Ryukin goldfish

Carassius auratus

A deep body with a pronounced shoulder hump behind the head

Compared with a fantail, a ryukin has a deeper body, a more pointed head and a pronounced rise behind the head. Tail length varies and does not define the form alone. Tamasaba/sabao is single-tailed, unlike the double-tailed ryukin illustrated here.

Adult length: About 10 cm
Lifespan: Up to 30 years
pH: 7–8.4
Hardness: 5–19 dGH

Natural habitat: Wild habitats include rivers, lakes, ponds and ditches, often in vegetated still or slow water; ornamental goldfish are domesticated forms.

Assess the individual’s body shape, swimming and feeding when planning space. Body depth and fin height are not length; illustration proportions do not calibrate aquarium size. Swimming and feeding ability vary among forms. Provide filtration, oxygenation and maintenance.

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