Le wakin fish is a veritable aquatic treasure straight from Japan. As a pet shop floor manager, I've had the chance to rub shoulders with these magnificent creatures, and I can tell you they're well worth the diversions! Let me introduce you to this little Japanese jewel that will undoubtedly delight your pond.
Origins and characteristics of wakin
A history dating back to ancient China
This ornamental fish has quite a history! Originally from China, the wakin packed its bags for Japan around 1502. It was there that it earned its letters of nobility and became the ancestor of all modern goldfish varieties. Not bad for a small fish, eh?
The wakin is in fact a breed of Japanese goldfish distinguished by its double tail forming a pretty triangle. It's a bit like wearing a fan on the back! This bilobed tail fin is a unique mutation in the Carassius auratus species. Suffice to say that, in the world of fish, it's a bit of a star with its atypical look!
A physique that doesn't go unnoticed
In terms of measurements, the wakin is fairly average. They generally measure between 15 and 20 cm, but the largest can reach 30 cm. Its body is slightly wider than that of its distant cousin, the wild carassin, and it has beautiful metallic scales that glisten in the water.
The special feature of the wakin is its tail. It comes in three versions:
- Unique (classic but still effective)
- Double (the most common, this is the signature of the wakin)
- Triple (the rare and precious collector's version)
Its fins are identical to those of the common goldfish, with the exception of the anal and caudal fins, which are divided. The caudal fins are horizontally distributed, rigid and short. This is what gives it its distinctive swimming appearance!
A fish with a thousand facets
A stunning palette of colours
The wakin is a true aquatic chameleon! While the most common colours are red and white (known as Sarasa), there are many other variations:
- Sunshine yellow
- Orange with vitamins
- Calico (a mixture of several colours)
Did you know that the Chinese name for red and white wakin is "Hua he jin"? And that in Japan it's simply called "sarasa"? It's amazing how a little fish can have so many names!
A champion of longevity
Hold on tight, because the wakin has a potential lifespan that would make more than one human being green with envy! The record is 45 years. Yes, you read that right: 45 years! That's almost half a century of aquatic life. In other words, if you adopt a wakin, it's for life!
This exceptional longevity is partly due to its great resistance. Wakin is a real tough cookie, capable of withstanding fairly low temperatures. It is perfectly suited to wintering outdoors, as long as the water temperature does not fall below 16°C. If you wish to create a koi pondwakin could be an excellent companion for your koi!
A versatile and dynamic fish
The wakin is a fast, lively fish, making it an excellent choice for outdoor tanks. But don't worry, it's just as adaptable to life in an indoor aquarium. It's like the Swiss Army knife of ornamental fish!
Here is a small table summarising its characteristics:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Medium size | 15-20 cm |
| Maximum longevity | 45 years old |
| Minimum temperature | 16°C |
| Habitat | Outdoor pond or indoor aquarium |
Wakin in all its states
Don't be fooled by appearances! Wakin can sometimes be confused with other varieties such as Jikin or Ryukin. It's a bit like the aquatic version of the 7 errors game! In Japan, the term "wakin" is used to designate all common goldfish. In the United States, on the other hand, 'wakin' refers only to the split-tailed goldfish. So even fish have their cultural subtleties!
There is also a variant of the wakin called Watonai, which is distinguished by its drooping tail. It's a bit like the bohemian cousin of the classic wakin!
The wakin is considered a precious fish, which explains why it is so rare to find in garden centres. If you come across one, don't hesitate to jump at the chance! It's a bit like finding a rare pearl in a sea of goldfish.
As a keen aquarist, I can tell you that the wakin is a real gem to have in your pond. Its presence adds a touch of exoticism and elegance that's sure to impress your guests. And believe me, with its lively character and exceptional longevity, you won't soon tire of it!
So, are you ready to welcome a little piece of Japan into your garden or living room? The wakin is waiting for you to make waves!
Sources :
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