Keeping Shubunkin Goldfish in Pond: Basics Guide

The Shubunkin has become one of the most popular pond fish in recent years. No wonder: the animal, which belongs to the goldfish family, is not only impressive in terms of appearance and size, but is also relatively easy to hold. The fish makes no great demands on its care and food. However, its living space should fit. And that means that the pond in which he is supposed to live must have certain requirements.

Shubunkin goldfish

The Shubunkin is a special breed based on the common ones Goldfish going back. It can be found in different colors, most commonly white, yellow, orange, red, blue and black. In addition, it scores visually with a spotted distribution of colors over the entire body, which also includes the fins. The wide range of colors and the attractive pattern, in combination with the stately size of up to 30 centimeters, are reminiscent of the popular Koi carp. That may be one of the reasons why Shubunkins are now extremely popular. However, they are far less demanding than koi and usually never reach their size. On the other hand, Shubunkins can at least reach an impressive age of 15 to 20 years. If you want to buy a full-size specimen in a specialist shop, you have to spend between 25 and 35 euros, depending on the size - significantly less than for a Koi.

tip: A goldfish of this type should either be purchased from specialist retailers or from a trustworthy breeder. It is advisable to buy younger and smaller animals.

Pond basics

Shubunkins can be used in one Aquarium for freshwater fish as well as in a pond. Anyone who decides to keep a pond should be aware that the optimal condition of the small body of water is the The most important prerequisite for this is so that the fascinating goldfish feel comfortable in it, grow, stay healthy and for as long as possible Life. If the keeping conditions are correct, the Shubunkin will also mate with a conspecific and breed offspring. But what is important with a pond? Well, the decisive factors are the size, the depth and the water quality. The following benchmarks should be adhered to:

• Depth: 1 to 1.5 m
• the depth must not fall below 70 cm
• However, shallow areas (15 cm) are important for possible mating and oviposition
• Water requirement: approx. 1000 liters (1 cubic meter) per fish
• Water quality: pH value 6.5-8.3, total hardness maximum 10-12 dH
• Water must be free of nitrite and ammonia
• a maximum of 25 mg nitrate per liter possible

It goes without saying that the Water quality should be checked at regular intervals and changed in stages if necessary. The installation of a pond filter saves you a lot of problems in connection with the water quality, but it does require that the pond is technically upgraded. It is very similar with a pond pump, which enriches the water with oxygen, among other things. The water temperature is also of great importance. Under no circumstances should it exceed 25 ° C. In hot summers, it may be necessary to provide a cover as sun protection - at least temporarily and at a distance of around 30 cm from the water surface.

tip: It is best to check the water quality and water temperature daily, especially when it is very hot. Appropriate aids and tools for this are available from specialist dealers.

Shubunkin holding goldfish

The first step in the guide to holding shubunkins must always be that it always is at least two these should be fish that live in the pond. Of course, it is even better if the number is greater. Five or more animals have proven to be ideal. Shubunkins are typical schooling fish that do not feel comfortable on their own and usually cannot survive. The number of animals must be based on the capacity of the pond. With five Shubunkins, a water volume of at least 5000 liters is required. The species gets along perfectly with other goldfish, koi and gold orfe.

Lining

Because the fish in a conventional garden pond are not sufficient Lining must be fed in any case. Special feed mixes for Shubunkins should be used. The following applies: Only as much is fed as the animals eat within a maximum of ten minutes after being fed. If there is food left over after this time, simply reduce the amount a little the next time you feed. One feeding a day is sufficient. You should also plan a diet day a week - that is, a day on which you do not feed. Since the animals in a Paralysis expired, does not have to be fed during this time. Typically, feed is given from March to October. There is nothing more to consider when it comes to food, and special instructions for feeding are not necessary.

tip: If you want to do without special feed for Shubunkins, you can also use conventional flake or granulate feed. However, it should be easy to digest.

Multiplication

If the pond conditions and the water quality are right, Shubunkins are extremely happy to mate, like any other goldfish species. However, the animals are only able to mate at all from a certain age. The minimum age for males is two years and for females three years. The mating itself usually takes place in a rather shallow part of the pond and is rarely observed. The mating season is in April and May. If the female has laid eggs, these, the so-called spawn, stick either directly to the surface of the water or to stones or stones. Aquatic plants. The spawn have a whitish-yellow color and in some ways resemble a caterpillar. The first fry hatch after about a week. These must then be fished out and transported to an aquarium, otherwise they could be eaten by other fish. They should stay there until they are approximately 4 cm in size. Only then can they go back to the pond.

wintering

On the winter away the Shubunkin goldfish and its conspecifics remain in the pond. You then fall into one Numbness and come to rest on the pond floor. However, to ensure that this really works and that the animals are not harmed, an adequate supply of oxygen is necessary. In other words: the pond must never completely freeze over, because that would prevent the exchange of oxygen and fermentation gases. However, if the pond surface is completely frozen, it is best to carefully thaw it again with hot water. On the other hand, it is taboo to hit the ice surface, as the associated vibrations affect everyone Shubunkin goldfish could tear from its rigidity and make it difficult to hold on as a result would.