Calico Ryukin - Short Tail 5cm

Calico Ryukin Short Tail

The Calico Ryukin Short Tail 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.

The calico short-tailed Ryukin is one of the most visually diverse and charming variations of this species. Ryukin goldfish are most easily recognised by their compact but tall body and high-rising dorsal fin. The short tail variant lacks the trailing double tail found in other fancies, giving it a more compact, bouncy appearance. What really sets the calico version apart is the incredible colour palette. No two are the same, sporting a beautiful mosaic of metallic white, orange, red, blue, and inky black speckles. Their scales often have a pearly sheen that reflects light beautifully and gives them a vibrant, dynamic presence in the aquarium.

Whilst goldfish are cold water tolerant and can be kept in outdoor ponds, it is better to keep calico 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 Calico Ryukin Short Tail

The calico 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 calico 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 calico ryukin goldfish can easily get injured by them.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Calico ryukin goldfish are a 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; 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 calico ryukin goldfish.

Usually Compatible

Medaka ricefish, paradise fish, giant danios, zebra danio, and 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 which 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 Calico Ryukin Short Tail

Feeding calico 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, rich in algae or spirulina content, are best suited for their herbivorous diet.


Plant Safe? No, however, rough-leafed plants like Anubias may be okay.