AI-generated image
Nankin Goldfish
AdvancedDesignated natural monument from Izumo, Shimane. White body with red head is characteristic. Preserved by conservation societies.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
5〜30℃（適温18〜24℃）
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
10-15cm
Diet
Goldfish pellets
About
The Nankin (also called Izumo Nankin) is a rare Japanese goldfish variety native to the Izumo region of Shimane Prefecture, where it has been designated a National Natural Monument. Its distinctive coloration—a white body with reddish coloring on the head, belly, and around the tail—sets it apart from the similar-looking Tancho, which is red only on the head. The Nankin has no dorsal fin, a compact egg-shaped body, and a fan-like tail that looks particularly elegant from above, making top-view observation in shallow basins the traditional method of appreciation. Historically treasured by samurai households and wealthy farmers in the Izumo region, the Nankin is today carefully preserved by dedicated enthusiast associations. It is extremely rare outside Japan and even within Japan, making it one of the most prized and sought-after heritage goldfish varieties.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (Izumo region, Shimane Prefecture)
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
10-15cm
Temperature
5〜30℃（適温18〜24℃）
Diet
Goldfish pellets
Care Guide
Tank
Shallow top-viewing container ideal
Temperature
15-25°C
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。
Line-bredEstablished by selective line breeding.
Dorsal-lessEgg-shaped body
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: (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.
Nankin Goldfish Listings
Loading latest listingsFind listings for this species
