Ah, the Japanese fish ryukin ! As a pet shop floor manager, I've had the opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent aquatic creatures. Let me tell you about this exciting fish, its unique characteristics and the essential care it needs.
Morphological characteristics of ryukin
The ryukin is a variety of Japanese goldfish that is sure to surprise you with its distinctive appearance. Just imagine: a compact, streamlined body, with a characteristic hump on its back that makes it look like a little aquatic sumo wrestler! It's enough to make you wonder if it's not working out underwater.
But that's not all! This little swimmer also :
- A pointed head, as if it wanted to penetrate the mysteries of the deep
- A long, flowing tail divided into two lobes, like a gracefully undulating ribbon.
- A high, pronounced dorsal fin, giving it the look of a miniature sailing boat
When it comes to colours, ryukin is a veritable aquatic rainbow. It can be found in shades ranging from flamboyant red to immaculate white, bright orange, mysterious black, and even in a calico or bicolour red/white version. It's a real festival of colour in your aquarium!
Height and life expectancy
Don't be fooled by its small initial size, the ryukin is a fish that knows how to make its mark. As adults, they can grow to between 15 and 25 cm. It's as if your little aquarium fish grew into a respectable aquatic citizen over time.
Its life expectancy is between 10 and 20 years. That's plenty of time to bond with your scaly friend! It's almost like having a pet for the long term, but without the daily walks.
Origin and history
Although considered a Japanese fishRyukin actually has Chinese origins. It made its long journey to Japan between the 18th and 19th centuries, via the Ryūkyū archipelago. It's almost as if he'd done his own aquatic circumnavigation!
This history of fish immigration explains its name: "ryu" refers to Ryūkyū, while "kin" means "golden fish" in Japanese. A real cultural melting pot in fish form!
Other names
The ryukin is a multi-faceted fish, and this is reflected in its various names. It's also known as Fringetail, Ribbontail or Fantail. It's as if it had several secret identities, like a deep-sea superhero!
Maintenance and care of the ryukin
Now that you know all you need to know about the appearance and history of the ryukin, let's talk about how to look after them. Yes, these little swimmers need special care and attention if they are to develop to their full potential.
Ideal habitat
The ryukin is not the type to be content with a simple jar. To be happy, it needs space! Provide an aquarium of at least 80 to 100 litres for 2 to 3 adult fish. It's like giving them a little aquatic loft!
Here is a summary of the ideal conditions for your ryukin:
| Parameter | Ideal value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 18-23°C |
| pH | 6,5-7,5 |
| Aquarium volume | 80-100L for 2-3 fish |
Don't forget that the ryukin is a sociable fish. They like company and feel more at home in a group. It's a bit like us, who generally prefer to be surrounded rather than alone!
Food and health
Ryukins are not fussy eaters, but they do appreciate variety. Its diet can consist of pellets, flakes, frozen food and even live food. It's a real gourmet of the deep!
On the other hand, be careful: ryukin are susceptible to disease if they're poorly fed. It's a bit like us when we eat nothing but fast food for weeks on end... you can see and feel it!
To keep your ryukin in tip-top shape, here are a few tips:
- Vary your diet
- Don't feed him too much (2-3 times a day is enough)
- Observe its behaviour to detect any signs of illness
Aquarium maintenance
Maintaining a healthy environment for your ryukin is essential. Here are the key points to remember:
Filtration and aeration A good filtration system and adequate ventilation are essential. It's like installing an air conditioning and air purification system in your home.
Water change Change the water regularly, about 1/3 every 2 weeks. It's like cleaning your own house, except that your ryukin will thank you for it!
Decoration For the decor, opt for fine sand, hardy plants and a few smooth rocks. Avoid sharp objects that could hurt your ryukin. It's a bit like setting up a little tropical paradise, but in an aquatic version!
If you are interested in other species of Japanese fish, I recommend that you take a look at our complete guide to choosing your koi carp. These cousins of the ryukin are just as fascinating!
Ryukin, an investment in the future
As you can see, the ryukin is not just another aquarium fish. It's a true aquatic companion that requires attention and care, but will repay you a hundredfold with its beauty and unique personality.
The price of a ryukin can vary considerably depending on its quality, from a few euros to several hundred for the rarest specimens. It's a bit like buying a living work of art!
And if you're lucky enough to see it reproduce, be prepared for a real spectacle: a single clutch can produce up to 1,000 eggs! It's as if your ryukin suddenly decided to found an underwater city.
All in all, whether you're a fan of exotic fish or simply looking for an original pet, the ryukin will win you over with its unique charm. So, are you ready to take the plunge?
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