Ryukin Goldfish: Care Guide, Varieties, Images, & More

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One of the many varieties of fancy goldfish is the Ryukin Goldfish (Carassius auroratus). Since owning goldfish has become more popular, they have been a very popular pet over the past few decades.

These fish are easy to get because they are readily available in pet shops across North America as well as Europe. You will feel confident that you are able to take home one of these beautiful fish once you have read this article.

Ryukin Goldfish: Quick facts

Species Name:Carassius auratus
Family:Cyprinidae
Care LevelSimple
Temperature:65-75degF
Temperament:Docile
Color Form:Red, white, and calico. Tri-color, chocolate
Lifespan:10-15 years
Size:6-10 Inches
Diet:Omnivorous
Minimum Tank Size:10 gallons
Tank setup:Freshwater aquariums and ponds
Compatibility:It pairs well with other dual-fin fish species

Ryukin Goldfish Overview

Their popularity is due to their unique color. Calico Goldfish is also their name. They are orange-white with black spots and mottled areas all over their bodies. The goldfish is popular in Asia, where they were first developed by breeders.

As they mature, Ryukins develop a distinctive hump in the shoulder region. They usually grow to 6 inches in length, but they can grow larger if kept in an outdoor pond or larger tank. They can live up to 20 years if they are properly cared for, but their average life expectancy is between 10-15 years.

Ryukin Goldfish are a type of fish that was developed for ornamental purposes. They are great pets that can be kept in a well-managed aquarium or pond.

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What is the Cost of Ryukin Goldfish?

Ryukin Goldfish can be found in many pet shops across North America, Europe, the UK, and Asia. It is easy to find them as they are very popular.

Ryukins, which are fancy goldfish varieties, cost more than Common Goldfish. A Ryukin can be purchased at pet shops for $8-15 per fish. You can spend up to $50 per fish if you buy them from a Ryukin or fancy breeder.

The Typical Behavior and Temperament

Ryukin Goldfish, one of the largest fantail goldfish breeds, is one of the most popular. Their broad bodies are accentuated by a hump at the shoulder. This extra mass can slow them down and help to develop their calm demeanor.

Ryukins don’t feed aggressively and aren’t likely to starve other fish with them, even if they do. They are calm and slow, and generally quite friendly.

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Appearance and Varieties

The Ryukin Goldfish, a fancy breed of goldfish is a subset that has unique physical characteristics that distinguish them visually. A large portion of this subset is made up of fantail species.

Ryukins have an egg-shaped body and a short and squat body with a round belly. They have a distinctive appearance thanks to their large dorsal hump, which connects their head to the rest of the body.

Although the most popular color for Ryukins is orange, they can also be found in red or white. Calico versions are the most sought-after and expensive. They are both white and red on their bodies, with fins that have black splotches.

These fish come in short-finned or long-finned versions. The long-finned are more sought-after. They look stunning with their vivid colors and flowing caudal fins.

Ryukin Goldfish Care

Ryukins may sound like a high-maintenance fish, with a name like “fancy golden fish”, but they are actually quite easy to care for. They are actually one of the easiest fancy goldfish species to take care of. They can adapt to many environments and are usually quite resilient.

orange fish in fish tank

Tank/Aquarium Size

It is crucial to provide your fish with the right size enclosure for their continued health and longevity. Let’s say you only have one Ryukin. You will only need a tank capable of holding 10 gallons.

A tank size of between 20-30 gallons is better for your fish’s health. This is especially true if you consider that they are social fish. You can also adopt more fish later on if you choose.

It’s not as easy as just buying a bowl to house a goldfish. You can purchase the best-selling book the truth about goldfish on Amazon if you are a novice or an experienced goldfish keeper looking to set up the perfect setup for your family.

This book covers everything you need to know about tank setup, tank size, and substrate. It also includes ornaments, plants, and more!

Water Temperature and pH

Fish have the same comfort preferences as humans regarding their environment.

As some might think, the Ryukin Goldfish does not belong to a tropical fish species. They thrive in cold water and can withstand temperatures up to 30 degrees below the average. A tank thermometer can be handy when you are looking to adopt one or more of these fish.

Ryukin Goldfish are most happy when the water temperature is between 64degF and 72degF, or 17.8degC- to 22degC. The pH should be neutral. It should range from 6.0 to 8.0, which is typical for most goldfish. Their water should have a hardness between 5 and 19 degrees (dGH).

orange and white fish in fish tank

Substrate

While water is essential for fish, there are also other requirements that can be met to ensure their health.

The Ryukin is ornamental and flashy. You can replicate this look in your aquarium design. They don’t need a natural environment and will happily accept any style or color you choose.

Start by placing a medium-sized gravel substrate in the tank. Because these fish often rest on the bottom, it is important that the gravel be soft and rounded. You can then add ornamental or decorative decorations.

You should be aware that ornaments with sharp corners can cause damage to delicate fins.

Plants

When decorating or equipping your Ryukins tank, it is best to avoid using live plants. If left alone, they will happily eat live plants. Ryukins are also capable of removing live plants.

If plants are part of your master plan for the aquarium, you should use soft silk plants that can be anchored into the substrate.

orange and white fish in fish tank

Lighting

A goldfish aquarium does not need lighting. A few aquariums come with lighting. This can reduce evaporation. It is not necessary to add a Ryukin tank lid.

Filtration

You should use a filter that is strong enough to clean the entire tank. This goldfish is messy and produces a lot of waste. For the size of your tank, it is best to use a standard, powerful filtration system. To keep the tank clean, we recommend a 25% water change every week.

Ryukin Goldfish good tank mates?

Ryukin goldfish are social fish and are happier when they are with other fish. Although they can be kept alone, Ryukin Goldfish will be more active if other fish are around them.

Ryukins do well living with other Ryukins. However, they can also be happy with other dual-fin fish species. Single-fin varieties tend to be faster and more aggressive feeders than single-fin varieties. Ryukins are known to be aggressive and aggressive in return.

They should not be paired with other fish like Bubble Eye Goldfish or others that could cause harm.

These are some good choices for tank mates:

  • Lionhead
  • Oranda
  • Fantail
  • Black Moor
  • Panda Moor
  • Ranchu

How to feed your Ryukin Goldfish

Ryukin Goldfish don’t have a lot of preferences. They can eat almost any food you give them.

Ryukins are fed commercial food, such as dry flakes or pellets, every day. They are fed commercial food to ensure a healthy diet. It is possible to supplement this with live food, or frozen options.

Ryukins love:

  • Daphnia
  • Bloodworms
  • Brine shrimp

These fish are always hungry and will happily eat a lot. It is important to control their food intake. Do not allow them to eat too much, as it can cause irritation in their digestive system.

How to Keep Your Ryukin Goldfish Healthy

A clean tank and a balanced diet are two of the best ways to ensure your Ryukins stay healthy. Ryukins can be susceptible to many health problems due to their large size and unique shape.

Swim bladder disorders are one example. Dropsy is another common problem. Constipation can also occur because they don’t have a very efficient intestinal tract. Food can get stuck in dead areas, which can lead to constipation.

Your fish may turn white, or even black if they have a disruptive bacterial and fungal disease.

Breeding

Ryukin Goldfish are a simple species to breed if you have the right conditions.

These fish can be bred in groups of the exact same species by putting multiple males and/or females together.

Create a separate tank for your breeding fish. It should contain at least 20 gallons of water. This tank should not be like their usual one. It should contain fibrous plants, such as the Anacharis. They will use it as a breeding ground.

Separate the males and females two to four weeks prior to breeding. Continue doing this through the breeding process. Once the time is right to breed, you can introduce them again to allow them to adjust to their new environment. Reduce the temperature to 60 degrees F.

To get your biological processes firing, gradually increase the water temperature by 3 degrees each day until you reach the target temp.

Females will eventually become capable of laying up to 10,000 eggs per day. In the end, she will do this in the plants. You must immediately remove any adults from the area, as they will eat eggs.

Ryukin Goldfish eggs hatch in a matter of weeks. Your little hatchlings should be fed powdered fish fry food. Baby brine shrimp can be used when they reach adult size.

Is Ryukin Goldfish suitable for your aquarium?

Do you want to add a little extra sparkle to your freshwater aquarium with a fancy goldfish? The Ryukin Goldfish is the best choice. The Ryukin is a great fish for beginners if you’re just getting started with your aquarium. If you have already got goldfish, it is a good idea to slowly introduce them.

Are Ryukin goldfish docile?

Ryukins are friendly, calm fish that thrive in communities with other peaceful fish of similar size. Other Fancy goldfish are the finest tank mates for Ryukins, although several tropical species can also work. Keep tiny little fish and shrimp that the goldfish could consume. Guppies and Ryukin goldfish can coexist. Guppies and goldfish may coexist in the same tank water. The temperature should be between 72 and 74°F, which is on the warm side for goldfish and on the chilly side for guppies.

What fish can’t coexist with goldfish?

Goldfish are generally placid animals that will not flourish in the presence of aggressive barbs, African cichlids, and other big cichlids.

Can goldfish coexist with bettas?

 The short answer is no! There are several reasons why these two fish should not be tankmates. To begin with, a betta fish is a tropical fish that originated in the seas of Thailand. Bettas require water temperatures ranging from 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Goldfish, on the other hand, like colder water temperatures of roughly 74 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Can I mix angelfish and goldfish?

In the case of angelfish versus goldfish, a single-species tank should be used. Combining angelfish and goldfish would be disastrous, especially in a small tank, because both species struggle for space and food, which if reduced, can lead to stress and promote behavioral changes such as aggressiveness.

How old is Ryukin goldfish?

between the ages of ten and fifteen, Goldfish are relatively long-lived fish, with lifespans of up to 30 years. Ryukin goldfish, on the other hand, have a life expectancy of 10 to fifteen years. If fed with a high-quality, balanced diet and suitable living circumstances, these Fancy goldfish may live for an amazing 20 years.

Do goldfish know who their owners are?

Goldfish have demonstrated the ability to learn and digest information. Pet goldfish can tell the difference between humans and frequently recognize the person who feeds them on a daily basis.

Can I pet my goldfish?

You may engage with your goldfish by teaching them to swim through hoops and push around toys. You may feed them with your fingertips as well. Playing with your goldfish is an entertaining and enjoyable method to enjoy having a pet fish.

How big of a tank do I need for two goldfish?

 A tank of at least 10 gallons for one goldfish and 20 gallons for two goldfish is a decent rule of thumb. A bigger tank is required if you intend to keep moor or fantail goldfish.

Are Ryukin goldfish hostile?

Temperament and behavior Ryukin Goldfish are classified as semi-aggressive. They will prey on lesser breeds or pursue fish that they may possibly consume. As a result, you must exercise caution while selecting tank mates.