About Shubunkin Goldfish

The Shubunkin Goldfish is a striking single-tail goldfish variety known for its beautiful calico coloration of blue, orange, red, black, and white speckles. Developed in Japan, Shubunkins combine the hardiness and active swimming behavior of Common Goldfish with spectacular color patterns. They have a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with a single tail and are powerful swimmers. Like all single-tail varieties, they grow large (12+ inches) and need substantial space. Shubunkins are excellent for ponds and large aquariums, bringing vibrant color and activity to coldwater setups. Their nacreous (pearly) scales give them a unique metallic sheen in the right lighting.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Shubunkins need space like other single-tail varieties:

  • Minimum 30 gallons for juvenile (55+ for adults)
  • Add 10 gallons per additional fish
  • 100+ gallons or pond for mature specimens
  • Large canister filter (heavy waste producers)
  • No heater needed (coldwater fish)
  • Long tanks preferred (need swimming length)
  • Smooth decorations
  • Open swimming space essential

Important: They are fast, active swimmers that need room to move. Their colors show best in natural lighting.

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • pH: 7.0-8.4
  • Water Hardness: Moderate to hard (8-20 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <40 ppm

Maintenance:

  • Weekly 30-50% water changes
  • Heavy filtration maintenance
  • Monitor water quality closely (messy fish)
  • Good oxygenation important for active swimmers

Feeding

Shubunkins are enthusiastic eaters:

  • High-quality goldfish pellets or flakes
  • Sinking pellets help prevent swim bladder issues
  • Vegetables: Blanched peas, zucchini, spinach
  • Frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp (occasional treats)
  • They graze on algae naturally

Feeding Schedule: 2-3 times daily, portions consumed in 2-3 minutes.

Behavior & Compatibility

Active, fast swimmers:

  • Best With: Common Goldfish, Comet Goldfish (similar speed)
  • Can Work With: Dojo Loaches, White Cloud Mountain Minnows
  • Never With:
    • Fancy goldfish (will outcompete them)
    • Tropical fish (temperature mismatch)
    • Slow-moving fish

Behavior: Constant motion, exploring every part of the tank. Very active and interactive.

Coloration

Shubunkins are known for their colors:

  • Calico pattern: Mix of blue, orange, red, black, and white
  • Nacreous scales: Metallic, pearly sheen (not metallic like Commons)
  • Base color: Often blue or lavender background
  • Spots: Random patches of orange, red, and black
  • Quality Shubunkins: Should have good blue base coverage

Note: Colors can change and develop as they grow. Young fish may not show full patterns.

Common Health Issues

  1. Ich: White spots disease
  2. Fin damage: From sharp decorations
  3. Swim bladder: Less common than in fancies, but possible
  4. Ammonia poisoning: Watch water quality carefully
  5. Parasites: Especially from live foods

Size & Growth

Grow as large as Common Goldfish:

  • First year: 4-5 inches
  • Mature size: 10-14 inches
  • Lifespan: 10-20 years (longer in ponds)

Tank Maintenance

  • Weekly 30-50% water changes
  • Gravel vacuuming
  • Filter maintenance
  • Test water parameters
  • Remove uneaten food

Tips for Success

  • Provide largest tank possible
  • Keep with other single-tail varieties only
  • Invest in oversized filtration
  • Feed sinking foods
  • Include vegetables in diet
  • Never mix with fancy goldfish
  • Never mix with tropical fish
  • Natural lighting enhances colors
  • Consider pond life as they mature
  • Quarantine new fish

Comparison to Other Single-Tail Varieties

  • Shubunkin: Calico colors, nacreous scales, same size as Commons
  • Common: Solid colors (gold, orange), metallic scales
  • Comet: Long tail, usually red/white/orange
  • All: Same care requirements, hardiness, and size

Pond Considerations

Shubunkins are excellent pond fish:

  • Color enhancement: Natural sunlight brings out colors beautifully
  • Space: Can reach full size potential (14+ inches)
  • Lifespan: Often 20+ years in good ponds
  • Hardiness: Can survive winter in deep ponds
  • Visibility: Calico colors make them easy to see

Varieties

  • American Shubunkin: Slimmer body, more streamlined
  • London Shubunkin: Stockier body, shorter fins
  • Bristol Shubunkin: Heart-shaped tail (rare)

Note: Most Shubunkins in the trade are similar regardless of name.

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Common Goldfish 🐠 Comet Goldfish 🐠 Dojo Loach 🐠 White Cloud Mountain Minnow 🐠 Bristlenose Pleco