Ryukin Goldfish

Popular in Japan and America, Ryukins are a breed dating back to the 1700s. Their humped deep body and double fins give them a distinctive look.

Snapshot

Maintenance

Ryukins are fairly hardy fish, although their height means they require slightly deeper tanks than other goldfish.

Sociability

May become aggressive with less able swimmers, but fine with other goldfish of similar breeds.

Ego

Happy to share, so long as nobody nibbles their fins.

Greed

Be careful not to feed; they'll need more as they grow, but will need you to tell them when to stop.

Celebrity doppelgänger

Gwen Stefani

Pimp my tank

Anything flamboyant, ideally with towers.

Popular names

Chubs, Tiny, Gorgeous

Health & Care

Because of their unusual body shape, Ryukins are susceptible to overfeeding, which can cause constipation. If your fish becomes constipated, feed it a few peas, or leave it unfed for a few days. They are also less tolerant of cold water than other goldfish breeds.

Key Facts

AVERAGE LIFESPAN
10 - 15 years
AVERAGE SIZE
15cm - 32cm+

Common Conditions

Buoyancy Problems

Fish can have various issues causing buoyancy problems, particular with some fancy goldfish breeds. Internal issues such as bacterial infections, constipation and gas can all cause it; bacterial infections can be cleared up with medication, and constipation can be cured with a high-fibre food such as peas. Veterinary intervention may be needed in severe cases.

Average vet fees: £5 - 150

Large External Parasites

Fish can become infected with a variety of large external parasites. The parasites themselves can be easy to dislodge, but medication is required to rid the fish of any eggs or larvae they may be carrying. Fish lice and anchorworm eggs may also persist in the aquarium and may reinfect the fish.

Average vet fees: £10 +

Tip for first-time owners

Ryukin will eat almost anything, including many plants you might home them with.

Related articles VISIT THE FISHBOWL

More Breeds

Comet Goldfish

Comets are an American breed of goldfish, similar to the common goldfish but more elegant, smaller and with a deeply forked tail.

Fantail Goldfish

Fantail goldfish are an old Chinese breed, dating back to the 1400s. With their egg-shaped body and distinctive tail, fantails are one of the most popular breeds.

Bubble Eye Goldfish

Bubble Eye goldfish are unique-looking fish, their cartoony big cheeks growing to enormous size as they get older.

Ranchu Goldfish

Hail the King of Goldfish! Known as ranchu to their mothers, they are considered royalty among the larger fancy breeds.

Shubunkin Goldfish

London.. America.. Bristol? The shubunkin comes in these three varieties, although it is yet to be determined if they have accents to match the differences in shape.

Betta

Siamese fighting fish, also known as Bettas, are Asian freshwater fish which have been bred in a variety of bright colours.

Molly

Mollies are fish from coastal streams and inlets around Mexico, often bred into interesting shapes and colours, particularly with black, speckled, and golden varieties.

Achilles Tang

Achilles Tangs are beautiful marine surgeonfish, originally from the Pacific. Although difficult to keep, they are one of the most rewarding marine fish around.

Angelfish

Angelfish are Amazonian fish with a distinctive triangular shape and stripes on their body. They are the most commonly kept cichlid, and have been bred into a variety of colours.

Goldfish

Much more than a prize in a country fair, the lowly goldfish is anything but. It's one of the most common aquarium fish and is a member of the carp family.