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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.
Basic Info
Origin
China
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
12-20cm
Temperature
15〜28℃
Diet
Goldfish pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp
Care Guide
Housing
Tank with lighting to enjoy scale sparkle
Water
Maintain clean water. Mosaic scales are delicate
Care Specifications
- pH
- 6–8
- Hardness (GH)
- 5–19 dGH
- Water Temp.
- 18–23℃
PeacefulGroupBreeding: Moderate
Sources: FishBase / Aqueon Goldfish Care Guide
Morphs (Varieties)
金魚品種は体型・尾型・鱗・色の選抜固定(line-bred)。出目・透明鱗(キャリコ)・白子等は単一座。
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) / 金魚 - Wikipedia (日本語版・品種)
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku 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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