
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Carassius auratus
A crucian-carp-shaped fish with a rusty iron-colored body and long fins, especially the tail. It derives from hybrids between Japanese Carassius and goldfish; its habitat at Yutorinuma, Miyagi, is a national Natural Monument. Fish on the market are farm-bred.
Tetsugyo ('iron fish') is a long-finned, crucian-carp-shaped fish found in 1922 at Yutorinuma pond in Kami, Miyagi Prefecture. Its fins, above all the tail, are long; the basic color is iron to rusty iron, but black, orange-yellow, white, red and red-and-white fish also occur, and some are close to wild crucian carp in shape. At first it was hailed as a possible ancestor of the goldfish, but crossing Ryukin with crucian carp produces similar fish, and mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analysis showed it is a hybrid of goldfish and Japanese Carassius other than the Gengoro-buna. It was not bred as a goldfish variety, yet it is sold by both goldfish and native-fish dealers. It resembles single-tailed Wakin or Comets, but its fins, especially the tail, and its nasal folds are markedly elongated. Yutorinuma lies at about 600 m, surrounded by old-growth forest, and the habitat was designated a national Natural Monument in 1933. Prefecture-designated Tetsugyo also live at Wakahata-numa (Yamagata) and a temple pond at Honen-ji (Mie). Fish on the market are farm-raised or line-maintained stock.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Tetsugyo (Iron Fish) grows to Reaches about 15 cm body length.
It reaches 15 cm in body length and moves quickly.
Origin
Japan (found in 1922 at Yutorinuma, Kami, Miyagi Prefecture)
Lifespan
Little data on lifespan specific to Tetsugyo
Size
Reaches about 15 cm body length
Temperature
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 auratus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Cyprinus auratus Linnaeus, 1758, Carassius auratus auratus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Carassius auratus · FishBase: Carassius auratus · 冨澤ら(2015)魚類学雑誌 62(1): ミトコンドリアDNA および核DNA の解析による魚取沼テツギョの起源
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
The Yutorinuma Tetsugyo habitat (Kami, Miyagi) was designated a national Natural Monument in 1933. 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). Tetsugyo at Wakahata-numa (Yamagata) and Honen-ji (Mie) are prefectural Natural Monuments. Fish on the market are farm-raised or line-maintained, and trading them is not itself regulated. Not listed by CITES.
Sources: Cultural Heritage Online (Agency for Cultural Affairs): Yutorinuma Tetsugyo habitat / Miyagi Prefecture: Yutorinuma Tetsugyo habitat (Natural Monument) / 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
5〜30℃
Omnivore (goldfish pellets as the staple; also bloodworms and daphnia)
A crucian-carp body with all fins, especially the tail, elongated. Rusty iron is typical, but red, white and red-and-white fish also occur.
Quick-moving and reaching about 15 cm, it needs room to swim. Its native Yutorinuma is a mountain pond at about 600 m.
A fast swimmer that outcompetes slow round goldfish for food; keep with Wakin-type goldfish or other Tetsugyo.
Takes goldfish pellets readily; bloodworms and daphnia can also be given.
The Yutorinuma habitat is a national Natural Monument and collecting there is not allowed. Buy farm-bred or line-maintained fish, and never release them into the wild.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
Tetsugyo (Iron Fish) typically reaches Reaches about 15 cm body length as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Tetsugyo (Iron Fish) feeds on: Omnivore (goldfish pellets as the staple; also bloodworms and daphnia). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Tetsugyo (Iron Fish) varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026