Ryukin
Carassius auratus
Also known as Ryukin goldfish, Fringetail goldfish, Japanese ribbontail
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 61–73°F (16–23°C)
- pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Adult size
- 7.9 in (20 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 25 gal (95 L)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Common
- Origin
- A fancy goldfish strain developed in Japan from Chinese fantail stock, bred from wild Carassius auratus native to slow freshwater in East Asia.
- Family
- Cyprinidae
Overview
One ryukin needs about 95 L, plus roughly 40 L for each additional goldfish, with heavy filtration to handle the waste. Aim for 16 to 23 C and a pH of 6.5 to 8.0. Keep it with other fancy goldfish of similar swimming speed. Feed sinking pellets, blanched peas and spinach, and frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp, splitting food into small daily portions.
In the wild
The ryukin is a fancy goldfish with a short, deep body and a tall, pointed shoulder hump behind the head. It has long flowing fins and a paired tail, and is one of the sturdier fancy strains. The rounded body means it swims slowly and is prone to swim bladder issues, so it needs smooth decor and no strong current. Keep it cool, roughly 16 to 23 C.
Good to know
The ryukin was developed in Japan from Chinese fantail stock and takes its name from the Ryukyu Islands, the trade route it arrived by. Its trademark high back is a fixed genetic trait selected over generations. Like all Carassius auratus strains it is a cool water fish, not a tropical one.
Did you know
Ryukins are among the greediest fancy goldfish and will eat until bloated, so measured feeding is the main way to keep their round bodies healthy.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- LiveAquaria Freshwater and saltwater fish, inverts and corals
- Aqua Huna Freshwater fish, shrimp and plants with a three day live arrival guarantee
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Freshwater fish · Goldfish · Community fish · Coldwater fish
Keeping Ryukin?
Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.
Related species
Black Moor
Carassius auratus7.9 in (20 cm)25 gal (95 L)61–75°F (16–24°C)
Common goldfish
Carassius auratus7.9 in (20 cm)24 gal (90 L)39–82°F (4–28°C)
Fantail
Carassius auratus7.1 in (18 cm)20 gal (75 L)59–73°F (15–23°C)
Lionhead
Carassius auratus7.1 in (18 cm)25 gal (95 L)61–75°F (16–24°C)
Pearlscale
Carassius auratus7.1 in (18 cm)25 gal (95 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)
Ranchu
Carassius auratus7.1 in (18 cm)25 gal (95 L)61–75°F (16–24°C)