Shubunkin Goldfish: Characteristics, Species, Size and Age

The shubunkin enjoys great popularity, but is often not held properly. From the general profile, species, size and age to care, we tell interested parties everything important about the care of the spotted goldfish species and give tips on how to keep the colorful and interesting fish in the pond and in the aquarium - at home and in the aquarium Garden.

Characteristics

• Type: belongs to the goldfish
• Size: up to 30 cm, of which the fins sometimes account for up to 50 percent
• Color: two- to three-colored with red to orange, mother-of-pearl to bluish and black spots
• Life expectancy: Up to 20 years
• breeds: London, Bristol, Japanese and American Shubunkin breed standards exist
• Care: easier than koi carp, similar to common goldfish
• Attitude: Aquarium or garden pond
• propagation: Sexual maturity in males from about two years, in females from about three years
• Temperature: 3 to 28°C

species

As already mentioned in the profile, Shubunkin are divided into the following breeding forms:

• London Shubunkin
• Bristol Shubunkin
• Japanese Shubunkin
• American Shubunkin

The differences here are primarily in the color distribution but also in the body proportions. The American Shubunkin appear a bit stronger and stockier overall and are more reminiscent of veiltails than the other cultivated forms.

size and space requirements

As with all other fish, the Shubunkin depends on its environment for growth. But he is more frugal than the Koi carp. This is one of the reasons the Shubunkin is so popular. It also gets along in smaller ponds or aquariums with a volume of around 300 liters. If the water is filtered, up to five of the Shubunkin goldfish can be placed in 1000 liters of water.

That doesn't seem like much at first. However, it should be borne in mind that each of the fish can reach a length of 30 centimeters and therefore needs a lot of space. Compared to koi, however, the space requirement is still small. The Shubunkin also fits into smaller gardens and aquariums.

Old

The Shubunkin can live up to 20 years. The size can be an indication when determining the age, but as mentioned, it also depends on the available space. However, as a guide, Shubunkin goldfish are up to seven centimeters long and are juvenile fish under the age of two

Aquarium

Shubunkin in an aquarium? That's easy. However, the aquarium must be large enough for this. For a group of about five fish, at least 300, preferably 500 liters of water should be available. In addition, the following points are important:

• Keep the water temperature within acceptable limits, 15 to 25°C is ideal
• filter water
• create hiding places
• Feed moderately

Pond

Shubunkin should have the mentioned 300 to 500 liters of water available, more is better. Because a larger and deeper pond offers the following advantages:

• Maintaining water quality is easier and requires less effort
• Due to the possible propagation, more space is required anyway
• Fish have more options for protection

The points sound logical and make sense, but are often underestimated. A small pond has to be cleaned more frequently, dirt is more likely to disturb the balance and the fish are more likely to be in danger from enemies such as cats or herons. Even wintering in a small pond requires more effort.

propagation

As mentioned, male shubunkin are sexually mature at around two years of age. The females about a year later. It is therefore possible that the offspring will be a bit long in coming. The shubunkin goldfish usually reproduce themselves and without any further external intervention.
In order for this to happen, however, the conditions have to be right. This includes:

• Enough space
• Filtered water
• feeding as needed
• A sufficiently large group of at least five Shubunkin goldfish
• Customized protection

wintering

With a pond depth of at least 1.5 meters and a volume of at least 500 liters, the Shubunkin can easily overwinter in the garden pond. To be on the safe side, however, you should ensure that the water surface cannot completely freeze over.
Guaranteeing this is not difficult:

1. Use a styrofoam sheet. This can float on the water
2. Thread a section of tubing or pipe through the styrofoam sheet
3. If there is a risk of frost, place the plate on the water.

Gases can escape through pipes or hoses so that they do not build up in the water. If the pond is not deep enough, the shubunkin goldfish should be moved to an aquarium and a frost-free location in the fall. Feeding can be reduced or omitted entirely if they are below 8°C, because then they fall into a kind of hibernation.

Protection

Herons, cats, falling leaves and algae - the Shubunkin goldfish are threatened from several sides at once. However, you can do something about it and offer them protection. It is possible:

• Making the pond as large as possible offers more space for quick avoidance
• Using aquatic plants with large leaves to create hiding places
• Do not create a pond directly under trees or deciduous shrubs
• If necessary, stretch a net over the pond

The last point is controversial. Other animals can get caught and tangled in the net, eventually drowning. An alternative to this is to make the edge of the pond impassable. This can be achieved, for example, with a flat bank area and sharp stones.

Find out more about animals in the garden pond