Ryukin Goldfish

About

Ryukin Goldfish (Carassius auratus var. ryukin) are one of the most recognizable fancy goldfish varieties you'll come across, and for good reason. That pronounced shoulder hump rising sharply behind the head is their trademark, giving them a distinctly rotund, almost egg-shaped body profile that sets them apart even from other double-tailed varieties. Their finnage is impressive too. Long, flowing tail fins that billow as they cruise around the tank, available in a wide range of colors including red, white, calico, and combinations of all three. Like all fancy goldfish, they're a product of centuries of selective breeding in East Asia rather than anything you'd find swimming in a river, so the aquarium is their only true home. Temperament-wise, they're peaceful and do well in groups, though their awkward body shape means they can't compete well with faster, slimmer goldfish at feeding time. Keep them with other fancy varieties instead. They're a genuinely forgiving choice for newer keepers who can commit to regular water changes and proper filtration, since goldfish in general produce a significant waste load. Given good care, a ryukin can be a long-term companion, easily reaching ten years or more with the right setup.