T O S A K I N   

Origin - Japan
Difficulty - Advanced
Availability - Very rare
Price - Expensive
Adult Size - 5 to 7 inches
Scales - Metallic or Matte

History & Background

An ornamental pond fish bred in Japan, the Tosakin is the only goldfish breed to have an undivided double tail. The tail forms a perfect half-circle.

It was bred originally from Ryukin ancestors by Japanese Samurai in the mid 1800s in the Kochi Prefecture of Japan. It almost went extinct after an Earthquake, but was revived in the mid-20th century. Even so, it is very rare within Japan and almost unheard of within the US. Back to Top

Special Care

Though they were bred to be viewed in a pond from above, they are more delicate than other pond breeds. Care should be taken not to expose them to potential preditors, and to make sure there is nothing in the pond (or aquarium) which will damage their large caudal fin.

They are really terrible swimmers, and should be kept with their own kind or with other breeds that are bad swimmers as well, to ensure that they get their share of food. Obviously they need to be kept in ponds or pond-like aquariums with a lot of horizontal room, since their tails take up so much space. Back to Top

Ideal Characteristics

Ranchus themselves come in two varieties; "Sideview" and "Topview" Tosakins have a short fat body with a high back similar to a Ryukin. The hunch is not pronounced as it is with the Ryukin however.

Tosakin fins are similar to a standard Fantail except for the Caudal fin. Unlike every other goldfish breed, the caudal fins on the Tosakin are completely fused, forming a single broad round fin coming off the tail.

The fin flips at the outer tops, giving the tail it's trademark twisting wavy appearance. The caudal should only twist once or twice on each side...more than that is often acceptable, but not ideal.

Mottled orange and white seems to be the dominant color of most Tosakins, but they can also be found in red, white, calico, and yellow. As with other goldfish, color that saturates the fins is desirable, but transparent fins seem to be common in this breed. Back to Top

Known Variants

A juvenile Calico Ranchu There is a rare telescope variant that looks identical to the standard Tosakin but with globe-eyes.








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