The shubunkin goldfish stands out in any aquarium or pond with its stunning calico pattern and nacreous scales that shimmer like mother-of-pearl. I've kept these beautiful fish for over a decade, and they never fail to captivate visitors with their vibrant blue, red, black, and white coloration. Unlike their fancy goldfish cousins, shubunkins maintain the streamlined body shape of single-tail goldfish, making them excellent swimmers and surprisingly hardy pets.
What makes the shubunkin particularly special is its fascinating history. Developed around 1900 by Japanese breeder Akiyama Yoshigoro, these fish resulted from carefully crossing calico telescope eye goldfish with comets and common goldfish. The outcome was a fish that combined the beautiful calico pattern with the robust constitution and active swimming behavior of single-tail varieties. Today, we recognize three distinct varieties of shubunkin goldfish, each with unique characteristics that appeal to different aquarists.
Whether you're planning to keep shubunkins in an aquarium or pond, understanding their specific care requirements is essential for their health and longevity. These fish can live 10-15 years in aquariums and potentially over 30 years in well-maintained ponds, making them a long-term commitment that rewards careful keepers with years of enjoyment.
Understanding Shubunkin Goldfish Varieties
The world of shubunkin goldfish includes three distinct varieties, each developed in different regions and exhibiting unique physical characteristics. Understanding these differences helps you identify what type of shubunkin you have and provide appropriate care.
London Shubunkin
The London shubunkin represents the original variety and remains the most widely available type today. These fish closely resemble common goldfish in body shape but display the characteristic calico coloration. Their fins are relatively short and rounded compared to other varieties, with the caudal fin showing a moderate fork. The body typically reaches 5-6 inches in aquariums but can grow to 9-10 inches in ponds with optimal conditions.
The scale pattern on London shubunkins creates a beautiful mottled effect, with the nacreous scales allowing glimpses of the underlying skin color. Blue coloration is particularly prized, with specimens showing extensive blue patches commanding higher prices. I've noticed that London shubunkins tend to be the hardiest variety, making them excellent choices for beginners or pond environments.
American/Japanese Shubunkin
American shubunkins, sometimes called Japanese shubunkins, feature a more elongated body and significantly longer, more flowing fins than their London counterparts. The caudal fin displays a deep fork with pointed lobes that can extend quite dramatically in well-developed specimens. These fish typically grow slightly larger than London shubunkins, reaching 7-8 inches in aquariums and up to 12 inches in ponds.
The coloration patterns on American shubunkins often show more defined patches rather than the speckled appearance common in London varieties. Their longer fins make them slightly less efficient swimmers, though they remain active and hardy fish. The flowing finnage requires pristine water conditions to prevent fin damage or disease.
Bristol Shubunkin
Bristol shubunkins represent the rarest and most sought-after variety, developed in Britain during the 1930s. Their defining feature is the large, rounded caudal fin with a distinctive heart shape when viewed from behind. The caudal fin should be held erect and fully spread, creating an impressive display. These fish combine the body shape of London shubunkins with the elaborate finnage that rivals many fancy goldfish varieties.
Finding true Bristol shubunkins proves challenging, as they're primarily available through specialty breeders. The breed standards are quite strict, with judges looking for specific fin proportions and the characteristic broad, rounded tail. Their rarity and beauty make them prized additions to goldfish collections, though they require the same basic care as other shubunkin varieties.
Tank Requirements and Setup
Setting up the ideal environment for shubunkin goldfish requires careful consideration of their active nature and growth potential. These fish need substantially more space than many aquarists initially provide, leading to stunted growth and health problems.
Tank Size Considerations
A single adult shubunkin requires a minimum of 75 gallons, with an additional 20-30 gallons for each additional fish. I recommend starting with at least a 100-gallon tank if you plan to keep multiple shubunkins together. Their active swimming behavior and potential 10+ inch size in optimal conditions demand this generous space allocation. Smaller tanks lead to poor water quality, stunted growth, and increased disease susceptibility.
The tank dimensions matter as much as volume. Shubunkins are horizontal swimmers that appreciate long tanks over tall ones. A 75-gallon tank measuring 48 inches long provides better swimming space than a taller tank with the same volume. For juvenile shubunkins, you can start with a 40-gallon tank, but plan to upgrade within the first year as they grow rapidly with proper care.
Filtration and Water Movement
Robust filtration is non-negotiable for shubunkin goldfish tanks. These fish produce substantial waste, requiring filters rated for at least double your tank volume. I run a combination of canister filtration and hang-on-back filters to ensure adequate biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration. The filter should turn over the entire tank volume 4-5 times per hour.
Shubunkins appreciate moderate water movement that mimics their natural habitat. Position filter outputs to create gentle currents without creating dead spots where debris accumulates. Avoid excessive flow that forces the fish to constantly swim against strong currents, particularly for varieties with longer fins like American and Bristol shubunkins.
Substrate and Decorations
Choose substrate carefully for shubunkin tanks. Fine sand works well as these fish enjoy sifting through it searching for food. Avoid gravel small enough to fit in their mouths but too large to swallow, as this poses a choking hazard. Large river rocks or bare-bottom tanks also work effectively and simplify maintenance.
Decorations should be smooth without sharp edges that could damage fins or scales. Live plants struggle in shubunkin tanks as these fish are notorious plant eaters and uprooters. Hardy species like Java fern, Anubias, and hornwort have the best chance of survival. Provide open swimming space while including some visual barriers to reduce aggression during feeding time.
Water Parameters and Maintenance
Maintaining optimal water conditions ensures your shubunkin goldfish thrive and display their best colors. While these fish are remarkably adaptable, consistent parameters prevent stress and disease.
Temperature Requirements
Shubunkins are coldwater fish that tolerate a wide temperature range from 60-75°F (15.5-24°C). They can survive brief periods outside this range, withstanding near-freezing temperatures in outdoor ponds and temporary spikes up to 80°F. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 75°F increases metabolism, oxygen demand, and disease susceptibility.
I maintain my indoor shubunkin tanks at 68-72°F year-round, which promotes steady growth and activity levels. Seasonal temperature variations in outdoor ponds actually benefit shubunkins, triggering natural behaviors like breeding in spring and reduced activity in winter. Avoid rapid temperature changes exceeding 3°F per day, as this stresses the fish and weakens their immune system.
pH and Hardness Levels
Shubunkins adapt to various pH levels between 6.0 and 8.4, though they prefer slightly alkaline conditions around 7.2-7.6. More important than the exact pH is stability – fluctuating pH causes more problems than a steady level slightly outside the ideal range. Test pH weekly and address any sudden changes immediately.
Water hardness should fall between 4-18 dGH, with moderately hard water around 8-12 dGH being ideal. Soft water lacks essential minerals for proper scale and bone development, while extremely hard water can stress the fish's osmoregulatory system. If your tap water falls outside these parameters, gradual adjustment using appropriate additives helps create optimal conditions.
Regular Maintenance Schedule
Consistent maintenance prevents the accumulation of harmful compounds that compromise shubunkin health. I perform 25-30% water changes weekly, removing debris and uneaten food while vacuuming the substrate. For heavily stocked tanks or during summer when metabolism increases, twice-weekly water changes may be necessary.
Test water parameters weekly using a reliable test kit, monitoring ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and temperature. Ammonia and nitrite should always read zero in an established tank, while nitrates should stay below 40 ppm, preferably under 20 ppm. Clean filter media monthly in old tank water to preserve beneficial bacteria while removing accumulated debris.
Diet and Feeding
Proper nutrition keeps shubunkin goldfish healthy, enhances their colors, and supports their immune system. These omnivorous fish require a varied diet that balances proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Staple Diet Requirements
High-quality goldfish pellets or flakes should form the foundation of your shubunkin's diet. Look for foods with protein content between 30-40% from quality sources like fish meal, shrimp meal, or spirulina. Avoid foods with excessive fillers like wheat or corn as the primary ingredients. Sinking pellets work better than floating foods, reducing the risk of swim bladder problems from gulping air.
Feed adult shubunkins twice daily, offering only what they consume within 2-3 minutes. Young shubunkins under six months benefit from 3-4 smaller feedings daily to support rapid growth. During colder months when metabolism slows, reduce feeding frequency and amount accordingly. I follow the goldfish feeding guide principles, adjusting portions based on water temperature and fish activity levels.
Supplemental Foods
Variety in diet ensures complete nutrition and keeps shubunkins interested in feeding time. Offer blanched vegetables like peas (shelled), zucchini, spinach, and lettuce 2-3 times weekly. These provide fiber that aids digestion and prevents constipation, a common goldfish ailment. Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia serve as protein-rich treats once or twice weekly.
Gel foods have gained popularity among goldfish keepers for good reason. These allow you to incorporate various ingredients into a convenient, nutritious food that doesn't cloud water. Many recipes exist online, letting you customize ingredients based on your fish's needs and preferences. Color-enhancing foods containing carotenoids like spirulina and krill help maintain the vibrant colors shubunkins are known for.
Tank Mates and Compatibility
Selecting appropriate tank mates for shubunkin goldfish requires understanding their active nature, temperature requirements, and potential size. Not all fish that tolerate similar water parameters make suitable companions.
Compatible Goldfish Varieties
Other single-tail goldfish varieties make the best tank mates for shubunkins. Common goldfish, comets, and jikin share similar activity levels and swimming abilities, ensuring fair competition for food. These combinations work particularly well in ponds where space isn't limited. When mixing goldfish varieties, ensure all fish are similar in size to prevent bullying or accidental ingestion of smaller tank mates.
Fancy goldfish like ryukin goldfish or fantail goldfish can coexist with shubunkins in large tanks, though this requires careful observation. The faster-swimming shubunkins may outcompete slower fancy varieties for food. If keeping them together, feed in multiple locations simultaneously and ensure fancy goldfish receive adequate nutrition. Avoid mixing shubunkins with extremely delicate varieties like bubble eyes or celestials.
Non-Goldfish Options
Few non-goldfish species work well with shubunkins due to temperature requirements and size differences. Weather loaches (dojo loaches) represent one successful option, sharing similar temperature preferences and growing large enough to avoid predation. These bottom-dwellers don't compete directly for food and add interesting behavior to the tank.
White cloud mountain minnows can work in very large setups where they have space to avoid the shubunkins, though there's always risk of predation as shubunkins grow. Avoid tropical fish requiring warmer temperatures, as well as aggressive species like cichlids or larger catfish. The comprehensive goldfish tank mates guide provides detailed compatibility information for various species combinations.
Breeding Shubunkin Goldfish
Breeding shubunkins can be rewarding but requires preparation, space, and dedication to raising potentially hundreds of fry. Understanding the breeding process helps you decide whether to pursue this aspect of goldfish keeping.
Breeding Setup and Conditioning
Successful breeding starts with healthy, mature fish at least one year old. Condition breeding groups with high-protein foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp for several weeks before attempting to spawn. A breeding tank of at least 40 gallons accommodates a small group of 2-3 males and one female, though larger tanks increase success rates.
Simulate spring conditions by gradually raising temperature from 60°F to 72°F over 1-2 weeks while increasing photoperiod to 12-14 hours daily. Add spawning mops or bushy plants like hornwort where females can scatter eggs. Males develop breeding tubercles (small white spots) on their gill covers and pectoral fins when ready to spawn, while females appear noticeably rounder when full of eggs.
Spawning Process
Spawning typically occurs in early morning, with males chasing females vigorously around the tank. This behavior can appear aggressive but is normal courtship. Females release hundreds to thousands of sticky eggs that adhere to plants and decorations while males simultaneously release milt to fertilize them. The entire process may last several hours.
Remove adults immediately after spawning as they will eat their own eggs. Eggs hatch in 4-7 days depending on temperature, with warmer water accelerating development. Newly hatched fry attach to surfaces for 2-3 days while absorbing their yolk sacs before becoming free-swimming. At this stage, they require microscopic foods like infusoria or commercially prepared fry foods.
Raising Fry
Shubunkin fry grow rapidly with proper care but require frequent feeding and water changes. Start with 5-6 small feedings daily of appropriate-sized foods, transitioning from infusoria to baby brine shrimp to crushed flakes as they grow. Perform daily 10-20% water changes to maintain water quality in the face of frequent feeding.
Culling becomes necessary as fry develop, removing those with deformities or undesirable traits. This seems harsh but ensures healthy fish and prevents overcrowding. Color develops gradually over several months, with the characteristic calico pattern not fully apparent until 3-4 months of age. Many fry initially appear bronze or brown before developing adult coloration.
Health and Disease Management
While shubunkins are hardy fish, they can succumb to various diseases if water quality deteriorates or stress weakens their immune system. Recognizing symptoms early and responding appropriately makes the difference between minor issues and devastating losses.
Common Health Issues
Ich (white spot disease) frequently affects goldfish, appearing as small white dots covering the body and fins. Fish with ich often scratch against decorations and display clamped fins. Treatment involves gradually raising temperature to 78-80°F while adding aquarium salt at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons. Commercial ich medications also work effectively when used as directed.
Fin rot, characterized by frayed, disintegrating fins, usually indicates poor water quality or bacterial infection. Improving water conditions often resolves mild cases, while severe infections require antibacterial medications. Swim bladder disorder causes fish to float, sink, or swim sideways. This often results from constipation or poor diet quality. Fasting for 2-3 days followed by feeding shelled peas usually corrects the problem.
Disease Prevention
Prevention always beats treatment when it comes to fish health. Maintain excellent water quality through regular testing and water changes. Quarantine new fish for 2-4 weeks before adding them to established tanks, observing for signs of disease during this period. This simple practice prevents introducing pathogens to your healthy fish.
Avoid overcrowding, overfeeding, and rapid temperature changes that stress fish and compromise immunity. Feed high-quality, varied diets to ensure proper nutrition. Regular observation during feeding time helps you notice behavioral changes or physical symptoms early when treatment is most effective.
Pond Care Considerations
Shubunkin goldfish truly shine in pond environments where they have room to reach their full size potential and display natural behaviors. Pond keeping presents unique considerations compared to aquarium care.
Pond Requirements
A proper goldfish pond should hold at least 500 gallons, though 1000+ gallons provides better stability and growth potential. Depth matters as much as volume – ponds should be at least 3 feet deep in temperate climates to prevent complete freezing and provide temperature stability. In regions with harsh winters, 4-5 feet depth ensures fish can overwinter safely.
Include both shallow and deep areas to provide temperature gradients and varied habitats. Shallow shelves around pond edges support marginal plants that provide shelter and help filter water naturally. Adequate filtration remains crucial even in ponds, with biological filters, UV clarifiers, and proper circulation preventing green water and maintaining clarity.
Seasonal Care
Spring brings increased activity as rising temperatures stimulate appetite and potentially trigger breeding behavior. Begin feeding when water temperatures consistently exceed 50°F, starting with small amounts of easily digestible foods. This is also the ideal time for pond maintenance, cleaning filters and removing winter debris.
Summer requires vigilant monitoring as warmer water holds less oxygen. Run pumps and fountains continuously to maintain oxygenation, especially during heat waves. Feed multiple small meals rather than large portions that can spoil in warm water. Provide shade using floating plants or shade cloth to prevent excessive heating.
Fall preparation determines winter survival success. As temperatures drop below 60°F, switch to wheat germ-based foods that digest easily in cool water. Stop feeding entirely when temperatures drop below 50°F, as fish cannot properly digest food in cold conditions. Remove dying plant matter that would decompose and compromise water quality over winter.
Winter care varies by climate. In mild regions, shubunkins remain somewhat active year-round. In freezing climates, ensure a portion of the pond surface remains ice-free for gas exchange using deicers or aerators. Never break ice forcefully as shock waves can harm fish. Fish enter torpor in cold water, requiring no food until spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do shubunkin goldfish live?
Shubunkin goldfish typically live 10-15 years in well-maintained aquariums. In optimal pond conditions with excellent care, they can exceed 20 years and occasionally reach 30+ years. Lifespan depends heavily on water quality, diet, space, and genetic factors. The oldest recorded shubunkins in ponds have reached ages comparable to koi.
How big do shubunkin goldfish get?
In aquariums, shubunkins typically reach 6-8 inches within 2-3 years, though some individuals grow larger with exceptional care. Pond-raised shubunkins commonly reach 10-12 inches and can occasionally exceed 14 inches in optimal conditions. Growth rate depends on water temperature, feeding frequency, space availability, and genetics. They grow most rapidly in their first two years.
Can shubunkin goldfish live with koi?
Yes, shubunkins can successfully live with koi in ponds, sharing similar temperature and water quality requirements. However, size differences become significant as koi grow much larger, potentially reaching 2-3 feet. Ensure adequate space and food for both species, feeding in multiple locations so shubunkins aren't outcompeted. Young koi and adult shubunkins often coexist better than adult koi with young shubunkins.
Why is my shubunkin goldfish turning white?
Color changes in shubunkins can result from several factors. Genetics play the primary role, with some fish naturally losing red pigmentation as they age. Poor diet lacking carotenoids can cause color fading. Inadequate lighting, particularly in indoor tanks, may also contribute. Illness or stress can cause temporary color loss. Ensure proper nutrition, lighting, and water quality to maintain vibrant colors.
Are shubunkin goldfish good for beginners?
Shubunkins make excellent choices for beginners willing to provide adequate space and filtration. They're hardier than fancy goldfish varieties, tolerating a wider range of conditions and recovering more easily from beginner mistakes. Their active nature and beautiful colors provide engaging pets. However, their large size and waste production require commitment to proper tank size and maintenance.
How can I tell male from female shubunkin goldfish?
Sexing shubunkins proves difficult outside breeding season. Mature males develop small white breeding tubercles on their gill covers and pectoral fins during spring. Females appear rounder when viewed from above, especially when carrying eggs. Males typically have slightly longer, more pointed pectoral fins. During breeding season, males actively chase females, making identification easier.
What's the best tank size for two shubunkin goldfish?
Two adult shubunkins require a minimum of 100-120 gallons to thrive. This provides adequate swimming space, helps maintain water quality, and reduces territorial aggression. While they might survive in smaller tanks, their growth will be stunted and health compromised. Start with the largest tank possible, as these fish grow quickly and upgrades become expensive.
Do shubunkin goldfish need a heater?
Shubunkins don't require heaters in most home aquariums, as they thrive in room temperature water between 65-72°F. Heaters become useful in situations with extreme temperature fluctuations or unheated rooms that drop below 60°F. If using a heater, set it to prevent drops below 62°F rather than maintaining tropical temperatures, which stress coldwater fish.
Conclusion
Shubunkin goldfish offer the perfect combination of beauty, hardiness, and personality for aquarists seeking active, colorful fish. Their stunning calico patterns, particularly the coveted blue coloration, create living art in any aquarium or pond. Whether you choose the common London variety, the elegant American shubunkin, or seek out the rare Bristol type, these fish reward proper care with years of enjoyment.
Success with shubunkins comes down to providing adequate space, maintaining excellent water quality, and offering varied nutrition. Their adaptability makes them forgiving of minor mistakes, but they truly thrive when given room to grow and swim freely. The investment in a large tank or pond pays dividends in the health, color, and longevity of these remarkable fish.
As you embark on keeping shubunkin goldfish, remember that these are long-lived pets requiring sustained commitment. The joy of watching them grow from small juveniles into impressive adults, potentially spanning decades, makes them incredibly rewarding companions. With proper care based on the guidelines in this comprehensive guide, your shubunkins will become beloved members of your aquatic family for years to come.
