Shubunkin Goldfish – Medium
Carassius auratus is the scientific name of the ancestor of all the types of goldfish that are around today. From this original fish there has been well over 100 goldfish varieties that have been created through selective breeding. Some have stayed true to the carp like body shape while others have developed larger bodies, lost their dorsal fins. have over sized eyes and some have elongated fins. The Shubunkin goldfish was actually developed in Japan. They have a long shape, rather than the round shape of most fancy goldfish. Strict coloration patterns are required of “true” Shubunkins; only calico, with orange, red, black, brown on a white, almost bluish body. Fins vary, they have single caudal fins, deeply forked or rounded, and one variety, the Bristol shubunkin, has long, flowing fins. Shubunkins grow much larger than other breeds of goldfish and are very popular for ponds.. When feeding these fish keep in mind that they will need large amounts of vegetative matter to stay strong and healthy. Generally flake food that is designed for goldfish is sufficient enough to meet their dietary needs. For variety, live plants such as Anacharis or Hornwort can be thrown in to allow the goldfish to naturally graze. As can be derived from their dietary needs keeping these fish in a planted tank is generally going to be a poor idea if the plants are desired. They may eat some floating or submerged pond plats. Tankmates or “pondmates” for these fish should generally be other goldfish or koi. They will produce large amounts of waste material and can add to the ammonia level in the system which can be very detrimental to other tank inhabitants.