Shubunkin Goldfish

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingEasy tank upkeep

  No grooming here — steady water quality and routine tank care do it.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment10–20 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Swim bladder disorder · Fin rot

The shubunkin is a hardy single-tailed goldfish (Carassius auratus) developed in Japan in the early 20th century, prized for its calico colouration of blue, red, black and white with a pearly, semi-transparent sheen. Slim and fast like a comet, it grows to 15–30 cm and lives 10–20 years or more. It is a true cool-water fish. Shubunkins are strong swimmers better suited to a pond or a large tank of 150 litres or more, at 15–24°C with a pH of 6.5–8.0. Being active and long-bodied, they need swimming room and strong filtration for their considerable waste. They are cold-hardy and can overwinter in a deep outdoor pond. They are omnivores fed floating or sinking pellets and blanched vegetables, and readily learn to feed from the hand. Sociable and peaceful, they are best kept with other single-tailed goldfish rather than slow, delicate fancies they would outpace at feeding. Robust and less prone to swim-bladder issues than round fancies, their main risks are ich and fin rot; clean, cool, well-filtered water keeps them healthy for many years.

• How active is a Shubunkin Goldfish?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Shubunkin Goldfish need?

  Easy tank upkeep. No grooming here — steady water quality and routine tank care do it.

• What tank size does a Shubunkin Goldfish need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Shubunkin Goldfish a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Shubunkin Goldfish live?

  10–20 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Shubunkin Goldfish?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Swim bladder disorder, Fin rot. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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