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

Limited availability — obtain from specialty shops

About Jikin

Jikin is a goldfish breed native to Japan, believed to have been developed around Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture. Its defining feature is the "Rokurin" pattern — a silvery-white body with red coloring restricted to six points: the mouth, the tips of the fins, and the gill covers. The result is a striking contrast reminiscent of red ink on white porcelain. The body is streamlined like a common goldfish (wakin), complemented by the "peacock tail" (kujaku-o), which spreads horizontally in four lobes and looks like a cross when viewed from above. Jikin are relatively active and hardy, but keeping the Rokurin coloring in good condition is difficult, so they suit experienced keepers. 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 silvery-white body with red limited strictly to six points: the mouth, the tips of the fins, and the gill covers. 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 prepare a tank of 60 L or more and keep them singly or as a pair. Jikin have a streamlined, wakin-like body and are relatively active swimmers, so leave plenty of swimming room and avoid overcrowding. More water volume means more stable parameters and better color retention.

3. 3Keep Water Clean and Flow Gentle

   Jikin are hardy, but keeping the water clean is still important for preserving the Rokurin coloring. Aim for 1–2 water changes per week at roughly one-third volume, backed by reliable biological filtration. Keep the water flow gentle so the peacock tail is not distorted, and avoid filter placements that create turbulence. Keep temperature between 15–25°C and avoid sudden swings.

4. 4A Relatively Active Temperament

   Jikin are relatively active, and keeping them singly or as a pair is recommended. Mixing them with other goldfish can lead to competition at feeding time and damage to the tail or coloring. Keeping Jikin with their own 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. 6What to Check Before Bringing One Home

   As a rare variety, Jikin are not widely available. Prices differ from listing to listing depending on bloodline, coloring, age, and the individual fish, so check each listing page for details. You will also need to prepare a suitable tank, filter, heater, and other equipment. Before buying, it helps to ask the seller about the fish's health and its parent fish, and to work out what equipment you need in advance.

7. 7Lighting Affects Coloration

   The Rokurin coloring of Jikin can change with lighting and water conditions. Moderate sunlight is effective for bringing out the color, but maintaining coloration is the biggest challenge in keeping them, so manage the light environment carefully. 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, but maintaining the Rokurin coloring is difficult and they are a rare breed, so they are best suited to experienced keepers. If you are new to the hobby, research thoroughly and set up an environment where you can manage water quality carefully before bringing one home.

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.Keeping Jikin singly or as a pair is recommended. Because they are relatively active, mixing them with other varieties can lead to feeding competition and may affect the tail and coloring. If you do keep them with other fish, observe them closely.

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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