Assorted Ryukin 7cm

The Ryukin goldfish is one of the most classic fancy goldfish strains however it tends to be overshadowed by more popular types such as Ranchus and Oranda. Ryukins though are just as amazing with their tall body, vibrant colours, and active personalities. These round almost comical fish truly capture the attention of everyone, aquarist or not and whilst they are not the best beginner fish, they will make for a great pet in a well-maintained environment.

Ryukin goldfish are most easily recognised by their compact but tall body and high-rising dorsal fin. Whilst these fish may look like standard fan-tail goldfish, a quality Ryukin will have a very high spine curve and a horizontally compressed body. Their large fins and the symmetry of the body will also be additional differentiating factors. Ryukins also come in an assortment of colours but for the most part these fish range in their orange and white patterning however some may also sport some calico blotching as well. These will be a fantastic strain to selectively breed to isolate certain favourable colour and pattern designs.

Whilst goldfish are cold water tolerant and can be kept in outdoor ponds, it is better to keep Ryukin goldfish indoors. These fish are not the best swimmers and are bred in tropical countries, they may not be able to hide swiftly from predators outdoors or even tolerate the near-freezing temperatures that comet goldfish can live in. Breeding these fish in captivity however is possible, sexing these goldfish is a difficult task but once males and females reach maturity, they can show some chasing behaviours. Females may also appear to be larger when filled with eggs and have clear cheek plates whereas males tend to develop star-shaped bumps.

Tank Recommendations for Assorted Ryukin
The Ryukin goldfish can get fairly big at 15 cm both in length and height meaning that an individual fish would need a minimum volume of 120 litres. A larger aquarium is always better because what is better than one personable and adorable Ryukin goldfish? Two Ryukin goldfish of course! The thing to note however with Ryukin goldfish is that due to their round body, they are actually not the best swimmers, so a slower flow is better. A sand substrate is good as these fish will sift through the substrate in search of food however they can thrive in a bare bottom system. Smooth river stones can be added for further decoration however sharp materials should be avoided in the aquarium like pointy driftwood as Ryukin goldfish can easily get injured by them.

Suitable Tank Buddies
Ryukin goldfish are great fish as they are not aggressive in the slightest and can be kept with tank mates. Common tank mates they can be kept with are active and small fish. The goldfish however might eat fry produced by smaller tank mates however they will be perfectly fine with adults. Fin nipping species however should be avoided entirely as they will make short work of the slow-moving Ryukin goldfish.

Usually Compatible
Medaka ricefish, paradise fish, giant danios, zebra danio, White Cloud Mountain minnows.

Sometimes Compatible
Species that can be fin nippers like rosy barbs and also tropical species such as tetras, dwarf cichlids, mollies, and species of a similar sort.

Rarely Compatible
Larger cichlids and fish that have a mouth large such as Oscars, Jaguar cichlids, and shrimp should also be avoided as pearl-scale goldfish would eat shrimp in an instant.

Feeding your Assorted Ryukin
Feeding Ryukin goldfish should be a breeze, they should immediately take to any aquarium food practically within 24 hours of being added to their new home. Having other goldfish as well will really boost their confidence during feeding time. Slow-sinking foods would be best as these rounder strains have been known to at times get swim bladder issues after frantically gulping for food at the surface. Good quality pellets or flakes that are rich in algae or spirulina content are best to suit their herbivorous diet.