Goldfish Varieties

Shubunkins (translated literally as "red brocade") are a hardy, single-tailed fancy goldfish with nacreous scales, and a pattern known as calico. The shubunkins are of Japanese origin.

The shubunkin, nicknamed "Poor Mans Koi", are similar to the common goldfish and comet goldfish in appearance. They have streamlined bodies with well-developed and even fins. However, the shubunkins are calico goldfish; they possess nacreous scales (a mix of metallic and transparent scales that are pearly in appearance). The overlapping patches of red, white, grey and black (along with dark speckles) normally extend to the finnage of shubunkins.

It may take several months for the nacreous coloration to develop on a young fry. Shubunkins are excellent pond fish because they reach a length of 9 to 16 inches at adulthood. A shubunkin goldfish is considered an adult at 2 to 3 years of age.