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Shubunkin Goldfish - 3cm
SKU VC20
$10.90
4 payments of $2.73 with
Price incl. GST (15%) $1.42
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Dunedin 105 Cumberland Street
48 in stock
In stock: 52 available
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Shubunkin Goldfish - 3cm
Product Details
Shubunkin Goldfish: The Calico Jewel of the Pond and Tank
The Shubunkin Goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus) is a beautiful and popular single-tailed goldfish variety originating from Japan. It stands out from its relatives, like the Common and Comet goldfish, due to its distinctive "calico" or "nacreous" (mother-of-pearl) scale type, which results in a vibrant, mottled pattern. This pattern combines patches of blue, red, orange, yellow, brown, and black, often with a unique iridescent shimmer that makes each fish a living work of art.
Like the Comet, Shubunkins have a long, slender body shape and a deeply forked, single caudal (tail) fin. They are active and hardy fish, making them a fantastic choice for both spacious indoor aquariums and outdoor garden ponds in temperate climates. Their peaceful nature allows them to coexist well with other similarly sized, cold-water fish.
Care Level: Easy
Shubunkin goldfish are very hardy and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. They are tolerant of a wider range of water parameters than fancy goldfish, contributing to their ease of care.
Temperament: Peaceful and Active
Shubunkins are generally peaceful and social fish. They thrive in groups and enjoy the company of their own kind or other single-tailed goldfish varieties like Comets and Common Goldfish. They are energetic swimmers, requiring ample space to explore and dart around. Due to their active nature and voracious appetites, it's advisable to avoid housing them with very slow-moving or shy fish that might struggle to compete for food. They are also cold-water fish and should not be housed with tropical species unless the water temperature is maintained within their comfortable range, which might not be suitable for tropical fish.
Diet: Omnivore
As omnivores, Shubunkin goldfish have a diverse diet. Their staple food should be a high-quality goldfish pellet or flake. To ensure a balanced diet and promote their vibrant colours, supplement with:
- Blanched fresh vegetables (e.g., peas, spinach, zucchini).
- Occasional live or frozen protein sources (e.g., bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia).
- Some owners also provide small amounts of fruit.
Feed small portions once or twice a day, ensuring they consume the food within 3-5 minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality. Sinking pellets are often recommended to reduce air gulping.
Water Conditions:
- Temperature: 16-24°C (60-75°F). Shubunkins are cold-water fish and can even tolerate temperatures down to a few degrees above freezing in outdoor ponds, provided the temperature changes are gradual. Avoid sudden shifts in temperature.
- pH: 6.5–8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline is ideal).
- Water Hardness: 6-16 dGH (moderately soft to moderately hard water).
- Filtration: Due to their size and the amount of waste they produce, robust filtration is essential. A powerful filter (e.g., canister or hang-on-back) is necessary to keep the water clean and well-oxygenated. Good aeration is also beneficial.
- Water Changes: Regular partial water changes (25% weekly or bi-weekly) are critical for maintaining stable water parameters and preventing the buildup of harmful nitrates.
Max Size: Up to 30 cm (12 inches) or more
Like their Comet relatives, Shubunkin goldfish have the potential to grow quite large, especially when given ample space in a well-maintained environment. It's not uncommon for them to exceed 30 cm in length.
Minimum Tank Size: 100 Litres per fish, or large outdoor pond
Shubunkins are active swimmers and reach a substantial size, meaning they require considerable space. A minimum of 100 litres per fish is recommended for an aquarium. For multiple Shubunkins, a large outdoor pond is often the best and most sustainable option, providing ample swimming room and contributing to their overall well-being and longevity. Goldfish bowls are completely unsuitable due to their small size, lack of filtration, and poor oxygen exchange.
Key Differences from Comet Goldfish:
While very similar in body shape and care requirements, the primary distinction between a Shubunkin and a Comet goldfish lies in their coloration and scale type:
- Shubunkin: Features a unique "calico" or "nacreous" (mother-of-pearl) scale type, resulting in a mottled, speckled pattern of blue, red, orange, yellow, black, and white. This gives them a distinct iridescent appearance.
- Comet: Typically has a solid metallic color, most commonly red or orange, though other solid colors (yellow, white) or bi-color (red/white) exist. Their scales are generally metallic.
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