0 comments

Fish Profiles | Ryukin Fancy Goldfish

With their elegant, humped backs and flowing fins, Ryukin goldfish bring a sense of drama and beauty to aquariums that few freshwater species can match. Originating from Japan and evolving from the classic Fantail, Ryukins are admired for their bold colours, stout bodies, and lively personalities. Whether you're a seasoned aquarist or just starting out, these majestic swimmers deserve their own spotlight.

Aquarium Conditions for Ryukin Goldfish

Ryukins thrive best in spacious tanks that give them room to glide and turn with ease—think at least 20 gallons per fish, ideally more if you’re keeping a group. They prefer cooler water temperatures around 18–22°C (64–72°F) and require robust filtration due to their messy eating habits. A bare-bottom tank or smooth substrate prevents injury to their delicate fins, and decor should be rounded and unobtrusive. While they can coexist with other fancy goldfish, avoid mixing them with faster, more aggressive species.

Feeding Ryukin Fancy Goldfish

These fish are enthusiastic eaters and benefit from a varied diet: high-quality sinking pellets, blanched vegetables like spinach and peas, and occasional protein sources like bloodworms or brine shrimp. Feeding 2–3 small portions per day helps maintain digestive health and reduce swim bladder issues. Ryukins, like other goldfish, lack stomachs—so moderation is key, no matter how dramatic their begging routine gets!

Ryukin Breeding

Breeding Ryukins can be a rewarding endeavor if you're up for a little matchmaking. Males develop breeding tubercles on their gill covers and fins, and a conditioned pair will often engage in a graceful chasing dance. During spawning season, provide ample plants or spawning mops to encourage egg laying. Eggs hatch in about 4–7 days, depending on temperature, and fry can be fed with infusoria followed by baby brine shrimp. Just be ready—the parents aren't exactly the nurturing type and may try to snack on their offspring!

Tankmates for Ryukin Fancy Goldfish

Ryukin will mix with their own kind or other fancy varieties like Fantails, Oranda, Telescope-eyes and Ranchu goldfish. Being strong, large fish, they are unlikely to be muscled out at feeding time even if mixed with single-tail varieties like Shubunkin, common goldfish and comets. Weather loaches make a good tankmate for variety, but avoid smaller fish like danios or minnows as Ryukin will make a meal of them.

Ryukin Goldfish Facts

Scientific name: Carassius auratus
Maximum size: 20cm
Origin: Japan / China / Thailand
Water parameters: 7.0-8.5 pH, 10-18°H.
Ideal temperature: 18-22°C
Temperament: Peaceful
Average price (2025): £10-20 for a small goldfish

Ryukins blend ornamental elegance with hardy temperament, making them ideal for those who love personality with their aquatic artistry. Their vibrant hues and playful nature add life to any tank, and their care needs—while specific—are manageable with attention and love. Whether you’re aiming to breed a show-quality school or simply bask in their underwater ballet, Ryukin fancy goldfish are truly fin-tastic companions.

To browse our range of Goldfish food for Ryukins online please click here.

To browse our range of aquariums suitable for Ryukin goldfish please click here.

Photo credit(s): Shutterstock

Tags: Coldwater, Coldwater fish, Fish profiles, Freshwater fish, Goldfish, Knowledge, Ponds