Shubunkin

Shubunkins are single-tailed calico goldfish, Carassius auratus, developed in Japan and now common in ponds and large aquariums. Their nacreous scales create a blue or silvery background overlaid with red, orange, black, white, and speckled markings; the blue ground is especially valued because it can fade or be absent in poorer examples. Most shubunkins have a streamlined body and a single tail, though strains differ: London shubunkins are shorter-finned, Bristol shubunkins have a broad heart-shaped tail, and American or Japanese types tend to look more comet-like.

These are active, fast goldfish that need far more space than round-bodied fancies. They are well suited to outdoor ponds where water depth, aeration, and predator protection are planned, and they can overwinter in many temperate climates if the pond does not freeze solid and water quality is maintained. In aquariums, adult size and swimming speed quickly become limiting factors. Shubunkins usually mix best with commons, comets, and other long-bodied goldfish rather than telescopes, ranchu, or pearlscales. Breeders work with the unpredictable calico pattern by raising many fry and choosing fish with clear color, strong bodies, and balanced fins.

Colors: Black, Black and Orange, Black and White, Black Calico, Blue Calico, Blue-Gray, Brown, Calico, Chocolate, Gold, Lavender, Matte, Metallic, Nacreous, Orange, Orange Calico, Panda, Red, Red and White, Red Calico, White, White Calico, Yellow