Ryukin Goldfish Complete Guide
Ryukin Goldfish are famous with fish collectors due to its rare and distinctive look and ability to win prizes at grooming competitions. If the Ryukin Goldfish has piqued your interest, I suggest you read this article before you consider breeding it. Fancy goldfish species such as the Ryukin have different care requirements than other species. Unfortunately, incorrect and contradictory information abounds on the Internet, confusing enthusiasts.
Origin of Ryukin Goldfish:
While all fancy goldfish have their roots in China, the ryukin impresses because the species was traded with the Japanese and probably shipped from the Ryukyu Islands to Japan. The ryukin appears in Japanese publications as far back as 1825, and by 1908 Shinnosuke Matsubara, director of the Imperial Fisheries Institute in Tokyo, included it among Japan’s four most popular goldfish varieties, along with the Walken, rancho, and oranda.
What Colors Do Ryukins Come In?
Ryukin Goldfish come in two different varieties: black and metallic. Metallic Ryukin Goldfish can be single-colored such as red, orange, yellow, blue, brown, or black, or multi-colored, appearing in the same pattern on both sides. Show-quality Ryukin Goldfish have a greater intensity of color and their metallic luster often extends to the muscles. Their colorful images spread across the body with uniform intensity, making them particularly attractive. In both of these species, color selection and intensity affect the esthetic value of the fish, and this characteristic plays an important role in making it a high-quality show fish.
Lifespan:
Ryukin goldfish have a lifespan of seven years. You may find some hobbyists who say that overfeeding and keeping it at a higher temperature shortens its lifespan. This is true, and experienced breeders in Asia agree.
Aquarium Environment of Ryukin Goldfish:
Ryukin goldfish do not require a special type of aquarium, but you will need to invest in the right equipment to maintain the water quality.
Aquarium size:
It is strange that many sources on the internet recommend a 10-gallon aquarium for the Ryukin. Anyone who says this has never raised a Ryukin Goldfish. A 25-gallon tank is the minimum required if your Ryukin is alone. Double this volume for each additional ryukin. Also, consider the height of the aquarium.
Plants and decorations:
No need to worry much about decoration. Ryukin goldfish can do well without live plants and decorations. Plants and decorations You can use smooth stone or ceramic aquarium pots to house live plants, such as Anubias, Vandeloo, and African Ferns.
Substrate:
The Ryukin Goldfish is best kept in a bare basement tank as it is low maintenance. But if you don’t mind the extra effort, soft sand and smooth pebbles are recommended.
Equipment:
In addition to a good filter, these tools are also essential:
Aquarium filter:
A good and reliable aquarium filter is essential in a fish tank. The filter not only keeps the water clean but also provides a good environment for beneficial bacteria.
Temperature and heater:
A thermometer and heater are essential, even if you live in a tropical area. This pair helps keep the temperature stable throughout the day. A submersible heater is best because it doesn’t leak during partial water changes.
Tuning light:
Contrary to what you read or hear on the forums, Ryukin Goldfish need sunlight. Its deficiency causes the fish to become sluggish and lose its color.This is why breeders and groomers in Asia keep their goldfish tanks outdoors. If you are keeping your goldfish inside, use a tinting light, especially if the tank is away from a window.
Water Parameters and Maintenance:
Assuming you’ve got an excellent rake and bought all the necessary equipment, the next priority is to improve your water quality. Water hardness for Ryukin Goldfish should be between 5 and 19 degrees. Similarly, a pH of 5 to 8 is optimal for fish. Make sure you do regular tests to make sure there are no major changes in water quality, especially when you do extensive water changes.
Water temperature:
Most people know that goldfish are able to live in cold water and remain in a state of torpor in lakes and ponds. But the Ryukin Goldfish isn’t your usual goldfish. Fish are happiest in warm water between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius (82.4 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). In warm water, their metabolism goes up, a very good thing for a fish that eats almost anything.
Water changes:
You can do 30 percent water changes daily or 70 to 90 percent water changes weekly. Both methods are fine. But initially, large water changes may not be beneficial, especially if you’re using chloramine-treated water. Experts prefer daily water changes because they provide more consistent conditions than weekly water changes. Remember, the quality of the new and old water must be balanced, otherwise, your fish may become stressed, and at worst, the fish may die from shock.
If you want to feed your ryukin for a show, do a 40 to 50 percent water change every day. Always use a water conditioner after a water change. It inactivates chlorine and chloramine and partially removes some metals such as copper and iron.
Ryukin goldfish diet:
Ryukin goldfish need a good protein diet to stay healthy and maintain their muscle mass.
Live food can be fine for most species, but it’s best not to give it to anything but baby birds.Live food increases the risk of parasite infections and bacterial diseases and pollutes the water more, especially if the fish do not eat it right away. To keep your ryukin safe and satisfied, you should rely on quality commercial fish food. I recommend the following:
- Hikari Saki Premium Grade Fancy Goldfish Food
- Hulk Super Red 60
- Helix protein 60
Most of these recommendations are sinking pallets. Floating foods should be avoided as they can predispose goldfish to swim bladder disease. You can feed your Raiken Goldfish boiled eggs as a snack, mixed with MitoFish Premium Probiotics. Probiotics improve appetite and gut health. You can also give him dried krill bites as an occasional treat.
Breeding of Ryukin Goldfish:
Breeding Ryukin Goldfish is straightforward. They are egg scatterers, so you need a mature female with a round belly, and a sexually mature male, who will show white spots on his gill covers and ridges on his pectoral fins. Ryukins spawn when daylight, temperature, and food increase.
The male chases and nudges the female to release eggs, which stick to plants or spawning mops. To encourage spawning, have more males than females, ideally two males for every female. The water should be warm, shallow, clean, and calm, with gentle aeration. After spawning, remove the adults or eggs and raise the fry on newly hatched brine shrimp.
Common Health Diseases and Prevention of Wakin Goldfish:
Goldfish frequently develop swim bladder disorders due to an open passage from the esophagus to the swim bladder that causes the fish to swim upside down or sideways, or both, become lethargic and lose their appetite. Proper treatment usually involves switching to sinking food, making water changes, as well as feeding shelled peas, and for severe cases, veterinarian treatment to remove excess air occurs.
If you have goldfish, let me tell you, goldfish are also prone to bacterial infections, especially if you have a poorly maintained tank, which can be treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics available at pet stores. A parasitic infection called fish lice can spread quickly, or more slowly, and cause symptoms such as paleness, itching, excessive mucus, and lethargy. Treatment consists of manually removing lice or treating them with chemicals, such as diflubenzuron or potassium permanganate, which won’t kill lice eggs.
Price:
Here’s a rough estimate for Ryukin Goldfish prices:
- – Juvenile Ryukin Goldfish: $15 – $40
- – Adult Ryukin Goldfish: $40 – $100
- – Rare Color Variants: $100 – $300+ (or more, depending on rarity and demand)
Conclusion:
Ryukin Goldfish are famous with fish collectors due to its rare and distinctive look and ability to win the prizes at grooming competitions. Ryukin Goldfish has an egg-shaped body. The front of its head has a deep indentation where it joins the body, creating a prominent hump on its back. Most of these muscles are medium to long, and placed at a high angle. Metallic Ryukin Goldfish can be single-colored such as red, orange, yellow, blue, brown, or black, or multi-colored, appearing in the same pattern on both sides.
