Fukudaruma

Fukudaruma key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

10-15 years

Temperature

15〜28℃

Diet

Prepared foods, frozen bloodworms

Lighting

The round body and the sweep of the tail read well from above or from the side. Ponds are viewed from above and tanks from the side; neither needs special lighting.

Housing

Hardy in cold, it is often kept in the same ponds as koi. Despite the round body it swims briskly, so provide room to move.

Tank Mates

It swims fast, so pair it with other tamasaba-line or wakin-type fish. Slow breeds such as telescopes and bubble eyes will lose out at feeding time.

Notes

Tamasaba parents can throw long-bodied fish by reversion, so body form varies. Bear in mind that normal scales and a long tail are considered the proper form when choosing.

About Fukudaruma

Fukudaruma is a round-bodied goldfish variety from Niigata, selectively bred from Tamasaba for its bowl-like shape. Hardy and cold-tolerant, it's a great choice for first-time goldfish keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Fukudaruma

1. 1Origin of the Round Body

   Fukudaruma originated in Niigata as a selectively bred strain of Tamasaba goldfish, prized above all for its bowl-like round body. It's often described as more of a distinct brand than a formal breed, so the exact roundness can vary somewhat between individuals.

2. 2Cold Tolerance

   Fukudaruma is known for its cold tolerance and hardiness, making it well suited to outdoor water lily pots or biotope setups. That said, sudden temperature swings are still stressful, so match the water temperature carefully whenever you do a water change.

3. 3Round but Quick Swimmer

   Although its body is rounded, Fukudaruma swims as briskly as a wakin. If keeping it with other fish, pair it with fellow Tamasaba-type or wakin-type goldfish. Slow swimmers such as Telescope (Demekin) types or Bubble Eyes tend to lose out in the competition for food, so watch feeding time closely.

4. 4Digestive Care

   Round-bodied goldfish like Fukudaruma can be prone to digestive issues such as swim bladder trouble due to their compact body shape. Feed smaller amounts more frequently rather than one large meal, and avoid leaving uneaten food in the water.

5. 5Water Quality Basics

   Despite being a hardy variety, Fukudaruma shares goldfish's general vulnerability to poor water quality. Regular water changes and proper filter maintenance are essential to keep ammonia and nitrite from building up.

6. 6Preparing Enough Space

   Because of its rounded, deep-bodied shape, Fukudaruma appreciates a tank or water lily pot with generous water volume. Cycle the tank and set up filtration before bringing your fish home.

7. 7Round Shape, Lively Swimming

   Fukudaruma is charming for pairing a bowl-like round shape with brisk, lively swimming. Its hardiness and cold tolerance make it easy to keep, so it is also a popular first goldfish for beginners.

Frequently asked questions about Fukudaruma

Q.Is Fukudaruma easy to keep for beginners?

A.Yes — Fukudaruma is hardy and cold-tolerant, and its care difficulty is generally considered beginner-friendly. As long as you keep up with basic water changes and temperature management, it's an approachable goldfish to raise.

Q.Can Fukudaruma be kept with other goldfish?

A.Fukudaruma swims briskly, so it suits tankmates such as other Tamasaba-type or wakin-type goldfish. Slow swimmers like Telescope (Demekin) types or Bubble Eyes tend to lose out in the competition for food, so if you keep them together, watch feeding time closely.

Q.Can Fukudaruma be kept outdoors?

A.Since Fukudaruma is cold-tolerant, it can do well in an outdoor water lily pot setup. That said, sudden temperature swings during seasonal changes can still stress the fish, so keep a close eye on it during those periods.

Q.What's the difference between Fukudaruma and Tamasaba?

A.Fukudaruma is a strain developed by selectively breeding Tamasaba into a bowl-like round body, and there is no decisive difference between the two. It is regarded as more of a brand than a formal breed, similar to the Uno line in Ranchu.

Q.Does Fukudaruma need special care to avoid swim bladder issues?

A.Goldfish with very round bodies, including Fukudaruma, are generally considered more prone to digestive-related issues like swim bladder trouble. Feeding smaller amounts more frequently, rather than one large meal, can help reduce that risk.

Useful tools for Fukudaruma care

Learn more about Fukudaruma in the encyclopedia

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