

Contrary to popular belief, goldfish are not tropical fish! They can’t be kept in the same warm waters as most freshwater species in the aquarium trade. Of course, there are some guidelines you need to follow. They’re quite hardy and adapt well to any aquarium that’s fully cycled and well-maintained. Ryukin Goldfish care is actually considered to be a bit easier than many of the other fancy goldfish species out there. They take on hues of orange, white, and black. Tri-colored specimens are common as well. You can find red, white, calico, and even chocolate-colored fish. Speaking of color, Ryukin Goldfish are actually available in a wide variety of colorations. These varieties also take on a more vibrant hue. Long-finned varieties tend to be more sought-after due to their flowing double caudal fins. Ryukin Goldfish can be either short-finned or long-finned. This creates a stunning appearance that you won’t see outside of the goldfish family. Rather than your basic caudal shape, you will notice that these fish have four tail lobes. These two extreme features make the head have a somewhat pointed shape. When you combine the height of the dorsal hump with the rounded shape of the belly, you get a very interesting look.

It connects the head to the rest of the body. On top of the body, Ryukins have a large dorsal hump. They’re egg-shaped! The body is short and stubby, and the belly is quite round as well. As we mentioned earlier, these fish belong to a subset of fish dubbed “Fancy Goldfish.”Įssentially, that means that they were bred extensively in Asia to achieve the final look we have today. Ryukin Goldfish are one of the most beautiful goldfish species around. When these fish are kept in larger habitats with perfect conditions, they can live well past their expected range. However, it’s possible to see these fish exceeding 20 years of age! This is definitely a rare occurrence though.Īuthor Note: Maximizing their lifespan is all about providing the best care possible. On average, the lifespan of Ryukin Goldfish is between 10 and 15 years. On the other end of the spectrum, impeccable care can increase their lifespan. A poorly maintained environment can shorten their lifespans dramatically. While they are hardy creatures, these fish are not immune to stress and disease. The lifespan of a Ryukin Goldfish is dependent on many factors. These fish have a reasonably fast growth-rate, making it important for you to be prepared for where you’ll keep them as adults. Those housed in outdoor ponds can sometimes get as big as 10 inches in size! Like many other types of goldfish, the Ryukin is capable of growing slightly bigger when kept in a spacious habitat. However, it’s not uncommon to see specimens bigger than that. The average Ryukin Goldfish size is usually about six to eight inches long when healthy. Thanks to its beauty and cold hardiness, these fish can be found in nearly every climate. However, fish keepers around the world can enjoy what this species has to offer, too. Today, the Ryukin Goldfish continues to be an iconic image for Asian heritage. It’s even mentioned in early literary works!

However, it’s believed that they originated in China and was brought to Japan in the 1770s. The exact origins of the Ryukin Goldfish have been long lost to history. It’s a beloved fish species that has a long history in Asian culture.

The Ryukin Goldfish (scientific name: Carassius auratus) is one of many fancy goldfish varieties.
