Shubunkin Goldfish

Shubunkin Goldfish - Calico Colour Across a Fast, Hardy Frame

The Shubunkin Goldfish is a calico-patterned single-tail goldfish, showing a nacreous scaling with patches of blue, red, black and orange scattered across its body — a colour combination unique to this striking variety.

Shubunkins share the same lean, streamlined body and long single tail as the Comet, making them equally fast, active swimmers and equally true cold-water fish that need no heater. They are exceptionally hardy and well suited to outdoor ponds, where their calico colouring shows beautifully against the water.

At N8 Aquatics, our fish are carefully raised and conditioned to ensure healthy stock suited to home aquariums.

Species Snapshot

• Adult Size: 20–30 cm+ (grows large, especially in ponds)
• Tank Size: 200 L minimum, or a pond for full-grown specimens
• Temperament: Peaceful, hardy, very active swimmer
• Temperature: 10–24°C (true cold-water fish, no heater required)
• pH: 7.0–8.0
• Difficulty: Easy

Ideal Habitat and Care

House the Shubunkin in a 200 L or larger tank, or better yet an outdoor pond, to match its active swimming style and eventual large adult size.

• Temperature: 10–24°C, no heater required
• pH: 7.0–8.0
• Water Flow: Moderate to strong — comets are powerful swimmers and appreciate good water movement
• Maintenance: Strong filtration and frequent partial water changes, as these fish produce heavy waste

Diet

This hardy omnivore feeds easily on a varied diet, with vegetable matter helping round things out.

• Goldfish flake or pellet as a daily staple
• Blanched vegetables such as peas or zucchini
• Occasional frozen bloodworm or brine shrimp
• Feed in small amounts several times a day rather than one large feed

Compatibility

As true cold-water fish, comets and shubunkins are outgoing, fast-growing swimmers best paired with other single-tail goldfish that can keep pace with them at feeding time.

Suitable tankmates include:

• Other Comet or Shubunkin Goldfish
• Common or fancy single-tail goldfish of a similar size
• Large, hardy pond fish
• White Cloud Mountain Minnows in unheated setups

Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Why Buy From N8 Aquatics

• Carefully raised aquarium fish
• Healthy, well-conditioned stock
• Strong genetics and vibrant colouration
• Breeder support if you have questions

Pickup Information

N8 Aquatics currently operates as a local pickup-only breeder in Central Queensland.

Orders are collected by appointment after purchase confirmation.

Please ensure you are able to collect your fish before placing an order.

Important

All livestock sold by N8 Aquatics should be introduced to fully cycled aquariums suitable for the species being kept.

Please ensure your aquarium setup and tankmates are appropriate before purchasing.