Tamasaba Goldfish Care & Lifespan | Complete Guide to the Rare Round-Bodied Wakin Variety | ブリちょく
Goldfish| ✍️ BreederDirect Editorial
Tamasaba Goldfish Care & Lifespan | Complete Guide to the Rare Round-Bodied Wakin Variety
Tamasaba is a rare goldfish breed originating from Yamagata Prefecture. Based on professional expertise, this guide covers all aspects of Tamasaba care including habitat setup, water chemistry management, feeding, lifespan expectations, and breeding methods for this unique breed characterized by its round body and long single tail.
Key Takeaways
Tamasaba is a rare goldfish breed originating from Yamagata Prefecture. Based on professional expertise, this guide covers all aspects of Tamasaba care including habitat setup, water chemistry management, feeding, lifespan expectations, and breeding methods for this unique breed characterized by its round body and long single tail.
Tamasaba Goldfish Care & Lifespan
Tamasaba (玉さば) is a rare goldfish breed believed to originate from Yamagata Prefecture. The combination of a round body shape and long single tail (Funa tail) is its defining characteristic, creating a unique appearance that merges the slender silhouette of Wakin with the rounded form of Ryukin-type goldfish. This rare variety is rarely found in ordinary pet shops and is primarily traded among professional breeders and goldfish shows throughout Japan.
Tamasaba Basic Information
Item
Details
Japanese Name
Tamasaba (玉さば)
English Name
Tamasaba Goldfish
Origin
Japan (Yamagata Prefecture)
Length
15–30 cm (depending on rearing conditions)
Lifespan
10–15 years
Body Type
Round oval body + long single tail
Care Difficulty
Intermediate
Tamasaba Characteristics & Appeal
✍️
BreederDirect Editorial
The BreederDirect editorial team specializes in care information for animals, covering veterinary care and breeding to deliver beginner-friendly guides.
Find Goldfish on BreederDirect
Buy directly from verified breeders
Browse Related Listings
Find Goldfish listings related to this article on BreederDirect. Buy directly from verified breeders.
Tamasaba possess the following distinctive physical characteristics:
Body Shape: From the side, the body is nearly spherical and rounded
Tail Fin: A long single tail (Funa/swallow tail) that flows and spreads gracefully
Body Color: Red and kohaku (red and white) are typical, though black and white varieties also exist
Dorsal Fin: Present (Wakin-type characteristic)
Despite their round body, Tamasaba are relatively good swimmers with their single tail, displaying more agile movements than long-tailed varieties such as Ryukin or Oranda types.
Setting Up the Rearing Environment
Tank Size
Tamasaba can grow to nearly 30 cm. A minimum 60 cm tank is essential, with a 90 cm tank being ideal for comfortable care.
Filtration
Since goldfish have high waste production, powerful filtration systems are essential.
- External filter (for 60–90 cm tanks)
- Top-mounted filter (standard for goldfish keeping)
- Under-gravel filter (can be combined with substrate filtration)
Water Chemistry Management
Temperature: 18–24°C (goldfish have good cold tolerance, but avoid sudden changes)
pH: 7.0–7.5 (slightly alkaline)
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 mg/L
Water Change Frequency: Once weekly, 1/3 to 1/2 of tank volume
Since Tamasaba can be somewhat limited swimmers due to their round body, keep water flow gentle. Strong currents can lead to fatigue and stress.
Lifespan & Longevity Secrets
Tamasaba have an average lifespan of 10–15 years, with records of living over 20 years under proper care. They are relatively hardy among goldfish varieties.
Main Factors Reducing Lifespan
Water Deterioration: Accumulation of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate
Overstocking: Increased waste leads to rapid water quality decline
Sudden Temperature Changes: Changes of 10°C or more cause stress and disease
Malnutrition or Overfeeding: Obesity causes organ disease and swim bladder disorder
Overlooking Illness: Delayed treatment of ich or dropsy
Five Keys to Longevity
Regular Water Testing: Check ammonia and nitrate weekly
Proper Feeding Amount: Feed twice daily, only what can be consumed in 5 minutes. Reduce frequency in winter
Stable Temperature Management: Use heater (winter) or air conditioning to prevent sudden fluctuations
Appropriate Stocking Density: Maximum 2–3 fish per 60 cm tank as a guideline
Quarantine New Fish: Always isolate new goldfish for 2 weeks before adding to main tank
Feeding & Feed Management
Tamasaba are omnivorous with good appetites, but their round body puts them at risk for swim bladder disorder.
Primary Food: Goldfish-specific sinking pellets (floating food risks air ingestion)
Supplemental Food: Frozen bloodworms, dried shrimp (1–2 times weekly)
Avoid: Excessive high-fat foods
Using sinking pellets reduces the risk of swim bladder disorder.
Swim Bladder Disorder Prevention & Treatment
Round-bodied goldfish varieties, including Tamasaba, are at risk for swim bladder disorder (loss of buoyancy control).
Points for Prevention
Use sinking pellets
Maintain water temperature above 18°C (lower temperatures increase risk)
Avoid overfeeding
Keep water chemistry stable
Treatment When Swim Bladder Disorder Occurs
Fast for 1–3 days
Raise water temperature to 22–25°C
Perform salt bath treatment (0.5% saline solution)
If improvement does not occur, consult a specialist veterinarian
Tamasaba Breeding
Tamasaba breeding occurs in spring (when water temperature exceeds 15°C).
Breeding Preparation
Sex Determination: Males develop white breeding tubercles on the gills and pectoral fins during breeding season
Spawning Tank: Dedicated tank equipped with spawning substrate (willow moss or spawning mop)
Temperature Management: Set to 18–20°C, temperature fluctuations between morning and evening promote spawning
Spawning to Fry Rearing
Spawning typically occurs early morning (egg count can reach thousands)
Remove parent fish after spawning (they will eat eggs)
Eggs hatch in 3–5 days at 20°C water temperature
Feed fry starting with infusoria and brine shrimp
How to Obtain Tamasaba
Since Tamasaba are a rare variety, they are rarely available at ordinary pet shops. The following channels are the most realistic ways to obtain them:
Direct Purchase from Goldfish Breeders: The most reliable way to obtain healthy specimens
Goldfish Shows: Purchase or acquisition at shows held throughout the country
Specialized Online Marketplaces: Platforms where breeders list specimens
Goldfish Specialty Shops in Yamagata Prefecture: Local acquisition in Tamasaba's place of origin
Summary
Tamasaba are Wakin-type goldfish prized for their rarity and unique body shape. With proper rearing conditions—adequate tank size, powerful filtration, and regular water quality management—you can ensure a long lifespan of 10–15 years. Address swim bladder disorder risk through the use of sinking pellets and appropriate feeding quantities, and care for this rare variety with dedication. By obtaining Tamasaba directly from breeders, you gain access to healthy specimens and ongoing care support.
