Shubunkin - care and maintenance in the aquarium

Shubunkin is distinguished by its extraordinary external data, namely its color. The fish of the presented subspecies belong to the gold family, but often many beginner aquarists do not know this. A distinctive feature of Shubunkin is the fact that spots of various colors are scattered on the case in a chaotic manner. This makes the goldfish bright and memorable among the rest of the aquatic inhabitants. We will consider everything that affects this subspecies, and also highlight the subtleties of the content and the basic rules of care.

Description

1. Otherwise, the fishes under discussion are called calico, and members of the family are bred by hybrid mating. Aquarium species, for obvious reasons, are not found in the wild. It is believed that the first individuals appeared in Japan in the 1900s, since then their full study began.
2. There are several varieties of Shubunkin - Bristol and London, the second option is extremely popular and widespread. We can say that you will only find it on sale, since individuals of the Bristol type are rare.
3. Calico elongated and flattened from lateral zones. They are different from other golden individuals, since most of them have a square and compressed format. The tail is divided into two sections, the remaining fins are erect and elongated.
4. Calico has a small size, it all depends on the habitat. If you choose a spacious tank with good-natured roommates and providing vegetation, then Shubunkin will fully grow to 15 cm. But even this value does not mean its large size. The fish of this breed is considered the smallest of its kind.
5. It is important to calculate the volume of the tank in such a way that about 90-100 liters are allocated to one individual of the represented breed group. Some breeders argue that under such conditions, some calico can reach 25 cm in height. There is no confirmed data for this, every experienced seller tries to sell the product in this way.
6. Fish belong to the category of centenarians. Agree, the period of existence of 15 years is impressive. But it all depends on feeding and water regimen, but fish will certainly reach 10 years of life.
7. Despite all the above aspects, the main advantage of Shubunkin is the color of the case. Judging by the numerous reviews of professionals, there are more than 120 color variations. But all the individuals of the breed group under discussion are united by one thing - their body is decorated with many spots, randomly scattered around the background. For this feature, the fish were nicknamed calico.

Content

1. Luxurious water inhabitants are considered the most beautiful and hardy. They are very simply kept in a home tank, so they are ideal for beginner aquarists. Mobile, peaceful, get along in a hostel.
2. Interestingly, fish easily tolerate temperature fluctuations. In the vastness of the homeland of fish, that is, in Japan, aquatic representatives are kept in ponds. There, the temperature sometimes drops to a critical point, but the fish can survive it.
3. If we take the average growth value, the fish grows up to 15 cm. This is quite enough to acquire a medium-sized tank (100 liters). Since pets are active, love to swim and destroy vegetation, plants are planted with a powerful root system. Fish dig in the ground, so the litter should be soft.
4. Calico is suitable for contaminated or old water, but the filter should still be present. Every 10 days, 30% of the liquid volume is drained, a new one is added to the tank.As for the indicators, the temperature is 22 degrees, the hardness is 6-18 units, the acid medium is 6-8 units.
5. The considered individuals belong to unpretentious goldfish. In addition, they are not demanding on the parameters of water and the temperature of the environment in which they live. Such fish are often brought into the pond. They get along well in a classic and round aquarium.
6. Often, aquarists contain goldfish or shubunkins in round containers. They feel great alone and in the absence of vegetation. But keep in mind, in such conditions, the fish grow very slowly, and besides, their vision deteriorates greatly.

Feeding

1. Shubunkin has a voracious appetite, however, like all representatives of goldfish. Keep in mind that if you overfeed individuals, they may soon die from obesity. The fact is that these fish eat absolutely everything that you offer them.
2. Individuals belong to omnivorous representatives of goldfish. They will eat live, frozen or artificial food without any problems. As a permanent basis, fish can be given granules or flakes of high quality. At the same time, do not forget that artificial feed should be given in smaller quantities.
3. Otherwise, the fish begin to develop problems with the digestive system in the form of constipation. Therefore, do not limit individuals only to such food. Be sure to regularly give them artemia, bloodworms, tubule mumps and earthworms. In addition, pets will need plant foods.
4. They eat fine chopped cabbage and lettuce leaves. Keep in mind that such food must be doused with steep boiling water in advance. After feeding, food residues must be removed. Otherwise, the aquarium will often become dirty. If possible, feed the fish several times a day in small portions.

Compatibility

1. The fish in question are peaceful. However, they remain very active. Shubunkin gets along well with most aquarium inhabitants. Keep in mind that there is no need to have catfish, as the individuals in question often tuss.
2. As mentioned earlier, these fish can live in almost any aquarium. It should be noted that such individuals should not be kept in an environment with a large number of algae with delicate leaves. The fish will simply dig out all the plants from the ground.
3. The ideal option in terms of sharing neighbors would be telescopes, goldfish, veil-tails. It is strictly forbidden to contain shubunkins with predatory individuals. Also, do not hook fish to them, which often break off the fins.

Breeding

1. Such individuals are able to spawn, like other representatives of goldfish in an aquarium with a volume of up to 30 liters. Sandy soil and small-leaved algae must be in the tank. Up to 3 males per female.
2. Before spawning, individuals are abundantly fed in separate containers. Keep the water temperature at about 25 degrees. Males will chase the female. She will start spawning. After that, move the parents to the shared aquarium. Feed the fry “live dust”.

Shubunkin is a very beautiful and interesting fish. She has a peaceful character, while remaining very active. Consider all the needs of the fish, in no case do not overfeed them. Also, do not add aggressive neighbors to them.

Video: Shubunkin aquarium fish