These vegetables can be blanched and chopped before offering them to the fish, encouraging natural foraging behaviors and promoting digestive health.
Overfeeding can lead to serious health issues, as shubunkins are prone to intestinal obstruction. Special caution is needed with bloodworms; overfeeding them can cause flatulence, resulting in loss of balance and potentially fatal outcomes. Regular feeding in appropriate amounts will keep your shubunkins healthy and vibrant.
Tank mates
Shubunkin goldfish are generally peaceful and exhibit a non-aggressive demeanor towards other fish. They are social creatures that prefer to coexist harmoniously with fish of similar temperament and size. In most cases, shubunkins will not eat or attack other fish in the same tank or pond, making them well-suited for community aquariums and peaceful outdoor ponds.
When selecting tank mates for shubunkins, it’s crucial to consider their size, behavior, and water preferences to create a stress-free environment. Compatible companions include other peaceful fish that thrive in similar conditions, helping to ensure a balanced and vibrant aquatic community.
Here are some suitable tank mates:
- Common Goldfish (Carassius auratus): Common goldfish are close relatives of shubunkins and can be good tank mates as they have similar size and temperament.
- Comet Goldfish: Comets are another type of single-tailed goldfish that can get along well with shubunkins. They have a similar body shape and are generally peaceful.
- Ryukin Goldfish: Ryukins have a distinctive hump behind their head and can coexist peacefully with shubunkins, especially in a spacious tank or pond.
- Rosy Barbs (Puntius conchonius): Rosy Barbs are hardy and peaceful fish that can thrive alongside Shubunkins in a community setting.
- Weather Loaches (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus): Weather Loaches are bottom-dwelling fish known for their playful behavior and ability to tolerate cooler temperatures.
- Kuhli Loaches (Pangio kuhlii): These small, peaceful, and nocturnal loaches can be interesting additions to the tank.
Gender differences: male vs female
Determining the sex of shubunkin goldfish can be challenging, especially when they are young. However, as they mature, subtle differences in physical characteristics can help identify males and females. Observing multiple individuals over time can increase accuracy in sexing them. Here are some general differences between male and female shubunkin goldfish:
Size: Females are often slightly larger and rounder than males, particularly when carrying eggs.
Body Shape: Females typically have a plumper and rounder body shape, especially when full of eggs, while males tend to be slimmer and more streamlined.
Vent Shape: The vent, located just in front of the anal fin, is crucial for breeding and waste elimination. In mature females, the vent may appear rounder and slightly more prominent, while in males, it is usually more slender and elongated.
Fins: Males may have slightly longer and more pointed pectoral fins compared to females. However, this characteristic can be subtle and not always reliable for sexing.
Breeding Behavior: During the breeding season, males often exhibit increased chasing and courtship behaviors, attempting to entice females to lay eggs.
It’s important to note that these differences can be subtle, and accurately sexing shubunkin goldfish may not be possible until they reach sexual maturity. Additionally, individual fish may not always display typical characteristics, making gender determination more complex.
For those interested in breeding shubunkins, keeping a group of young fish and observing their development over time is the best approach. As they mature, the differences will become more pronounced, allowing for better identification of their sexes.