{"product_id":"sakura-shubunkin-goldfish-carassius-auratus","title":"Sakura Shubunkin Goldfish | Carassius auratus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA premium Sakura-patterned Shubunkin in soft calico shades of red, white and blue, this is a hardy, fast-growing goldfish with all the classic charm and extra-refined colour. Reaching around 20–25 cm (and larger in a pond), the Shubunkin is a cold-tolerant, long-lived fish best suited to a very large aquarium or garden pond where it can grow and thrive for many years.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Shubunkin is a domesticated variety of goldfish, Carassius auratus, developed in Japan and descended from wild Asian carp. It has no wild habitat of its own, but its carp ancestry means it is superbly adapted to cool, well-oxygenated, still or gently flowing water and copes with a wide range of temperatures.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA single-tailed, streamlined goldfish with a flowing tail and the prized calico colouration: a mottled overlay of red, orange, black, white and — most valued of all — patches of blue, spread over a nacreous, semi-transparent scale finish. The Sakura form emphasises soft red-and-white tones. It is a graceful, torpedo-shaped swimmer rather than a round fancy goldfish.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeaceful, sociable and very active. It mixes well with other single-tailed goldfish such as comets and common goldfish, and with other cold-water pond fish. Its speed and size mean it will out-compete slow fancy goldfish at feeding time, so it is best not mixed with delicate, round-bodied fancies. It is happiest kept in a group.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAn omnivore with a hearty appetite. Offer a quality goldfish or pond pellet as a staple, supplemented with vegetables, blanched greens and occasional frozen foods such as bloodworm and daphnia. Feed appropriately for the water temperature, reducing food in cold conditions when the fish's metabolism slows.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis fish grows large and produces a lot of waste, so space and filtration matter. A single Shubunkin needs a minimum of around 150 L, but a very large aquarium or, ideally, a garden pond is far better for a group. Keep temperature cool, roughly 10–24 °C (it thrives at 18–22 °C and tolerates cold), pH 6.5–8.0 and moderately hard water, GH around 8–20. Strong biological filtration is essential. It is not plant safe — goldfish nibble, uproot and dig, so use hardy or potted plants only.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAn egg-scattering species that spawns in spring as water warms. Males chase females, who scatter adhesive eggs among fine plants or spawning media. Parents eat the eggs, so plant cover or a separate rearing space helps fry survive. Full colour, including the prized blue, develops gradually over many months.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003ctable\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarassius auratus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSakura Shubunkin Goldfish, Calico Goldfish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDomesticated (developed in Japan)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 20–25 cm, larger in ponds (30 cm+)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–15 years or more with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful (active)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner (but a long-term, large commitment)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 L for one (pond preferred)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarge aquarium or garden pond\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore: goldfish\/pond pellets, vegetables, greens, occasional frozen foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–24 °C (cool; thrives 18–22 °C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5–8.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerately hard, around 8–20 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarge cold-water aquariums and garden ponds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo (nibbles, uproots and digs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include other single-tailed goldfish such as comets and common goldfish, and hardy cold-water pond fish. White cloud mountain minnows can suit cooler indoor setups.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with delicate fancy goldfish that cannot compete for food, tropical fish needing warm water, and small fish that may be eaten as the goldfish grows.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232822772003,"sku":null,"price":17.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232822804771,"sku":"AA3439","price":22.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232822837539,"sku":null,"price":27.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-30cm)","offer_id":55351969677603,"sku":null,"price":32.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Sakura_Shubunkin_Goldfish_c6b3552a-18e7-4074-bf1b-9a2854a556fb.jpg?v=1781697591","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/sakura-shubunkin-goldfish-carassius-auratus","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}