The shubunkin, this brightly coloured fish, is a real jewel in the crown of ponds and aquariums. As a pet shop floor manager, I'm always amazed by the beauty of these aquatic creatures. Let me tell you more about this interesting fish, its characteristics and its specific needs.
Physical characteristics of adult shubunkin fish
Le adult size shubunkin fish is a variety of goldfish (Carassius auratus) with a unique appearance. Originally from Japan, it was created in 1892 by crossing different species of goldfish. Here are the main physical characteristics of this magnificent fish:
Size and weight
Adult shubunkins generally grow to between 20 and 30 cm in length, with some varieties reaching 35 cm. They can weigh up to 2.5 kg when fully grown. It's an imposing fish that needs a large living space to thrive.
Appearance and colours
The shubunkin's body is broad and robust, similar to that of the common goldfish. However, its colouring is very distinctive and is what gives it its charm. There is a harmonious blend of white, red, blue, black and orange on transparent scales with a metallic sheen. It's a real aquatic rainbow! Its fins are well developed and its sail-like tail gives it a graceful appearance.
Varieties of shubunkin
There are three main varieties of shubunkin:
- The American shubunkin
- The London shubunkin
- The Bristol shubunkin
Each of these varieties has subtle particularities in the shape of the body and the arrangement of the colours.
Habitat and living conditions of the shubunkin
To ensure the well-being of your adult size shubunkin fishIt's essential to provide a suitable environment. I remember one customer who put his shubunkin in a small aquarium... What a mistake! Here are the essential points to bear in mind:
Living space
Shubunkins need plenty of space to thrive. A garden pond or large aquarium is ideal. Allow a minimum volume of 200 litres per fish. The depth should be at least 70-80 cm, but ideally between 1 m and 1.20 m. These dimensions will allow your fish to swim freely and express its natural behaviour.
Water quality
Water quality is vital to the health of your shubunkin. Here are the parameters to look out for:
| Parameter | Ideal value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 18-24°C |
| pH | 6,5-7,5 |
| Hardness | 8-12 dGH |
A good filtration system is essential for keeping the water clean and well oxygenated. Don't forget to change the water regularly, about 20% of the total volume every week.
Cohabitation and behaviour
The shubunkin is a gregarious, peaceful fish. It enjoys the company of its fellow fish and can cohabit with other peaceful species. You could consider having it live with other goldfish, shrimp or shrimp molluscs. koi carp or ides. Beware, however, of overly aggressive species that could stress your shubunkin.
These fish are fast, lively swimmers. They love to explore their environment and play in the currents. Make sure you offer them enough space and a few hiding places so that they can fully express their natural behaviour.
Shubunkin nutrition and health
To keep your shubunkin in tip-top shape, a balanced diet and proper care are essential. Here are my tips for looking after these magnificent fish:
Diet
The shubunkin is omnivorous, with a vegetarian tendency. In the wild, it feeds on small invertebrates, algae and aquatic plants. In captivity, give them a varied diet consisting of :
- Specific flakes and granules for goldfish
- Fresh vegetables (spinach, lettuce)
- Bloodworms or tubifex (occasionally)
- Frozen artemia
Take care not to overfeed them: two or three small meals a day are enough. A weekly fast may be beneficial for their digestive system.
Health and longevity
With good living conditions adult size shubunkin fish can live between 15 and 30 years! They are true companions for life. However, they are susceptible to certain ailments, notably carp lice and mussels. Regular monitoring and rigorous maintenance of their habitat are essential to prevent these problems.
In the event of unusual behaviour or signs of illness, don't hesitate to consult a specialist vet. Prevention is still the best medicine!
Reproduction
If you want to start breeding shubunkins, they reach sexual maturity at around 2-3 years of age. Breeding generally takes place in spring, when the water temperature reaches 14-16°C. It's a fascinating spectacle to watch! The females lay thousands of eggs, which hatch after a few days. If you'd like to try your hand at this, I recommend that you find out more about the techniques ofaquarium breeding to maximise your chances of success.
Shubunkin, a long-term investment
Before you decide to buy a shubunkin, it's important to consider all the factors involved, including the cost. The purchase price of a shubunkin generally varies around 3 euros, but can fluctuate according to size, colour and seller. But don't forget that this is a long-term commitment!
The initial investment includes not only the fish, but also the provision of a suitable living space. A pond or a large aquarium, an efficient filtration system, aquatic plants... All this represents a considerable cost. Not to mention the regular costs of feeding and maintenance.
But believe me, when you see your shubunkin swimming gracefully in its environment, you won't regret your choice. These fish bring an incomparable touch of life and colour to our gardens and interiors. And who knows, maybe you'll become as passionate about these magnificent aquatic creatures as I am!
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