Ryukin Goldfish is a popular goldfish species that is quite unique in appearance!
Despite this, they are actually quite active and are a lot of fun to watch. These fish are also very easy to care for (unlike many other species).
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about Ryukin Goldfish care. By the time you’re done reading it, you’ll be ready to have one yourself!
Species Summary
The Ryukin Goldfish (scientific name: carassius auratus) is one of many varieties of elegant goldfish. It is a much-loved species of fish that has a long history in Asian culture.
The exact origins of the Ryukin Goldfish have been lost to history. However, it is believed that they originated in China and were brought to Japan in the 1770s. There, the fish became very popular. It is even mentioned in early literary works!
Today, the Ryukin Goldfish remains an iconic image of Asian heritage. However, fish farmers around the world can also enjoy what this species has to offer.
It is widely bred throughout the world. Thanks to their beauty and resistance to cold, these fish can be found in almost all climates.
Average size of Ryukin goldfish
The average size of Ryukin Goldfish is usually six to eight inches long. when healthy. However, it is not uncommon to see specimens larger than that.
Like many other types of goldfish, the Ryukin is capable of growing quite a bit larger when kept in a spacious habitat. Those found in outdoor ponds can sometimes be as long as 10 inches!
These fish have a reasonably fast growth rate, so it is important that you are prepared for where you will keep them as adults.
Life expectancy
The lifespan of a Ryukin goldfish depends on many factors. While hardy creatures, these fish are not immune to stress and disease. A poorly maintained environment can drastically shorten their life expectancy.
At the other end of the spectrum, impeccable care can increase its lifespan. On average, the lifespan of Ryukin Goldfish is between 10 and 15 years.
However, it is possible to see these fish that exceed 20 years of age! However, this is definitely a rare occurrence.
Author’s Note: Maximizing your lifespan is about providing the best care possible. When these fish are kept in larger habitats with perfect conditions, they can live well beyond their expected range.
Appearance
Ryukin Goldfish is one of the most beautiful goldfish species in existence. As we mentioned before, these fish belong to a subset of fish called «Fancy Goldfish».
Basically that means they were bred extensively in Asia to achieve the final look we have today.
These fish have a very unique profile. They are shaped like an egg! The body is short and stocky, and the belly is also quite round.
On the upper part of the body, the Ryukins have a large dorsal hump. Connect the head with the rest of the body. When you combine the height of the dorsal hump with the rounded shape of the belly, you get a very interesting look.
These two extreme features give the head a somewhat pointed shape.
The tails of these fish are also unique. They are double finned fish. Instead of their basic caudal shape, you’ll notice these fish have four tail lobes. This creates a stunning look that you won’t see outside of the goldfish family.
Ryukin Goldfish can be short or long finned. The long-finned varieties tend to be more sought after due to their double flowing caudal fins. These varieties also take on a more vibrant hue.
Speaking of color, Ryukin Goldfish are available in a wide variety of colorations. You can find red, white, calico and even chocolate colored fish. Tricolored specimens are also common. They acquire shades of orange, white and black.
Ryukin Goldfish Care
Ryukin Goldfish care is actually considered to be a bit easier than many of the other fancy goldfish species out there. They are quite hardy and will do well in any aquarium that is fully cycled and well maintained.
Of course, there are some guidelines that you must follow. Contrary to popular belief, goldfish are not tropical fish. They cannot be kept in the same warm waters as most freshwater species in the aquarium trade.
These fish have many different needs that you will need to address.
tank size
Before you do anything, it’s important that you buy the right size tank. With the comparatively large size of the Ryukin Goldfish, it would be reasonable to assume that these creatures would need huge tanks.
However, that is not the case.
A single Ryukin Goldfish only needs a tank that can hold 10 gallons. That’s the bare minimum though, and we always recommend going bigger if possible.
Author’s Note: A 20 to 30 gallon tank is much better for these goldfish. With an aquarium of that size, you can keep a sizable group together while giving your fish plenty of room to explore.
water parameters
So, let’s talk about water conditions! If you have any experience raising freshwater fish, you are probably used to standard tropical conditions with warmer waters. That’s not going to be enough for Ryukin Goldfish!
This is a cold water fish that thrives in slightly lower temperatures than normal. Take a tank thermometer and use it often. This is especially important if you live in a colder climate.
Here are some basic parameters to follow when caring for a Ryukin goldfish:
- Water temperatures: 64°F to 72°F
- pH levels: 6.0 to 8.0 (somewhere in the neutral range is ideal)
- Water hardness: 5 to 19 dGH
While they can work well in temperatures as low as 64 degrees, you’ll need to use an in-tank heater if the ambient air temperature drops below that (this all depends on your setup).
Highly oxygenated water is also essential. To achieve this you will need to use something like an air bladder to keep your fish in good shape.
What to put in your tank
You have a lot of flexibility when it comes to decorating the aquarium. Unlike other species, Ryukin Goldfish do not need a natural environment to stay happy.
They do well with artificial embellishments and extravagant styling.
Start with a medium sized gravel substrate at the bottom of the tank. Feel free to use any crazy color you like. Just make sure the gravel is rounded and smooth.
Now add decorative hiding places and anything else you want to use to liven up the room. One of the best forms of decoration that you can use are artificial plants.
Real plants are not good for Ryukin Goldfish. They have a knack for uprooting plants and ruining decorations. Instead, it is better to use soft silk plants.
The silk plants will provide shelter for the fish and prevent accidental injury.
Speaking of which, that is one of the most important things to consider when choosing decorations. These are delicate fish with unique fins. Something as simple as a sharp corner on a decorative home can cause injury.
Over time, that simple injury could lead to an infection! Examine all of your decorations and make sure they are sturdy, rounded, and safe for your fish.
As for tank equipment, use your best judgment. Set up a heater if you live in a climate that needs one. The same goes for the air pump and the bladder. If you have a powerful filtration system, you may not need additional oxygenation.
Your filter needs to be powerful enough for the tank to circulate efficiently. These are dirty fish that produce a lot of waste. In addition to standard filtration, we recommend doing 25 percent water changes every week.
Possible common diseases
Thanks to their unique shape and biology, Ryukin Goldfish are susceptible to a variety of ailments. Swim bladder disorders and dropsy, for example, are quite common.
The intestinal tract of this fish is not the most effective. Has some dead zones where food gets stuck. This leads to constipation.
If the problem is not addressed, the swim bladder will be affected. Over time, the fish will find it difficult to swim or even stand upright. Fortunately, this problem can be treated naturally with shelled peas. It is a natural laxative for fish.
Of course, Ryukn Goldfish can experience standard freshwater fish diseases like Ich, fungal infections, and bacterial infections. Most of these problems are directly caused by poor living conditions.
Sometimes these fish will start to turn white or possibly even black if they are suffering from one of these diseases. Be aware!
Author’s Note: Staying on top of your tank’s conditions is the best way to avoid disease altogether. If one of your fish gets sick, quarantine it and turn to over-the-counter medications for treatment.
Food and Diet
Feeding a Ryukin Goldfish is pretty simple. These fish are omnivores that readily accept most foods.
High-quality dry flakes and pellets should be their main food source. Feeding commercial feeds daily will ensure your fish get a balanced diet.
If you want to supplement that meal, you can provide live or frozen foods periodically, Ryukin Goldfish enjoy Bloodworms , Daphnia, Brine Shrimp and more.
Regardless of what you feed your fish, don’t feed too much! These fish are prone to overeating, which will only agitate their sensitive intestinal systems. Spend some time learning how often to feed them to avoid this problem.
behavior and temperament
Despite their egg-shaped body, these fish are not afraid to be active. They are much more vigorous than other fancy goldfish. and it can be a joy to watch.
However, it can also be a problem with other fish. Ryukin Goldfish are considered semi-aggressive. They will choose weaker breeds or go after fish that they could theoretically eat.
As a result, you will have to be careful about which tankmates you include in the tank.
tank mates
Ryukin Goldfish are live fish that do best in groups. They can be kept individually without problems. However, they tend to be more confident and outgoing when fish of the same species are nearby.
As for other species, you may want to stick with Ryukin, stick with other double-finned fish. Ryukin Goldfish have been known to show some signs of aggression towards the faster single-finned varieties.
Choose fish of a similar size that are not aggressive. However, they should be strong enough to defend themselves if the Ryukin starts anything. Weaker fish like Celestial Goldfish and Bubble Eyes are out of the question.
Give these tank mates a try:
- stern tail
- Black Moor
- ranchu
- Lion’s Head
- oranda
Breeding
Ryukin Goldfish are very easy to breed in the right conditions. If you do things right, you can end up with thousands of baby fish to care for!
The best way to raise these fish is in groups. They are social creatures and do best when they allow themselves to spawn multiple males and females.
Create a separate breeding tank that holds at least 20 gallons. Implement stringy plants with tons of leaves. You can use plants like Anacharis. Or you can use an artificial breeding mop.
Several weeks before breeding, separate males and females. As spawning time approaches, increase your intake of high-protein foods to keep the fish in a good mood.
Add your fish and let it acclimatize before slowly lowering the temperature to about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Once you’ve reached that target temperature, gradually increase the water temperature by about three degrees per day.
Continue feeding live or frozen food until the fish spawn.
When they do, you will notice that the female is filled with eggs. She will then lay over 10,000 eggs on the spawning plants and mop.
Immediately remove the adult Ryukin Goldfish. They will start eating the eggs after breeding.
The eggs hatch in four to seven days. Provide some powdered fish fry food until they are large enough to accept small brine shrimp.
It’s time to use your knowledge
Now that you know the basics of Ryukin Goldfish care, you are ready to keep one in a home aquarium.
While their interesting appearance may make this species seem intimidating, they are actually the opposite! These are very easy fish to own as long as you meet their essential requirements.
If you have any stories about this fish or suggestions on how we can improve this care guide, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and let us know.
