Ah, the shubunkin fish ! A little aquatic jewel that turns heads in ponds and aquariums. As a pet shop floor manager, I've had the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close and appreciate them at their true worth. Let me tell you more about this fascinating fish and give you some tips on how to care for it.
Characteristics and origins of shubunkin
The shubunkin is a variety of goldfish (Carassius auratus) that originated in Japan in 1892. Native to China and Japan, this fish quickly won the hearts of aquarium enthusiasts the world over. And with good reason! Its appearance is simply dazzling.
Here are the main characteristics of shubunkin:
- Adult size: 20 to 35 cm
- Service life: 10 to 30 years
- Various colours: red, yellow, orange, blue, white, black
- Metallic, transparent scales give a pearly appearance
- Body similar to the common goldfish
- Single tail and long spotted fins
I still remember the first time I saw a shubunkin. I was so fascinated by its shimmering colours that I nearly fell into the pool as I bent over to get a better look! Luckily I caught myself in time, but I did make my colleagues laugh that day.
The different types of shubunkin
There are three main types of shubunkin, each with its own special characteristics:
- The American shubunkin: the most common, with a single long tail
- The Bristol shubunkin: recognisable by its heart-shaped tail
- The London shubunkin: characterised by a shorter tail
A strong, hardy fish
The shubunkin is renowned for its robustness and resistance to disease. This is a considerable advantage for novice aquarists or those looking for a fish that is easy to care for. But make no mistake, this doesn't mean you should neglect its needs!
Social behaviour
The shubunkin is a gregarious fish that likes to live in shoals. They are peaceful and generally get on well with their fellow fish and other compatible species. If you want to see your shubunkin flourish, I advise you to give it some company!
Care and maintenance of shubunkin in aquariums
Now that you're more familiar with this magnificent fish, let's look at how to care for it so that it thrives in your aquarium or pond.
Ideal habitat
The shubunkin prefers large volumes of water. A garden pond is ideal, but a large aquarium may be suitable if you cannot afford an outdoor pond. Here are the optimum conditions for your shubunkin:
| Parameter | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 1-30°C |
| pH | 7-8 |
| Hardness | 5-15°GH |
Don't forget to install a good filtration and oxygenation system. Your shubunkin will thank you for it! Also add some aquatic plants and a few hiding places to make it feel safe.
Balanced diet
Shubunkins are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. You can give it :
- Special granules for goldfish
- Blanched vegetables (spinach, courgettes)
- A small amount of fruit (pieces of apple or pear)
Be careful not to overfeed! One meal a day is more than enough. I've seen customers come back with shubunkins as round as balloons from overfeeding. Believe me, it's not a pleasant sight!
Regular maintenance
To keep your shubunkin healthy, carry out regular water changes (10-20% per week). This is essential for maintaining good water quality and preventing disease. Take the opportunity to check the condition of your filter and clean it if necessary.
If you are passionate about Japanese ornamental fish, you may be interested in this comprehensive guide to choosing your koi carp. These cousins of the shubunkin are just as exciting!
The shubunkin, star of garden ponds
The shubunkin has become a real star of garden ponds, and not by chance! Its natural beauty and vibrant colours make it a real aquatic gem. What's more, its robustness means it can easily adapt to outdoor conditions.
Harmonious cohabitation
The shubunkin is compatible with many other species of pond fish. It gets on particularly well with :
- Koi carp
- The melancholy ides
- Other varieties of goldfish
I even had a customer tell me that his shubunkin had developed an unlikely friendship with a frog that lived in his pond. Just goes to show that living together can sometimes lead to surprises!
Breeding in ponds
If you're lucky enough to have a pond, you can watch your shubunkins reproduce. They reproduce easily at temperatures above 18°C. It's an exciting sight to watch, but beware of overpopulation! You could end up with far more fish than you expected.
Speaking of reproduction, did you know that there are extremely rare koi carp ? Some varieties can fetch astronomical prices!
An affordable investment
Unlike some species of ornamental fish, the shubunkin remains relatively affordable. Its price is modest, except for truly exceptional specimens. So it's an excellent choice for those who want to embellish their pond or aquarium without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, the shubunkin fish is a real little aquatic treasure. With its vibrant colours, endearing personality and robustness, it's sure to win the hearts of all aquarium enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, the shubunkin has a place in your collection. So, are you ready to dive into the shubunkin adventure?
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