
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ranchu body with ryukin-like long fins. Relatively new variety created in Showa era. Elegant appearance.
The Shukin is a Japanese goldfish variety developed at the end of the 19th century by crossing the Ranchu and the Oranda. It inherits the Ranchu's egg-shaped, dorsal-finless body while also developing the Oranda's characteristic wen (head growth), making it a unique intermediate between its two parent breeds. The tail fins are slightly longer than those of a typical Ranchu, in three-tail or four-tail form. Common colorations include red, white, sarasa, and calico. Shukin care follows Ranchu guidelines: low water flow, neutral pH around 7.0, and frequent water changes to support healthy wen development and prevent bacterial infections in the wen's folds. Like other round-bodied varieties, the Shukin is susceptible to swim bladder disorder, so moderate, easily digestible feeding is recommended. While not as widely distributed as the Ranchu or Oranda, Shukin are available at specialist goldfish dealers.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Shukin lives 10-15 years.
The Shukin grows to 12-18cm.
The ideal temperature for the Shukin is 15〜25℃.
Origin
Japan
Lifespan
10-15 years
Size
Sources: FishBase / Aqueon Goldfish Care Guide
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.
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.
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.
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.
Find listings for this species
12-18cm
Temperature
15〜25℃
Goldfish pellets
A tank of 60L or more is recommended. Lacking a dorsal fin it is a poor swimmer, so keep the flow weak.
Maintain 15-25°C and neutral water around pH 7.0. Clean water is essential for wen development, so regular changes and good filtration matter.
Like ranchu it risks swim bladder disorder, so feed easily digested food in small, moderate portions.
Gentle and easygoing, it mixes well with ranchu-type varieties.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Shukin is 15〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Shukin is 10-15 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Shukin typically reaches 12-18cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Shukin feeds on: Goldfish pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Shukin varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 15, 2026