Calico Shubunkin Goldfish (Carassius Auratus) - Tank Bred
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- Backordered, shipping soon
For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout.
Calico Shubunkin Goldfish are one of the most iconic and time-tested goldfish varieties in the hobby. Known for their flowing fins and striking calico coloration, each fish displays a unique blend of blue, red, orange, black, and white that continues to develop as they mature. Tank bred for hardiness and adaptability, these goldfish are active, resilient, and well suited for both ponds and large aquariums.
Shubunkins are constantly on the move, exploring their environment and interacting with tank mates. Their bold patterns and confident swimming behavior make them a true focal point in spacious setups where they have room to grow and thrive.
What We Love About This Fish
Their calico coloration is never the same from one fish to the next, making every individual unique.
They are hardy and forgiving, making them an excellent choice for hobbyists with experience keeping goldfish.
They are active swimmers that bring constant motion and presence to larger aquariums or ponds.
They are long lived fish when given proper space and care.
Natural Habitat
The original goldfish species was first domesticated in East Asia, where it inhabited slow moving ponds, lakes, and calm waterways. The Shubunkin variety was later developed through selective breeding to emphasize its calico coloration and flowing fins.
Aquascaping
Shubunkin Goldfish do best in open layouts that prioritize swimming space.
Plants should be hardy and well established, as goldfish may nibble or uproot delicate species. Anubias and Java Fern attached to rocks or driftwood are good options. Substrate choices such as smooth gravel or sand help protect their fins and mouths while foraging.
Hardscape should be minimal and smooth, allowing the fish to move freely without risk of injury. Botanicals can be used sparingly, but clarity and oxygenation are more important than tannins in goldfish systems.
Diet and Feeding
Shubunkin Goldfish are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet. High quality sinking pellets or goldfish-specific foods should make up the base of their diet, supplemented with blanched vegetables and occasional frozen or live foods. A varied feeding routine supports healthy growth and vibrant coloration.
Tank Mates and Compatibility
These goldfish are peaceful and do best with other similar sized, cold water fish. Avoid housing them with aggressive species or much smaller tank mates that may be outcompeted for food.
Shrimp Compatibility
No. Shubunkin Goldfish will eat shrimp if given the opportunity.
Breeding
Shubunkins can breed in captivity, especially in pond environments where seasonal temperature changes encourage spawning. Breeding is possible in large aquariums but is considered uncommon for most home setups.
Recommended Tank Parameters
Temperature: 60 – 72°F
pH: 6.5 – 8.0
KH: 4 – 12
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons for a small group, larger preferred
Care Guidelines
Diet: Omnivorous with a need for variety and plant matter.
Social Behavior: Peaceful and best kept with other goldfish.
Origin: Tank bred.
Average Adult Size: 8 – 12 inches.
Average Purchase Size: 2 – 3 inches.
Live Arrival Guarantee:
All Aquatic Arts fish are backed by our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee, plus free email support to help you succeed.
Questions & Answers
Are Shubunkin Goldfish good for beginners?
They are hardy fish, but their size and space requirements make them better suited for hobbyists prepared for large aquariums or ponds.
Do Shubunkins need a pond, or can they live in an aquarium?
They can live in large aquariums, but ponds provide the best long-term environment for their size and activity level.
Will their colors change over time?
Yes. Calico patterns often continue to develop as the fish matures, especially the blue tones.
How fast do Shubunkins grow?
Growth depends on diet, water quality, and available space. In spacious, well maintained systems, they grow steadily.
Do they need a heater?
No. Shubunkins are cold water fish and prefer cooler temperatures.
Why Choose Calico Shubunkin Goldfish?
If you are looking for a classic goldfish with personality, movement, and ever changing color, the Calico Shubunkin is a standout choice. Given the right space and care, they reward keepers with years of activity and presence.
For the safety of our animals, we only ship live fish, crabs, and select other inverts exclusively via UPS 1 Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS 1 Day Air as a shipping option during checkout. If other items are in your cart that can ship with 2 day or standard shipping options the only shipping method you can still select is UPS 1 Day Air.
UPS 1 Day is a description of the duration of time a shipment will spend in transit once it has been shipped. This does not guarantee the package will be shipped the same or next day from which the order was placed.
Shipping Schedule for this service
Current Handling Time:
1-9 business days
Here at Aquatic Arts, we consider the welfare of the live animals we are shipping to be of the foremost importance. This process is much more involved than simply creating a shipping label and affixing it to a box. Depending on the order, it takes from 4 to 7 people to complete this process properly. We check the weather conditions here where they fly out of the Indianapolis UPS facility and the destination for each shipment. We start early each morning and go through a multi-step process to have the day's shipments prepared in time for the UPS pickup. The volume of orders in our system also affects the processing time. Therefore our stated handling time is 1-9 business days.
Shipping Rate
Pricing is by size of package needed to fill entire order and distance it must travel. It will be calculated at checkout.
