The Shubukin (Carassius auratus) is a fish of the Cyprinidae family that has a similar shape to the common goldfish, but is smaller and more colorful. Native to China, the Shubunkin likes to live in fresh water with little movement and in streams with little current.
Description
Shubukin are calico, mostly bluish with extensive red spots and smaller black spots scattered throughout their body. Adults they measure about 25 cm. There are three varieties of Shubukin: the Bristol Shubukin, the American Shubukin which is more streamlined and has less fin length than the previous one, and the London Shubukin which is a little smaller, with a shorter, less wide and less lobed tail fin than its Bristol cousin, which can reach more than half of the total size of the fish. The pectoral and pelvic fins are even numbers, while the dorsal, anal and caudal fins are odd numbers. Females are generally much larger.
Habitat and feeding
In its native country, the Shubunkin lives in fresh and calm water. It is resistant to cold but not to strong frosts. You can install it in your pond in privileged areas where it will feed on small elements found in the ground which it loves to dig. It is omnivorous and is interested in mosquito larvae as well as algae. In cold regions, it will be necessary to bring it into an aquarium during the winter, making sure to provide a minimum of 20 liters of water per individual. Feed it with pellets and chopped cooked vegetables.
Life cycle
In spring when the temperature rises, the spawning period begins for fish that have reached sexual maturity, which is about two years old. The male then adorns himself with small white buttons on the opercules as well as on the first ray of the pectoral fins.
After some parades between the male and the female, the female deposits the eggs on the available supports then a few moments after the male fertilizes the eggs by letting escape its milt. The eggs adhere then to the plants and the surrounding surfaces. Incubation can begin, after three to six days depending on the water temperature a larva will emerge and sink while the swim bladder is formed (2 to 4 days). The small fish will then find the strength to capture an air bubble which will allow it to swim to feed itself and then if the conditions allow it to live a long life (20 years).
