Ryukin goldfish are a type of fancy goldfish that do not make good wet pets for anyone who has never kept fish before. They have different care needs than a common or comet goldfish. Anyone considering bringing a Ruykin into their lives needs to be experienced with keeping common goldfish, black moors or fantails.
Ryukins get their name from the Ryukin Islands in Japan near Taiwan where the variety was developed. They are also called Nagasaki goldfish. This is an extremely popular type of goldfish in Japan but not so much in Europe or America. This could be due to their appearance. Which some find Ryukins cute, others may find bizarre.
General Appearance
Ryukins have a pronounced hump just behind the head. This makes the head look very small, or like a turtle after it pulls its head into its shell. Topping the hump is a long dorsal fin which can sometimes resemble a crest. The tail can vary in appearance from a single tail (which is very rare), and two tails with three or four lobes. When the tail is looked at in profile, it appears to be shaped vaguely like a butterfly’s wing. The fins can rage from trailing like a wedding train to being as short as a black moor’s.
Ryukins come in many colors and patterns including all red (which usually appears more orange than red) calico, silver and red, white and red, black and red and a metallic grey. Breeders for fish shows try to get the colors as well as the fins as equal as possible so the fish looks balanced from all views. Breeders for the pet trade breed for quantity over quality.
General Care
Ryukin care falls in between black moors (easy) and celestial goldfish (nearly impossible.) Although Ryukins are heartier than some other types of fancy goldfish, they should not be subjected to sudden rises or dips in temperatures. They do need a heater in order to keep the water at a temperature between 65 and 75 degrees F.
Ryukins have the same dietary needs as other types of goldfish, only they are a little more prone to getting swim bladder disorders. However, this is often caused by constipation, so be sure the fish are getting enough fiber in their diets. Also, strongly resist the temptation to feed them whenever they beg. Ryukins cannot swim as well as torpedo-shaped goldfish, so keep them only with other similar fancy goldfish like fantails or pompoms.
Ryukins can be kept in tanks with some decorations, provided there aren’t any sharp ends on the decorations. Ruykins will eat live plants, though. They also may uproot decorations while searching the substrata for food, so do not be surprised if you have to keep replacing decorations.
References:
“Goldfish: A Pet Owner’s Manual.” Marshall Ostrow. Barron’s; 1995.
“Goldfish.” Bernice Brewster and Nick Fletcher.” Bow Tie Press; 2004.
Pet Education. “Ryukin Goldfish (Caraissus auratus.)” http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+1911+1922&aid;=2504
American Goldfish Association. “Finnage in Goldfish.” http://www.americangoldfish.org/Articles/Finnage%20in%20Goldfish.pdf
