Ryukin appraisal

What determines the price

• Body roundness and depth (body height)

  High

  The rounder and deeper the body, the closer it approaches the ideal Ryukin body form. Specimens with greater body depth (from dorsal to ventral surface) relative to body length are valued in competitions.

• Tail fin spread and form

  High

  Long, large, and evenly spread tail fins are a hallmark of Ryukin appeal. In four-lobed tails, specimens that spread evenly in all directions (top, bottom, left, right) are highly valued.

• Vividness of body color and sarasa (calico) pattern

  Medium

  The more vivid and uniform the body color—whether red, white, sarasa, or other patterns—the higher the ornamental value.

• Shoulder elevation and body form development

  Medium

  Back height (shoulder elevation) reflects the degree of body form development. Specimens with a balanced combination of roundness and height are valued.

Appraisal points

Checking body roundness and depth

Good:

When viewed from the side, the body is round with significant depth from dorsal to ventral surface. Overall appearance is full and well-developed.

Caution:

Specimens with an elongated or flat body shape may deviate from the breed's natural body form.

Checking tail fin spread

Good:

The tail fin is long and spreads evenly left and right, with its form intact.

Caution:

Specimens with a short tail, a collapsed form, or partial fin damage receive lower evaluations.

Checking health status and swimming behavior

Good:

The fish swims actively in the water and maintains stable posture without tilting its body.

Caution:

Fish with a tilted posture or tendency toward inversion face a risk of swim bladder disorder (a condition more common in heavily rounded varieties).

Price tiers by grade

For actual prices, see the market-price page.

Appraisal quiz

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