Shubunkin Goldfish

Shubunkin Goldfish (Carassius auratus) is one of the most beautiful and distinctive single-tailed goldfish varieties — celebrated for its extraordinary calico coloration. The body displays a mottled pattern of blue, violet, red, orange, black, and white — with the blue element being particularly prized and difficult to achieve in goldfish breeding. The name shubunkin is Japanese, meaning roughly 'vermilion brocade.' The variety was developed in Japan in the early 20th century.

Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Goldfish floating pellets are the ideal staple for active slim-bodied goldfish — these energetic fish feed readily at the surface. Sera Goldy Color Spirulina enhances and maintains vivid coloration. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp or Hikari Frozen Daphnia. If keeping alongside fancy goldfish varieties, offer Hikari Fancy Goldfish slow-sinking pellets at the same time so the slower fancy varieties can feed at their preferred depth.

The blue coloration in Shubunkins comes from the nacreous scale type — scales that have both metallic and transparent elements, allowing the dark pigment beneath to create the distinctive blue-violet tones. Fish with more blue coverage are the most prized. The London Shubunkin has a rounded tail similar to a Fantail, while the Bristol Shubunkin has a larger, more flowing tail — most trade fish are London or American type.

Keep in groups of two or more. Active, fast-swimming, and hardy — among the toughest of all goldfish varieties. Excellent pond fish; the calico colors are particularly vivid in outdoor settings. If keeping with fancy goldfish, offer both floating and sinking foods simultaneously so all fish feed well.

The Shubunkin is one of the most reliable and rewarding goldfish varieties — vigorous, long-lived, and with coloration that continues to develop and shift throughout the fish's life. No two Shubunkins are identically patterned. Filtration & Water Quality: Goldfish are high-waste fish that require robust filtration — significantly more than most tropical fish of equivalent size. A filter rated for at least twice the tank volume is recommended. Regular partial water changes of 25–30% weekly are essential. Despite their reputation as 'easy' fish, goldfish kept in under-filtered or overcrowded conditions decline quickly. Good filtration is the single most important factor in keeping goldfish healthy and long-lived.

Care & Ideal Parameters