What is the difference between the different types of Shubunkin?
The London Shubunkin has a more slender body and noticeably more rounded fins than the other types. American Shubunkins are thought to be the original form of these fish. Sometimes called the Japanese Shubunkin, this variant has the classic Shubunkin body shape, but their tails are very deeply forked and much longer than the other forms.
Where do Shubunkins come from?
Shubunkins are just one of around 200 varieties of goldfish. The origins of all goldfish can be traced back around 1,000 years to a species of wild carp that’s still found today in parts of Asia, specifically in Siberia. The Prussian carp were once a common food source, known locally as “chi.”
What kind of tail does a Shubunkin fish have?
The American Shubunkin is also known as the Japanese Shubunkin. An American Shubunkin has longer fins and a sharper fork tail, and looks more like Comet Goldfish than the other types. The Bristol Shubunkin is quite rare and has a B-shaped tail that stands out.
How rare is a Bristol Shubunkin?
The Bristol Shubunkin is quite rare and has a B-shaped tail that stands out. Also, the Bristol Shubunkin tends to be longer and broader than other types.
Do shubunkins have whiskers?
Like catfish, koi fish have whiskers while, like a goldfish, shubunkin have a rounded nose.
How do you tell the difference between a male and female shubunkin?
During breeding season -- spring if you keep your fish outdoors -- the differences between male and female shubunkins get more obvious. Males develop spawning tubercles, white bumps on their pectoral fins, heads and gill covers. Females' abdomens swell up with eggs, exaggerating their more rounded body shape.
What is the difference between goldfish and shubunkin?
However, the Shubunkins are calico goldfish; they possess nacreous scales (an intermediate between metallic and transparent scales that are pearly in appearance). The overlapping patches of red, white, blue, grey and black (along with dark speckles) normally extend to the finnage of Shubunkins.
How do shubunkins have babies?
A female can lay thousands of eggs over a period of a week and a half; the male fertilizes them afterward. The eggs hatch in less than a week. They reach sexual maturity around 2 years old, but water temperature and other aspects of water quality can affect this.
How often should you feed shubunkins?
Use pellets or flakes as their daily staple food and feed them as much as they can eat within two minutes, twice a day. They are omnivorous so will enjoy a combination of both plant-based foods and meaty foods.
What Colour are baby shubunkins?
Shubunkin juveniles are a rather drab black or dark brown color. That provides the fish with a degree of camouflage so that they don't get eaten by larger predatory fish. The fishes' true colors appear after a few months when they can be introduced to your main tank or pond.
Do shubunkins breed with goldfish?
Often people ask if shubunkins can breed with common goldfish or if fantails can breed with comets. Well, they are all the same species. Just as a yorkie and a doberman pincher dog can breed, so too can two different varieties of goldfish.
How long do shubunkins live for?
They can grow up to a foot within their first year of life, again depending on whether they're kept in a tank or a pond and the size of either of these. The maximum life expectancy of shubunkins is quite long, up to 30 years, although closer to 15-20 years in a pond and 10 years in an aquarium are considered average.
Can shubunkins live alone?
While they can live alone, the Shubunkin thrives in tanks with other fish, and they make a good addition to community tanks.
Where do shubunkins lay their eggs?
Plants are essential for breeding- they provide a place for fish to lay their eggs. Eggs of shubunkin fish are too sensitive that have to be kept safe and secured to make successful hatch.
How can I tell if my shubunkin fish is pregnant?
0:021:35How to Tell If a Goldfish Is Pregnant - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd so they develop eggs within their abdomen. And when they are pregnant or grab it with eggs thatMoreAnd so they develop eggs within their abdomen. And when they are pregnant or grab it with eggs that abdomen is going to expand.
How long do shubunkin eggs take to hatch?
The Correct Temperature Is Important The eggs should be kept at a temperature of between 70-75oF (21-24oC). At this temperature the eggs will hatch in 4 days. If the eggs are in water hotter or colder than this, the health and quality of the fry will be adversely affected.
Can shubunkins mate with goldfish?
Goldfish Varieties All are the same species and can interbreed. Often people ask if shubunkins can breed with common goldfish or if fantails can breed with comets. Well, they are all the same species. Just as a yorkie and a doberman pincher dog can breed, so too can two different varieties of goldfish.
Can goldfish and shubunkins live together?
Different Goldfish As a goldfish species, shubunkins are generally compatible with other kinds of goldfish. They're best kept with faster-moving species, such as common goldfish or comets, allowing all to compete on equal footing for food.
Do shubunkins need a heater?
Shubunkins can survive in a wide range of temperatures (between 40–80 °F (4–27 °C)), but do best in cool water. Keep a thermometer in their aquarium and add a heater if necessary to keep the water in a healthy temperature range.
Do goldfish eat their babies?
Goldfish will eat their eggs, or eat the fry after they hatch. As soon as you notice eggs, remove the parents from the tank and transfer them somewhere else until the goldfish are grown. You can also remove the eggs from the tank and transfer.
Where did the Shubunkin originate?
The Shubunkin is a breed of long-bodied, fancy goldfish. They originated in Japan through several generations of cross breeding the standard (short fin) and Comet (long fin) goldfish with calico telescope goldfish. They are not found in the wild since they were cultivated through human manipulation. Their ancestor, the Crucian carp, is found throughout Europe and Asia.
What can you feed a shubunkin?
You can feed your Shubunkins occasional treats. Veggies, such as shelled green peas, can be fed up to once a day as a treat. Meaty treats, such as frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp, should be fed no more than once a week.
What is the difference between a shabunkin and a comet goldfish?
With Comet goldfish varying between white, brown, gold, yellow and red , the Shubunkin is distinguished by its "calico" markings. These fish have a pale white to iridescent body with overlying black or blue markings, splashed with reds and yellows. The Shubunkin has a very recognizable appearance when mixed with other goldfish species. Some other varieties of goldfish can be crossed with Shubunkins to have fancy goldfish body types with Shubunkin coloration.
What is a Shubunkin goldfish?
The Shubunkin goldfish is a variety of long-bodied goldfish. They are very similar to the standard Comet goldfish except for their distinctive calico coloration and elongated fins. The Shubunkin makes a great addition to many goldfish and temperate fish tanks.
Can a shubunkin have tankmates?
The Shubunkin can have tankmates similar to the Comet goldfish. Being temperate fish, they should not be mixed with any tropical species of fish. Shubunkins are very social fish and not aggressive to other fish. They are voracious eaters, so anything small enough to fit in their mouth can be mistakenly eaten, including small fish and invertebrates.
Do shubunkins swim?
Shubunkins are not very picky about their décor. As long as their tank is large enough, they will be active fish and swim constantly. Try not to add too many obstacles, since this may tear longer fins.
Do shubunkins have tubercles?
Unlike the Comet goldfish , not all male Shubunkins will exhibit the classic breeding tubercles on the pectoral fins and sides of the operculum. Females will have rounder bellies than males, but only if reproductively active. It is very hard to distinguish males from females in fish that are not preparing to spawning.
What is a London Shubunkin?
The London Shubunkin typically has a slender body and shorter tails that tend to be more rounded, similar to the Common Goldfish.
Where can I buy Shubunkin goldfish?
You’ll find Shubunkin Goldfish available to buy at almost any pet store, fish supply shop , and even online. Not everyone has access to a quality local fish store. For those who do not have a good local fish store, check out my best places to buy fish online post. To save you time, for Shubunkins, I would recommend NextDayKoi for purchasing the quality quality Shubunkins.
What Does Shubunkin Goldfish Look Like?
The Shubunkin is similar to the Common Goldfish and the Comet Goldfish in appearance and is crossbred from these two, as well as the Calico Telescope Eye Goldfish. They have nacreous scales which are pearly in appearance and look like a mix between transparent and metallic scales.
How Long Do Shubunkin Goldfish Live?
Depending on their environment, Shubunkin Goldfish are hardy fish and typically have a lifespan of 10–15 years with proper care.
What Are Good Tank Mates for Shubunkin Goldfish?
While they can live alone, the Shubunkin thrives in tanks with other fish, and they make a good addition to community tanks. Some species suit them better than others, however.
How to set up a Shubunkin fish tank?
Before your Shubunkin moves into its new home, you need to set up the tank. Make sure you have a clean aquarium with the proper water conditions and temperature for your fish to start with, and it’ll be easier to tweak them later .
How many Shubunkin goldfish can you keep in a 75 gallon tank?
If you add more fish to your aquarium, remember to increase the tank size by 10–15 gallons per new member. A 75-gallon tank should only keep one Shubunkin Goldfish.
How many varieties of Shubunkin are there?
There are three varieties of Shubunkin. So, which one is the best choice for life in a fish tank? How long do Shubunkins live for? And, which kind of Shubunkin is most suitable for a beginner?
What is the scientific name of a shubunkin?
Like all goldfish, Shubunkins are members of the Cyprinidae family of fishes. They have the scientific name Carassius auratus auratus and have several common names, including: Shubunkin. Calico goldfish. Harlequin goldfish. Speckled goldfish. Coronation fish. Chuwen-chin (in China)
What Do Shubunkin Goldfish Look Like?
Shubunkins have short, broad heads and a long, flat body that tapers to a deeply forked tail . The fins are upright, and the edge of the dorsal is slightly concave.
What to feed a shubunkin goldfish?
To keep your fish healthy, we recommend feeding a mix of high-quality goldfish flakes, pellets, and frozen foods.
What color is a shabunkin?
Shubunkins are generally described as calico, meaning they have a random mixture of many colors, including: For the fish to be a true Shubunkin, the base color must be blue. Blue is rarely seen in goldfish, so the more blue the fish has, the greater its value, and the more sought-after it will be.
Is a shubunkin a good swimmer?
The Shubunkin is a very fast, agile swimmer. So, slower swimmers such as Lioneads, Orandas, and other Fancy goldfish don’t make a good choice of tank mates. These round-bodied fish will be outcompeted for food and might be injured if bumped into by the Shubunkin speedsters.
What are the different types of shubunkins?
Types of Shubunkins. The calico marbling sets Shubunkins aside from other single-tailed goldfish, and you have three distinct types to choose from: American, Bristol, and London . They’re divided based on the shape of their tail. 1. American Shubunkin.
How do Shubunkin goldfish adapt to their environment?
This is an evolutionary trait all goldfish share, allowing them to endure drought and overcrowding in the wild. It affects their growth, which often prompts the unaware to keep goldfish in bowls.
What is the scientific name of the Shubunkin goldfish?
Shubunkin Goldfish: The Calicos. Updated on Jan 8, 2021 by Peter Herzog. Sharing the scientific name Carassius auratus with other goldfish, Shubunkins set themselves apart with their calico patterns. American Shubunkin. Similar to the marbling pattern seen in koi, aquarists enjoy adding them to community aquariums as a smaller “koi” option.
How hot does a Shubunkin Goldfish tank get?
Breeding. Shubunkin goldfish spawn during the spring months. To simulate that natural tendency, drop the breeding tank’s temperature to 60 ° F (15.5 ° C). Over the next few days, increase the temperature by 3 degrees each day until you hit 72 ° F (22°C).
Where did the Shubunkin goldfish originate?
However, the Shubunkin type originated in Japan in the 1500s. The popular calico pattern spread across Europe throughout the 17th century, reaching the United States by the 1800s.
Can tiger barbs eat shubunkins?
Cichlids and tiger barbs view Shubunkins as possible snacks. Unless you have a goldfish large enough to hold its own against these bullies, avoid combining them.
Can you combine Shubunkins with goldfish?
Many aquarists combine Shubunkins with other goldfish.
What is a shabunkin?
The Shubunkin is a hardy fish, and has a mottled pattern of white, black, and orange. It may also be called the Speckled or Harlequin Goldfish. The ideal setup for the Shubunkin is a pond of at least 180 gallons with a gravel substrate, rocks, and hearty plants.
How many gallons of water do shubunkin fish need?
The ideal setup for the Shubunkin is a pond of at least 180 gallons with a gravel substrate, rocks, and hearty plants. This fish will grow in proportion to the size of its surroundings. They like to eat the roots of plants and will dig to get to them, so provide large rocks around the base of the plants to protect them. Adequate filtration should be provided in order to maintain proper water conditions.
What is the most common shubunkin?
There are 3 known variations of Shubunkins and they are: American Shubunkin – the most common variation found in local fish stores. It is also called the Japanese Shubunkin. It looks almost like the Comet goldfish. London Shubunkin – This variation is very similar to the Common goldfish in body shape and size.
What type of scales do Shubunkins have?
Shubunkins have nacreous scales. This type of scales is also known as calico and it is basically a combination of other scales types such as metallic and matt. The combination of these scales types gives Shubunkins a mixture of glitter effect and pearl-like shine.
What is the body of a Shubunkin goldfish?
Body: Although in general, the Shubunkin goldfish has a streamlined body , the body thickness differs from one variation to another. For an instance, the London Shubunkin’s body is thicker than the American/Japanese Shubunkin’s. Tail: All Shubunkins are single tailed. However, different variations display different types of single tail.
How much water does a Shubunkin need?
In general, goldfish with streamlined bodied such as the Shubunkins need more than 20 gallons of water per fish to grow well.
What is the most beautiful tail on a shabunkin?
I think the most beautiful tail on a Shubunkin goes to the Bristol variation. It is broad and rounded at the edges. Having such body and tail types do mean that Shubunkins are faster swimmers and are less susceptible to the birth defect-related problems as compared to egg-shaped type of goldfish.
How big of a fish tank do you need for a shubunkin?
So make sure that your fish tank is big enough for them to grow to their adult size. I would recommend at least a 50 gallons fish tank for 1 or 2 Shubunkins.
When were Shubunkin goldfish created?
The Shubunkin goldfish breed was created in the 1900s in Japan. Then it went through further selective breeding to produce more variations. Just a quick glance at them would make you think that they look just like any common goldfish or Comet, and you are absolutely right.
How long are Shubunkins?
The shubunkins we sell are generally from 2 - 6 inch inches in length. After a year their fins will really start to grow and develop, the colours will intensify and you will have acquired a truely spectacular fish for both an aquarium or a pond. Colours and patterns.
What is a shub?
Shubunkins. Shubunkins or shubs are a particular variety of the common goldfish. Out of the dozens of varieties that are farmed around the world, shubs are the most common as they are regarded as hardy. A hardy variety means it can survive in a garden pond outside in a European winter.
Where did shabs originate?
Shubs originated in Japan where they were selectively bred over 100 years ago. They have a range of colours which are described as calico but what makes them of particular interest is their scales. They possess several scale types including plain, metallic and transparent.
Can a shabunkin survive in a garden pond?
A hardy variety means it can survive in a garden pond outside in a European winter. The more fancy varieties such as moors and lionheads need to be kept inside in aquaria. Breeding and quality. Shubunkins tend to be more expensive than goldfish as they are more difficult to produce.
Species Summary
Average Shubunkin Goldfish Size
Lifespan
Appearance & Types
Shubunkin Goldfish Care
Food & Diet
- As omnivores, Shubunkin Goldfish are not picky. They will eat pretty much anything you drop in the water. A regular diet of high-quality dried foods is best. Nutritious pellets and flakes are just fine. Simply pick your favorite brand and go! Occasional live and frozen foods are great things to add to their diet as well. You can provide bloodworms,...
Behavior & Temperament
Tank Mates
Breeding
Conclusion