Ryukin Red & White 9cm

Ryukin Red & White

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.

The red and white ryukin goldfish is easily the most popular colour strain of these goldfish. 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. What's stunning about these fish is their pearly metallic colours that reflect light amazingly. The base body colour is predominantly white with patches of orange present normally through the face and fish; however, it really is a guessing game.

Whilst goldfish are cold water tolerant and can be kept in outdoor ponds, it is better to keep red and white 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,y 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 Ryukin Red & White

The Red and White 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 red and white 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 red and white ryukin goldfish can easily get injured by them.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Red and white 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; 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 red and white 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 Ryukin Red & White

Feeding red and white 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 suited to their herbivorous diet.