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Kirin Goldfish
IntermediateCarassius auratus var.
Rare goldfish with mosaic-like scale mutation. Mix of normal and transparent scales creates unique sparkling appearance. Chinese variety, rare in Japan.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
15〜28℃
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
12-20cm
Diet
Goldfish pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp
About
The Kirin Goldfish is a Chinese variety whose scales have mutated into a mosaic, mixing ordinary opaque scales with nacreous (translucent) ones across the body to produce a sparkling sheen and a mottled pattern. Because the scale texture varies from area to area, its appearance shifts with the light, and the speckled coloration creates a distinctive beauty. Developed in China, it is uncommon and seldom seen in the Japanese trade. Its body usually follows the rounded form of typical fancy goldfish, with the scale shimmer and pattern being the main draw. Keep it in a tank of 60 liters or more with clean water; feed mainly prepared foods supplemented with bloodworms or brine shrimp. Color-enhancing foods and moderate lighting bring out the scale shine and pattern. It swims calmly and pairs well with similarly gentle varieties.
Lifespan of the Kirin Goldfish
The Kirin Goldfish lives 10-15 years.
Size of the Kirin Goldfish
The Kirin Goldfish grows to 12-20cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Kirin Goldfish
The ideal temperature for the Kirin Goldfish is 18〜23℃.
Basic Info
Origin
China
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
12-20cm
Temperature
Care Specifications
- pH
- 6–8
- Hardness (GH)
- 5–19 dGH
- Water Temp.
- 18–23℃
PeacefulGroupBreeding: Moderate
Sources: FishBase / Aqueon Goldfish Care Guide
Morphs (Varieties)
Goldfish varieties are line-bred for body shape, tail type, scale type, and coloration. Traits such as protruding eyes, transparent scales (calico), and albinism are single-locus traits.
PolygenicContinuous trait from multiple genes; intensified by selective breeding.
Head growth (wen)
Line-bredEstablished by selective line breeding.
Deep body / dorsal humpFantail (paired caudal)
Sources: Wikipedia - Goldfish (Varieties) / Goldfish — Wikipedia (Japanese edition, varieties)
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
References & Sources
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.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Carassius auratus var. (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Cyprinus auratus Linnaeus, 1758, Carassius auratus auratus (Linnaeus, 1758), Cyprinus thoracatus Valenciennes, 1842, Carassius burgeri Temminck & Schlegel, 1846, Cyprinus chinensis Gronow, 1854
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF · FishBase: Carassius auratus · GBIF: Carassius auratus
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
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