Shubunkin Goldfish: Quick Facts, Behavior, & Care Guide!
Who says goldfish must be yellow? Although technically a Shubunkin Goldfish is a goldfish they have very little or no gold color. They are still worthy of your tank.
The Shubunkin Goldfish, also known as the Calico Goldfish, is a tough swimmer who is easy to take care of. They are friendly and can be kept with other fish. Shubunkins make a great starter fish for anyone who is interested in creating an aquarium.
This single-tailed fish is a staple in almost every assorted fish tank. Let’s get into the details of these fish and how they are so popular.
Here are some quick facts about Shubunkin Goldfish
| Species Name: | Carassius auratus |
| Family: | Cyprinidae |
| Care Level | Simple |
| Temperature: | 65deg-72deg F |
| Temperament: | Peaceful and laidback |
| Color Form: | Calico |
| Lifespan: | Maximum 15 Years |
| Size: | Maximum 12 inches |
| Diet: | Omnivorous, Flakes and Pellets |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 75 gallons |
| Tank setup: | Freshwater with planted flowers |
| Compatibility: | Enjoys a peaceful life with other fish |
Shubunkin Goldfish Overview
Shubunkin Goldfish is truly a fish of a completely different color. They are calico-colored, meaning they have mottled scales of many colors, including red, black, and metallic.
This fish is thought to have been created by selective breeding in Japan around the 20th century. Although the Shubunkin is a direct descendant of the Prussian carp, details of how it happened are still a little fuzzy. They share many characteristics with carp, including the lack of true teeth. The Shubunkin instead has a few rows of pharyngeal tweens in its throat.
Goldfish are more tolerant to cold temperatures than similar fish and can thrive in outdoor or indoor ponds.
What is the Cost of Shubunkin Goldfish?
The Shubunkin Goldfish is not the most expensive fish in terms of cost. It’s actually very common and can usually be found at your local pet shop. Shubunkins can be very affordable, sometimes just a few dollars.
The biggest expense in owning these fish is the purchase of the necessary gear to set up their tanks. The Shubunkin requires very little maintenance once it is set up.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
The Shubunkin is not an aggressive fish. They are happy and peaceful fish. They are often found darting around the tank and displaying their playful side.
They are also able to swim very fast, which is a major advantage over other goldfish. They will be able to compete with other fish during their feeding times. They are a great choice for children as they are active and can be quite active. These fish will provide your child with something to smile at.
Appearance and Varieties
Shubunkin Goldfish is a calico-colored fish. They are mottled and spotted. They can take on many different patterns and colors. Some Shubunkins may have blue, which can be the rarest of colors. These fish are usually more expensive than other Shubunkins.
There are three types of Shubunkin Goldfish.
- Bristol- This fish has a slim body and a distinct tail. These fish also have the longest and most pointed fins.
- London-London Shubunkins are also slim fish but have more rounded fins.
- American Shubunkin – The American Shubunkin’s tail is what distinguishes it. They have deeper tail forks than the other varieties. This Shubunkin is sometimes called the Japanese Shubunkin.
How to Care for Shubunkin Goldfish
Habitat, Tank Conditions, and Setup
We recommend that you keep Shubunkin in a 75-gallon tank. They are fast-growing and need plenty of space to move around. We don’t recommend keeping more than one fish per tank. Overcrowding can cause problems and make a tank dirty faster than usual.
You will need to install a good filter system in your tank. Their water is messy so it’s important to keep them clean. A low- to moderate circulation is fine.
Because the Shubunkin fish are so tough, they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and pH levels. They will be fine if they are kept in tanks that range from 65 to 72 degrees F and pH levels between 6.0 and 8.0.
It’s even easier when it comes down to the substrate. You can use almost any material. However, we prefer to use medium-sized gravel. This allows them to sort through the gravel and locate any remaining material that has sunk to the bottom.
Shubunkin Goldfish are good tank mates
When you introduce new fish to your tank, one of the most important concerns is whether they will get along with the existing inhabitants. You don’t need to worry about the Shubunkin.
They are very friendly fish, even to other fish. They are great swimmers and can be kept in a group or ecosystem. You’ll often find them swimming with their tank mates. They are not only social. Shubunkins are curious little fishes. Shubunkins love to explore their environment and will often bring along a friend. They are unique among fish with such a friendly nature.
They shouldn’t be kept in tanks with slow-swimming fish. They will eat all your food and stop you from feeding them properly.
How to Feed Shubunkin Goldfish
You want your Shubunkin to get the best nutrition possible when it comes time to feed. As a base, we recommend giving them a flake or pellet. They are fast enough that they can compete with all the other fish in the tank so you don’t have to feed them sinking pellets.
TetraFin Goldfish Flakes is our choice. These flakes contain everything your Shubunkin needs for a healthy lifestyle without adding to your budget. Their formula doesn’t cloud your tank so you can watch your fish eat.
You should also keep live plants in their environment. They will occasionally nibble on them. If you feel like giving your Shubunkin a treat, they will also appreciate brine shrimps and bloodworms.
Many goldfish die from poor nutrition, improper diets, and/or excessive portion sizes. This can easily be prevented with proper education.
We recommend The Truth About Goldfish as a best-seller. It covers everything you need to know about goldfish nutrition, tank care, and illnesses. You can find it on Amazon.
How to Keep Your Shubunkin Goldfish Healthy
Shubunkin’s health is one of their best qualities. This fish is a tough and sturdy goldfish. These fish can live up to 15 years if they are well cared for. These fish, like all goldfish, can be messy. This means that you will need to change their water quite often.
To keep your fish healthy, we recommend a 25% water change once a week. This will prevent bacteria and parasites from attacking your fish. They are most commonly affected by a parasite called Goldfish Ich.
This parasite is easily seen on fish as it forms white spots. This condition can be easily treated with tank additives like Kordon Ridich Plus Disease Aquarium Treatment. This treatment is very effective against parasites, but it’s completely safe for your fish.
Breeding
You will need to create the right conditions for your Shubunkin to reproduce. They breed best in warmer climates. If you keep your Shubunkin in a warmer tank, they won’t be able to tell the difference between breeding season and regular life.
Before you can start breeding, it is necessary to lower the temperature by a minimum of 60-62 degrees F. Then, gradually increase the temperature by 2deg-3deg per day until your fish reaches 72deg F.
The males will chase down the females until they finally push them into the plants, where they will lay eggs. They are essential as they provide the females with a place to lay their eggs. You must remove all adults immediately after eggs are laid. They will eat any eggs that they can get, if not, it is time to remove them. They will hatch within 7 days.
Are Shubunkin Goldfish suitable for your aquarium?
Shubunkin can be kept in almost any aquarium provided they are not paired with aggressive fish species. They are social, happy fish that are beautiful to look at and enjoyable to watch.
They’re also great for fish keepers who are just starting out. They are easy to care for and don’t require a lot of money.