Shubunkin

Carassius auratus

Also known as Calico goldfish, London shubunkin, Bristol shubunkin, Harlequin goldfish

FreshwaterFish

Shubunkin (Carassius auratus) — Rodsan18 at English Wikipedia (Original text: Photographer: Roderick Santos ©) · CC BY 2.5

Care at a glance

Temperature: 39–75°F (4–24°C)
pH: 6.5–8.0
Adult size: 11.8 in (30 cm)
Minimum tank: 50 gal (190 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Easy
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Very common
Origin: A hardy single tailed pond goldfish developed in Japan from domesticated Carassius auratus, whose wild form lives in slow freshwater across East Asia.
Family: Cyprinidae

Overview

Shubunkins reach 25 to 30 cm and need a pond or a very large tank of at least 190 L, with much more for a group. They handle 4 to 24 C, doing best in cool water, at a pH of 6.5 to 8.0. Keep them with other single tailed goldfish like comets, not with slow fancies they will outcompete. Feed a staple goldfish pellet plus vegetables and occasional live or frozen foods.

In the wild

The shubunkin is a hardy single tailed goldfish with a slim, streamlined body and calico coloring, a mottled blend of blue, red, black and white over pearly scales. It is a strong, fast swimmer that grows large and is really a pond fish. It tolerates cold well and can overwinter outdoors where ice does not freeze solid. In a tank it needs a lot of room, at least 190 L.

Good to know

The shubunkin was developed in Japan and comes in London and Bristol forms, which differ in tail shape. Its calico pattern comes from a mix of metallic and transparent, nacreous scales. It is the same species as the common goldfish, Carassius auratus, and is just as cold tolerant.