What You Need to Know About Shubunkin Goldfish

The Shubunkin goldfish is a colorful and hardy breed of goldfish that makes a great addition to any aquarium. It’s similar in appearance to the comet goldfish, although it’s much more colorful, has longer fins, and doesn’t have the negative impact and prolific diseases that comets bring to an aquarium. Its flowing fins and bright blue color combined with its hardiness have made the Shubunkin popular among novice aquarium keepers.

Appearance

Shubunkin goldfish are generally classified into three categories: the London, the Bristol, and the American. Londons have the same mottled blue color all Shubunkin have, but they have a slenderer body and rounded fins. Bristols have an even more slender body similar to the comet goldfish, but they have more pointed fins and a distinct tail. Finally, Americans have long, pointed tails with a deeper fork. All of these fish have a mottled color pattern of mostly red, yellow, blue, orange, white, and black.

Tank and Habitat

Like most goldfish, Shubunkin should be kept in a freshwater aquarium, and they do best in tanks with low to moderate water movement and a decent amount of light. The water temperature should be between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit and have a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. As for substrate, medium gravel is best, as the fish can sift through it and find leftover bits of food. Any tank that holds Shubunkin goldfish should have an extra good filtration system, and the water should be changed regularly. Shubunkin usually live about 15 years if their tanks are well-maintained. Some may live up to 30 years, but only in near-perfect conditions.

Feeding

Goldfish primarily eat plants, small crustaceans, and insects, and Shubunkins are no exception. Most owners feed their fish pellets or flakes formulated for goldfish, and Shubunkins will eat any detritus they find and help you keep the tank clean, so you don’t need additional scavengers in the tank. Since Shubunkin goldfish eat plants, it’s difficult to keep aquatic plants in the same aquarium as them. If you really want to keep plants in your tank, consider fast-growing species such as ferns or lilies.

Behavior

Shubunkin goldfish are very social fish, and they do well in community tanks full of fast-swimming fish. They, of course, get along best with others of their kind, but Shubunkin can also be paired with other species like catfish bottom dwellers.

If you have any additional questions about Shubunkin goldfish or any other breed of fish you’re thinking about adding to your aquarium, reach out to Aquatic Warehouse. We have everything you need to maintain a healthy aquatic environment for your fish and plants. Stop by our store in Kearny Mesa, check out our website, or give us a call at 858-467-9297.