Variety of Goldfish

Shubunkin

Carassius auratus

One of 12 varieties of Carassius auratus · See all varieties →

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

Varieties · Carassius auratus

See all 12 →

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
Tankmates: With caution
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Easy
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Very common
Family: Cyprinidae
Origin: A hardy single tailed pond goldfish developed in Japan from domesticated Carassius auratus, whose wild form lives in slow freshwater across East Asia.

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.

Did you know

A healthy shubunkin in a pond can live 15 to 20 years and keeps its calico colors brightest in cooler, well lit water.

Common questions

Is a Shubunkin a different species from the Goldfish?

No. A Shubunkin is a variety of the Goldfish, Carassius auratus. It is kept the same way apart from difficulty, adult size, tank size and temperature.