A gorgeous and well-liked breed of goldfish, the Ryukin Goldfish is distinguished by its distinct shape and vivid colors. This fish adds elegance to your aquatic setup with its flowing tail, high dorsal fin, and round body that make it stand out in any aquarium.
The Ryukin, a resilient fish native to Japan, is an excellent option for novice and expert fish keepers alike. Enthusiasts love it for its captivating appearance and lively personality.
The Ryukin Goldfish is an excellent choice if you’re looking to start your first aquarium or add a new fish to your current collection. Not only is it a lovely fish, but it’s also entertaining to watch as it moves gracefully through the water.
Popular, resilient, and striking in appearance, the Ryukin Goldfish is an aquarium fish distinguished by its flowing fins and hump-backed body. Ryukins are a great addition to any freshwater aquarium because they are simple to maintain, come in a wide range of vivid colors, and are perfect for both novice and expert aquarists.
Description
The head of a ryukin is pointed and triangular in shape, with a noticeable hump on the back behind the head. The body is short and round, resembling an egg. It may have three or four tails and either long or short fins. The caudal fin is frequently twice as long as the body, and the dorsal fin is positioned high. There are two, three, or four lobes on the caudal fin.
They are available in many different hues, including red, red and white, white, silver, blue, black, orange, pale gray, chocolate, and calico. The hump of a calico-colored Ryukin goldfish is typically much smaller.
They have two pectoral, ventral, and anal fins paired equally. This fish is known as veiltail because of its long tail.
Size
The typical maximum length is roughly 15 centimeters. Larger specimens, up to 25 cm, are frequently visible, usually when housed in large aquariums and ponds.
Since these fish grow quickly, you should plan ahead for where you will keep them when they are adults.
Behavior and Compatibility
Ryukins can withstand a lot and adjust well to different environments.
They are excellent for both ponds and home aquariums because they are more resilient and less prone to illness than the typical goldfish.
These fish have short bodies, but they’re very active. They are entertaining to watch and far more active than other goldfish. can be kept in similar conditions with a variety of other fish species, with the exception of the more aggressive ones.
Although they are fine kept alone, ryukin goldfish thrive in groups of their own kind. But when they are among other fish of the same species, they become more self-assured and gregarious.
Select peaceful fish of comparable size. Fish that are weaker, like Water Eyes and Stargazer Goldfish, are not an option. Try Veiltail, Black Telescope, Ranchu, Oranda, and similar tank companions.
Gyrinocheilus and Plecostomus are just two of the many algae-eating fish that pose a serious threat to goldfish. These fish enjoy attaching themselves to fish that move slowly so they can consume their mucous membranes. For (tropical) goldfish aquariums, ancistrus, otocinclus, or Siamese algae eaters are far better at fighting algae than ryukins, which are too slow to be avoided.
You should observe your Ryukins’ color to determine their health. Nothing should adhere to their scales, and they should always be vividly colored. Your fish may be feeling under the weather if you observe a decline in their appetite.
Aquarium
A coldwater aquarium with room for swimming is a good home for ryukins. Owing to their hardiness, the breed is suitable for keeping in a decorative pond. prefers natural, bright light.
Starting with an aquarium that is 100 liters is preferable to starting with one that is only 50 liters.
During their first few years of life, goldfish grow constantly, so it’s best to start with a large tank instead of a small one that they will outgrow quickly.
Most of the fish you purchase are young ones. The fish will need more oxygen as they get bigger and more mature, so a shortage of room will cause them to grow more slowly and interfere with their normal development. For this reason, giving your fish as much room to swim as you can should guarantee that they develop normally and stay healthy.
It is advised to use driftwood, rocks, and fine-grained substrate when embellishing the aquarium. Using decorations with sharp corners and edges must be avoided.
Although live plants can be uprooted and damaged by these fish, aquarium plants are the ideal option for decorating the aquarium. If you still want to add live plants to the aquarium, you can mix fast-growing species like hornwort with slow-growing ones like Thai fern, Echinodorus, and Anubias that have strong root systems. Additionally fantastic are plants with floating leaves, which evoke the atmosphere of a lake or pond in nature.
Silk plants are a safer alternative to plastic ones and make an excellent substitute.
Their waste output will require you to have a powerful filtration system. All goldfish like quiet waters. The fish will become stressed and struggle to swim if the current is too strong.
A cover for the aquarium is preferable because it lowers evaporation, and while goldfish are not known to jump, occasionally they do.
Water parameters:
In between 18 and 23 °C pH: 6.0 to 8.0, neutral Intensity: 5–19 °DGH
Weekly water changes Compared to most other freshwater fish, goldfish generate more waste, so they gain a lot from more frequent water changes. It is advised to perform weekly water changes ranging from 1/4 to 1/3 in order to keep these fish healthy.
Diet
Like every other variety of goldfish, ryukins are omnivores. They therefore consume foods high in protein as well as plants.
Insects and their larvae, aquatic invertebrates, plants, and detritus are examples of natural food sources. They’ll eat a lot of dry and frozen food in an aquarium or pond.
A regular diet of premium goldfish pellets or flakes.
Round goldfish are particularly vulnerable to swim bladder issues brought on by constipation, which is frequently brought on by giving them the wrong kinds of food. Including foods that are fresh or frozen in their diet keeps their digestive system functioning.
Think about adding natural protein supplements, dry and frozen foods, and occasionally give them bloodworms, gammarus, etc. They will certainly appreciate it.
They will also require a wholesome vegetable supply. A delicious and nutritious way to add variety to your diet are bits of lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots, cucumbers, algae, and much more. Give them berries occasionally to help them replenish their vitamin supplies.
Don’t feed them on one day of the week; instead, schedule a fasting day.
Sexual Dimorphism
At an early age, it is nearly impossible to identify the sex of a goldfish, even though the male is typically smaller and slimmer than the female. Nonetheless, sexually mature fish are simpler to identify, particularly in the breeding season.
When the female is carrying eggs, she appears rounder and fuller from above, and the male develops white spike-like growths on the gill covers and on the head.
It is preferable to choose 1.5–2 year old producers for breeding.
| Characteristic | Description |
| Body Shape | Rounded and stocky with a pronounced hump on its back. |
| Tail | Long and flowing, often split or in a fan shape. |
| Color | Available in various colors, including red, white, and calico. |
| Size | Typically grows up to 6-8 inches in length. |
| Tank Requirements | Needs at least a 20-gallon tank with good filtration. |
| Diet | Omnivorous; enjoys a mix of flakes, pellets, and fresh vegetables. |
| Temperament | Peaceful, but can be slow and may struggle to compete for food. |
| Water Temperature | Prefers cooler water between 65-75°F (18- |
A fascinating breed that infuses any aquarium with charm and color is the Ryukin Goldfish. It is distinguished from other goldfish varieties by its characteristic humpback and flowing fins. This gorgeous fish can flourish and turn into a real focal point in your tank with the right care.
Creating the ideal atmosphere for your Ryukin is one of the most important things to keep in mind when owning one. For them to remain healthy and lively, they require a large tank, fresh water, and a balanced diet. Although these goldfish are resilient, careful handling is necessary due to their unusual body form, which makes them slightly more delicate than other breeds.
It can be satisfying to see a Ryukin swim elegantly in your aquarium. They are delightful to watch because of their lively demeanor and striking appearance. The Ryukin Goldfish are a delightful addition to any aquatic setup, regardless of your level of experience as an aquarist.
