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Carassius langsdorfii
Crucian carp lacking black pigment, colored red to orange. It is not a goldfish variety but a color variant of ginbuna-type crucian carp; its habitat at Lake Harutori, Hokkaido, is a national Natural Monument. Fish on the market are farm-bred.
Hibuna ('scarlet crucian carp') is the name for Carassius fish that lack black pigment and turn red; it is not a variety fixed by breeders like the goldfish. Yellow pigment remains, so the fish range from red to yellow-orange. They hatch the same coppery black as ordinary crucian carp and begin to redden after about a year. The Hibuna of Lake Harutori in Kushiro, Hokkaido, had been regarded as a mutant of the ginbuna, but in 2022 a group led by Kyoto University showed by genetic analysis that they derive from hybridization between clonally reproducing triploid crucian carp and goldfish released about 100 years ago. The Harutori habitat was designated a national Natural Monument in 1937. It is almost impossible to tell from a single-tailed Wakin by appearance; the body is pure crucian carp and the fins are not elongated, unlike the long-finned Tetsugyo. It is hardy and easy to keep, but never release it: doing so damages the genetic distinctiveness of native crucian carp. Fish on the market are farm-bred and regularly available from native-fish and goldfish dealers.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Hibuna (Red Crucian Carp) grows to The maximum recorded size for ginbuna (Carassius langsdorfii) is 39 cm TL.
Origin
Japan (e.g. Lake Harutori, Kushiro, Hokkaido)
Lifespan
Little data on lifespan specific to Hibuna
Size
The maximum recorded size for ginbuna (Carassius langsdorfii) is 39 cm TL
Temperature
5〜30℃
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Carassius langsdorfii Temminck & Schlegel, 1846
Synonyms: Carassius auratus langsdorfii Temminck & Schlegel, 1846
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Carassius langsdorfii · Mishina et al. (2022) PLOS ONE: Origin of scarlet gynogenetic triploid Carassius fish · 釧路市立博物館 国指定天然記念物春採湖のヒブナ
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
The Harutori Lake Hibuna habitat (Kushiro, Hokkaido) was designated a national Natural Monument in 1937. It is the habitat that is designated, and collecting there is not allowed (altering a Natural Monument requires permission from the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs under the Act on Protection of Cultural Properties). Fish on the market are farm-bred and trading them is not itself regulated. To protect native populations, never release kept fish or goldfish into the wild. Not listed by CITES.
Sources: Cultural Heritage Online (Agency for Cultural Affairs): Harutori Lake Hibuna habitat / Kyoto University: Origin of the Hibuna natural monument clarified (2022) / e-Gov: Act on Protection of Cultural Properties (Art. 125) / Species+ (CITES)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Omnivore (readily takes prepared foods)
A plain crucian-carp body with fins that are not elongated. It looks almost identical to a single-tailed Wakin, so confirm the line and origin with the seller.
A hardy color variant of wild crucian carp; it can grow large, so use a roomy tank or a pond.
A fast swimmer; keep apart from slow round goldfish. It does well with crucian carp or Wakin-type goldfish.
Omnivorous and readily takes pellets; do not overfeed and remove leftovers.
Fry hatch dark and begin to redden after about a year, so dark juveniles are normal.
The Harutori habitat is a national Natural Monument and collecting there is not allowed. Releasing kept fish harms the genetic distinctiveness of native crucian carp, so keep them for life.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
Hibuna (Red Crucian Carp) typically reaches The maximum recorded size for ginbuna (Carassius langsdorfii) is 39 cm TL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hibuna (Red Crucian Carp) feeds on: Omnivore (readily takes prepared foods). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hibuna (Red Crucian Carp) varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 28, 2026