Jikin

Jikin key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

10-15 years

Size

12-20cm

Temperature

15〜25℃

Diet

Goldfish pellets

Container & Tank

Keeping singly or in a pair in a tank of 60L or more is recommended. With a streamlined, wakin-like body it is fairly active, so allow swimming space.

Water Temperature & Quality

Keep at 15-25°C. A hardy variety, but keep the water clean to preserve the rokurin coloring as well.

Flow & Placement

Keep the flow modest so the peacock tail is not deformed by currents. The cross-shaped tail seen from above is the highlight, so avoid filter placements that create turbulence.

Lighting

Moderate sunbathing is effective for bringing out the rokurin color. Maintaining the coloring is the biggest challenge, so manage the lighting environment.

Notes

Rare and expensive — obtain from specialty shops

About Jikin

Jikin is a goldfish breed native to Japan, believed to have been developed in the Nagoya area of Aichi Prefecture during the late Edo to Meiji period. Its defining feature is the "Rokurin" pattern — a snow-white body with vivid red coloring restricted to exactly six points: the mouth, dorsal fin, paired pectoral fins, paired pelvic fins, anal fin, and tail fin. The result is a striking contrast reminiscent of red ink on white porcelain. The body is slim and elongated like a common goldfish, complemented by a broad, butterfly-spread tail known as "peacock tail." Jikin are relatively active and hardy, making them manageable for dedicated beginners with proper setup. Show culture remains vibrant in Aichi Prefecture, where enthusiasts compete under rigorous judging standards. Though not easy to source, their poised, distinctive beauty leaves a lasting impression on anyone who encounters them.

7 things to know before welcoming a Jikin

1. 1Understanding Rokurin Coloration

   The ideal Rokurin pattern has a pure white body with red limited strictly to six points: the mouth, both pectoral fins, both pelvic fins, and the tail. Deviation from this standard lowers show scores, so bloodline and color management are critical for serious keepers. For casual display, minor color variation is still enjoyable — just inspect the fish carefully before purchase.

2. 2Space Requirements Are Generous

   Adults reach 12–20 cm, so a minimum 60 cm tank (roughly 60 L) per fish is a sensible starting point. While Jikin are not especially active swimmers, they are sensitive to poor water quality, making overcrowding a real risk. More water volume means more stable parameters and better color retention.

3. 3Water Quality Is Critical

   Jikin tend to be more sensitive to water chemistry shifts than many other goldfish varieties, reacting poorly to ammonia and nitrite buildup. Aim for 1–2 water changes per week at roughly one-third volume, backed by reliable biological filtration. Keep temperature between 15–25°C and avoid sudden swings, which can suppress immune function.

4. 4A Generally Calm Temperament

   Jikin have a calm, unhurried temperament and generally coexist well with goldfish of similar size. However, pairing them with faster single-tail varieties or much larger fish can result in competition at feeding time. Keeping Jikin together with fish of the same size and variety also simplifies color management.

5. 5Avoid Overfeeding

   Feed a quality goldfish pellet or granule (sinking or floating) twice daily in amounts consumed within 3–5 minutes. Overfeeding accelerates water fouling and raises the risk of swim bladder problems. Incorporating one fasting day per week can help maintain good body shape over time.

6. 6Expect a Higher Initial Cost

   As a rare variety, Jikin are not widely available and can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of yen per fish. On top of the fish itself, budget for a suitable tank, filter, heater, and other equipment. Mapping out total setup costs before buying helps avoid surprises.

7. 7Lighting Affects White Coloration

   The white base color of Jikin can shift toward yellow or allow red to spread when exposed to excessive light or certain water conditions. Prolonged direct sunlight is a common trigger for unwanted color change, so limiting the photoperiod to around 8–10 hours per day is advisable. Color development varies significantly between individuals, so regular observation is worthwhile.

Frequently asked questions about Jikin

Q.Can beginners keep Jikin goldfish?

A.Jikin are hardy enough for beginners who set up proper equipment. However, as a rare breed, thorough research and careful water quality management are key to keeping them healthy long-term.

Q.Does the Rokurin coloring change over time?

A.Young fish often have blurry color boundaries that become more defined as they mature. Water quality, diet, and light exposure can also influence the intensity of the red coloring over time.

Q.Can Jikin be kept with other goldfish?

A.Jikin coexist well with other slim-bodied varieties like common goldfish, but mixing with slow, round-bodied breeds often leads to feeding competition. For show-quality raising, single-species keeping is recommended.

Q.Where can I buy Jikin goldfish?

A.General pet shops rarely carry Jikin. Goldfish specialty stores, dedicated breeders, and enthusiast clubs are the main sources. Buying directly from a breeder lets you confirm the fish's background and health history.

Q.How long do Jikin goldfish live?

A.With proper care, Jikin typically live 10–15 years. Consistent water quality management, appropriate feeding, and early detection of illness are the main factors that contribute to a long, healthy life.

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