S H U B U N K I N   

Origin - Japan (and Britain)
Difficulty - Beginner
Availability - Common
Price - Cheap
Adult Size - 10 to 15 inches
Scales - Nacreous

History & Background

A Japanese Shubunkin Also called "Chuwen-Chin", the name literally translates to "The Poor Man's Koi" in Chinese. They were originally bred in Japan.

These are common goldfish that have been bred to have calico color and nacreous scales. Though there are several variations of this breed, the default is the Japanese version (sometimes called the American version). Back to Top

Special Care

Like Common Goldfish, Shubunkin are very hardy and require no special care. They are commonly kept in ponds and can survive any conditions that Common Goldfish can survive. Back to Top

Ideal Characteristics

A bristol Shubunkin Body shape is identical to that of the Common Goldfish for all intents and purposes. The main differences are in the length of the caudal fin and in their coloration.

The caudal fin should be deeply forked, flowing, and end in a sharp point. In fact, the standard Shubunkin is sometimes referred to as the "Comet Shubunkin". All other fins are similar to the Common Goldfish but longer.

All Shubunkins are expected to have a similar coloration; Calico with patches of black, violet, yellow brown, orange and red. Blue should be the predominant background color, covering 25% of the body or more. All Shubunkins have nacreous scales. Pigment should extent into the fins (though it doesnt have to be entirely opaque), and all coloration should be vibrant and intense. Back to Top

Known Variants

An example of London Shubunkins Bristol Shubunkins are a British variant with large, well spread, and rounded caudal fins. The Caudal fin is broad and rounded with a mild fork (looking like a heart shape in profile). Unlike the Japanese version, all fins are erect and shorter than the Japanese version (except for the caudal fin, which should be almost as long as the body)..

Another British variant is the London Shubunkin, which has even shorter fins than the Bristol, and a much shallower fork in the caudal fin.Back to Top