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To help you do that, below are some need-to-know care guidelines. That said, you still need to be committed to providing the best conditions and overall care as you possibly can. They do well in captivity and can thrive in conditions that other fish cannot. If you’re thinking about owning one of these fish, you have a lot to look forward to! Shubunkin Goldfish care is fairly straightforward since they’re quite hardy.
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Most Shubunkins are also heavily spotted, making each one unique. These colors combine to create a distinct Calico look. The blue spots are the most special, as it’s rare in Goldfish. They take on shades of yellow, red, orange, white, grey, and even blue. The most notable feature of the Shubunkin is its color. Their bodies have a smooth taper while the expansive dorsal fin is almost always standing erect. The head of this fish is typically wide but short. Bristol Shubunkins are rarer and often come with a higher price tag as well.īeyond those varying traits, all Shubunkins have a couple of shared features. It has a fuller tail that looks like the letter “B.” It’s a distinct shape that you can’t miss. Some believe that the American variety is closest to the original Japanese Shubunkin.įinally, there’s the Bristol Shubunkin. It looks similar to the tail on a Comet Goldfish. The American Shubunkin Goldfish has a longer tail with a deep and dramatic fork. They typically have a short tail and a slender body. London Shubunkin Goldfish are the most common. While they all have similar care requirements, there are some subtle differences in appearance. These are America, Bristol, and London Shubunkin. Shubunkin Goldfish can be categorized into three different types. Like any other species, keeping these fish in habitats that aren’t right for them can lead to illness and premature death. It’s not uncommon to see these fish living for more than two decades in well-maintained ponds. If you’re lucky, your Shubunkin Goldfish could have a lifespan that’s even longer. That’s assuming they’re kept in a habitat with proper water conditions and a good diet. With proper care, the typical Shubunkin Goldfish lifespan is 10 to 15 years. Some Shubunkin Goldfish have even surpassed that, measuring upwards of 18 inches long! Lifespan
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In a standard aquarium, you can expect the average Shubunkin Goldfish size to reach five or six inches when fully grown.Īuthor Note: However, when they have access to a spacious pond, they can grow to lengths of 12 to 14 inches. Like other goldfish species, Shubunkins will grow based on their environment.
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Today, Shubunkin Goldfish are a staple in fish stores across the world! They’re readily available to add some colorful life to your aquarium. While history is still a bit hazy about how these fish came to be, it’s believed that Shubunkins were first developed in Japan around the year 1900. The fish of today are descendants of the Prussian Carp. Pair that with their active nature and you have a fish that never gets boring!Īs a type of Goldfish, the Shubunkin is a product of selective breeding. Known for their intense coloration and flowing fins, they’re a sight to behold. Sometimes referred to as the Calico or Speckled Goldfish, Shubunkin Goldfish make beautiful additions to both tanks and outdoor ponds.
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