Jikin Goldfish
Carassius auratus
About this strain
The Jikin is immediately recognizable by its distinctive "peacock tail" — four distinct tail lobes splayed outward in an X shape when viewed from behind. The body is torpedo-shaped like a Wakin, and the ideal color pattern is strictly red-and-white: red lips, red fins, and all-white body. Achieving this precise bi-color pattern requires selective culling and sometimes color management techniques, making quality Jikins rare and expensive. A treasured Japanese show variety not often seen in Western fish stores; if you find one, examine the tail spread and color borders carefully.
Origin
Developed in the Nagoya region of Japan, with documented breeding history dating to the Edo period. The Jikin is considered a national treasure variety in Japanese goldfish culture.