Ah, the shubunkins! Those magnificent, colourful fish that brighten up our ponds and aquariums. As a pet shop manager, I see them every day and I can tell you that they leave no one indifferent. But let's talk about their price, because that's often what interests ornamental fish lovers first. Here's a complete guide to help you make sense of the prices of these little aquatic wonders.
Understanding the price of shubunkins: size and varieties
Le price of a shubunkin fish varies mainly according to its size and variety. It's like clothes - the bigger the better! But don't worry, there's something for every budget.
Different sizes and prices
Here's a quick summary of current prices for shubunkins by size:
- 7-10 cm: between €2.30 and €2.70 each
- 10-12 cm: from €3.50 to €4.30 each
- 15-18 cm: between €12 and €13.20 each
As adults, these little swimmers can grow to between 20 and 35 cm, depending on the variety. Not bad for a pond fish, eh?
Varieties of shubunkins
There are three main varieties of shubunkins on the market:
- The London Shubunkin
- The American Shubunkin
- The Bristol Shubunkin
Each one has its own particularities, but they all share those magnificent patches of colour that give them their charm. Red, yellow, orange, blue, white, black... It's a real festival of colours!
Bundles: a cost-effective option
If you want to stock your pond without breaking the bank, lots are an excellent option. For example:
| Size | Quantity | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| 7-10 cm | 3 | 6€ |
| 7-10 cm | 10 | 18€ |
| 10-12 cm | 5 | 15€ |
| 15-18 cm | 2 | 22€ |
I remember one customer who went home with a pack of 20 7-10 cm shubunkins for just €29.50. He was ecstatic!
Choosing and maintaining your shubunkin: more than just the price
Price isn't everything, you also have to think about the well-being of these little creatures. As an animal lover, this is an aspect that is particularly close to my heart.
The ideal shubunkin habitat
The shubunkin is a robust fish that adapts well to outdoor ponds. It likes water between 18 and 24°C. But don't put them just anywhere! Allow around 200 litres of water per fish and a depth of at least 1 metre. Your shubunkin isn't a sardine in a tin, it needs space!
And if you're hesitating between shubunkins and koi carp, you should know that the latter also have their charms. You can also buy koi carp to diversify your pool, they generally get on well with shubunkins.
Food and living together
On the menu, the shubunkin is a vegetarian, but will not say no to a few small insects from time to time. It's a bit like the flexitarian of the aquatic world!
A word of advice: never leave a shubunkin alone. These fish live in shoals and can't stand to be alone. After all, they're just like us - they like to be with people!
Lifespan and long-term investment
When you buy a shubunkin, you're making a long-term commitment. These fish have a life expectancy of around 20 years. That's almost as long as a mortgage, but a lot more enjoyable!
So yes, the price of a shubunkin fish may seem high at first, especially for larger specimens. But when you spread the cost over its lifetime, it becomes a fairly reasonable investment for a beautiful, colourful pond for years to come.
The best ways to buy your shubunkins
Now that you know all about shubunkins, let's talk buying strategy. How can you find the best deals without compromising on quality?
Compare prices online and in shop
The Internet is full of specialist sites offering shubunkins at competitive prices. But don't forget to factor in delivery costs, which can quickly add up. Personally, I always advise my customers to come and see the fish in person before buying. There's nothing like the eye of an expert (or an enthusiast) to spot a beautiful specimen in top condition!
Take advantage of seasonal promotions
As with many products, there are times when prices for shubunkins are most advantageous. Generally, the best deals are found in spring, when people start thinking about landscaping their gardens and ponds. I've seen discounts of up to 30% at this time!
Opting for in-house breeding
For the more patient and DIY enthusiasts, raising shubunkins can be an interesting option. With a couple of breeding stock and a bit of equipment, you can produce your own fry. It's economical in the long run and very rewarding. I have a customer who started out this way and now supplies half the neighbourhood with shubunkins!
At the end of the day, whether you opt for a single collector's shubunkin or a batch of small fish to populate your pond, the important thing is to choose healthy specimens and provide them with a suitable environment. After all, these colourful little wonders deserve to be looked after, don't they?
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