All About The Ryukin Goldfish
“The Hunchback Of Goldfish”
The Ryukin was directly developed from the Fantail goldfish.
However, their bodies are more rounded/egg-shaped than that of the Fantail.
The differentiating feature of the Ryukin is the presence of its dorsal hump which starts in the neck region.
Its head has a more pronounced pointed look because of the dorsal hump.
Where did the Ryukin goldfish come from?
Interestingly, Ryukins were first known as the Fantail goldfish in China.
Through selective breeding with the Fantails, the Ryukins were officially developed in the 1770’s in China’s Kingdom of Ryuku; hence the “Ryukin” namesake.
It was not until 1879 that Japan saw the first of the Ryukin goldfish.
The Ryukins were bred so the side-view attributes could be fully appreciated through the invention of the glass fish tanks.
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Scientific Name: |
Carassius auratus auratus |
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Family: |
Carp, Minnow Cyprinidae |
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Type: |
Fancy |
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Environment: |
Freshwater |
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Temperament: |
Semi-Aggressive |
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Swimming Speed: |
Competent |
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Tankmates: |
Ryukins |
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Lifespan: |
10-15 years |
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Size: |
6-8” |
Fantail vs. Ryukin In Appearance
The Ryukin is well-known for its dorsal hump giving it the appearance of not only being hunchbacked, but its head has a pointed look to it. Given that the Ryukin is a descendant of the Fantail, there are differences between the two.
CHARACTERISTICS AND TRAITS Of The Ryukin
Size:
- 6-8” long
Colors
- Red
- Red/White
- Tricolor
- Blue
- Calico
- White
- Chocolate
Shape
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Egg-shaped
Swim Characteristic
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Competent swimmer
Fins
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Double anal fins divided into two matching halves
Tail
Comes in three varieties of tails:
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Single
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Long
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Broad
Eyes
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Normal eyes
Scales
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Metallic
Caring For Your Ryukin Goldfish
Tank Size:
30 gallons minimum
(1” of fish per 1 gallon of water)
Tankmates:
Ryukins only (Ryukins are semi-aggressive and are best if with its own kind)
Water Filtration System:
Required because these fish are high producers of waste
200 gallons/hour
Air Stone:
Required to keep the water oxygenated
Water Parameters:
Plants/Decor:
FEEDING YOUR RYUKIN GOLDFISH
FLAKES AND PELLETS
Flakes or pellets purchased from a pet supply store are generally what most fish owners buy; however, there are not enough nutrients in dry food alone. Additional types of food should also be given.
LIVE FOOD
Live food is an excellent source of protein and is perhaps the most important thing you can give your fish.
- Brine Shrimp
- Earthworms
- Bloodworms
- Daphnia
FROZEN OPTIONS
Ryukin goldfish love little bits of seafood. Make sure that if it’s frozen, thaw it completely before feeding to your fish.
VEGETABLES, FRUITS, AND PLANTS
Vegetables and fruits provide a healthy source of nutrients that are beneficial to your goldfish. Before feeding to your fish, make sure it is soft and finely diced into tiny bits.
Live plants are a treat they enjoy nibbling on. Consult your local pet supply on what types of live plants you can place in your aquarium. Also, use caution when putting too many plants in the aquarium because plants deplete the oxygen in the water when the lights are off.
- Peas cooked (remove the outer layer)
- Lettuce (uncooked)
- Broccoli
- Cucumber
- Oranges
- Apples
- Live Plants such as duckweed, anacharis, azolla, salvinia
- Seaweed
- Algae pills
RYUKIN GOLDFISH SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN:
- Anything containing animal fat
- Bread
- Cooked Lettuce
- Uncooked Peas
FEEDING TIME
- Feedings should be once or twice a day and should be done at the same time each day.
- Feed a small pinch of food between your thumb and finger.
HEALTH/DISEASE CONCERNS
Various symptoms are indicators of potential disease. Ryukins are easily prone to swim bladder.
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Symptom |
Possible Cause(s) |
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Breathing Issues (gasping, rapid, staying at surface) |
Poor Water Quality
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Refuses to Eat |
Poor Water Quality
Internal Parasites |
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Swimming erratically or upside down |
Poor Water Quality
Swim Bladder Disease
Dropsy
Improper Feeding |
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Laying at bottom |
Poor Water Quality
Infection |
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Reacts slowly to noise or stimuli |
Poor Water Quality |
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Rubbing against wall of tank or other surfaces |
Parasites
Fungus Infection |
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Fins are closed, lethargic |
Poor Water Quality
Parasites |
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Fins are frayed |
Stress
Fin / Tail Rot |
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Raised fuzzy bumps |
Infection (fungal or bacterial) |
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Spots that look like grains of salt |
Ich (highly contagious to other fish) |
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Black Spots |
Ammonia burn
Parasites |
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Appears Bloated, scales are raised |
Dropsy
Fed too much
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Gills are pale |
Parasites |
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Lumps |
Parasites (usually visible) |
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Eyes are Protruded (This is a natural trait of the Telescope Eye, however, if you noticed the eye(s) becoming unusually larger it may be an indication of “pop-eye.”) |
Pop-Eye
Infection |
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Appearance is slimy |
Velvet (parasite) |
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Small sores on head |
Parasites |
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Ulcers (open sores on body) |
Bacterial Infection |
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Smooth white or pink warts |
Fish Pox |
Fungal Infection:
Fungal infection is contagious to the other fish in the tank. If not treated quickly, you can end up losing your fish. This infection can become a secondary condition of fish that have already been sick from something else.
Causes
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Stress
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Lowered immune system
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Poor water quality
Symptoms
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White growths on body and fins
Treatment
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Purchase a fungal treatment at your local pet store.
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Treat your sick fish (in the hospital tank) with the fungal treatment.
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Remove sick fish from the tank and place in a separate container (hospital tank.)
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Using a fresh, clean fishnet, remove all other fish from tank and place in a separate container (do not put them in with sick fish). Fungal infection is contagious, so make sure you do not use the same fishnet that you handled the sick fish with.
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Thoroughly wash (using hot water, no soap) and clean tank as well as all tank decor.
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Wash gravel
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Do a water change: 100% using conditioned water.
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Use new tank water to rinse the filter. Place filter into the tank.
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Check pH levels before placing healthy fish back in.
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Slowly add all fish back into the water.
Fin/Tail Rot:
Fin Rot and Tail Rot in fish are apparent when you notice your fish’s fins or tail appear as if they are frayed or torn. If treated promptly the tissue can grow back, however, if the rot is in the immediate area of the body, it will not grow back and can even enter the body of the fish which is fatal.
Causes
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Stress
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Poor water quality
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Overcrowding (too many fish)
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Sudden water temperature change
Symptoms
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Fin / Tail appear frayed, torn or ragged
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Edges of fin / tail become white from bacteria eating away
Treatment
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Remove sick fish from the tank and place in a separate container (hospital tank.)
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Using a fresh, clean fishnet, remove all other fish from tank and place in a separate container (do not put them in with sick fish). Fin/Tail Rot is contagious, so make sure you do not use the same fishnet that you handled the sick fish with.
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Thoroughly wash (using hot water, no soap) and clean tank as well as all tank decor.
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Wash gravel
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Do a water change: 100% using conditioned water.
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Use new tank water to rinse the filter. Place filter into the tank.
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Check pH levels before placing healthy fish back in.
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Slowly add all fish back into the water.
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Monitor the sick fish for a few days and if it does not improve, add a fin rot treatment (you can purchase at a pet store.)
Hole in the Head:
Hold In The Head is sores on the head of the fish. Appearing around the eyes, they become larger and can penetrate the skin.
Causes
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Stress
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Poor diet
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Parasites/bacteria
Symptoms
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Pits or sores around the eyes or on the head of the fish
Treatment
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Remove sick fish from the tank and place in a separate container.
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Using a fresh, clean fishnet, remove all other fish from tank and place in a separate container (do not put them in with sick fish). Hole in the Head is contagious, so make sure you do not use the same fishnet that you handled the sick fish with.
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Thoroughly wash (using hot water, no soap) and clean tank as well as all tank decor.
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Wash gravel
-
Do a water change: 100% using conditioned water.
-
Use new tank water to rinse the filter. Place filter into the tank.
-
Check pH levels before placing healthy fish back in.
-
Slowly add all fish back into the water.
Cotton Wool:
Cotton Wool appears as fuzzy white patches on the fish. It is a fungal infection.
Causes
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Stress
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Poor water quality
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Low water temperature
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Existing injury
Symptoms
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White patches on fish
Treatment
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You will need to purchase a treatment from your local pet store and dose according to directions.
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Remove sick fish from the tank and place in a separate container (hospital tank.)
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Using a fresh, clean fishnet, remove all other fish from tank and place in a separate container (do not put them in with sick fish). Cotton Wool is contagious, so make sure you do not use the same fishnet that you handled the sick fish with.
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Thoroughly wash (using hot water, no soap) and clean tank as well as all tank decor.
-
Wash gravel
-
Do a water change: 100% using conditioned water.
-
Use new tank water to rinse the filter. Place filter into the tank.
-
Check pH levels before placing healthy fish back in.
-
Slowly add all fish back into the water.
Anchor Worm:
Common among fish, Anchor Worm is not a worm, but a disease that is caused by a parasite.
Causes
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New fish introduced to a tank may be carrying Anchor Worm which is contagious to the other fish.
Symptoms
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Green-like hairs attached to fish. Areas of attachment are red and inflamed.
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Rubs up against tank walls or other surfaces.
Treatment
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You will need to purchase a medication (Dipterex 98%) at your local pet store.
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Follow dosing instructions carefully.
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Remove sick fish from the tank and place in a separate container (hospital tank.)
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Using a fresh, clean fishnet, remove all other fish from tank and place in a separate container (do not put them in with sick fish). Anchor Worm is contagious, so make sure you do not use the same fishnet that you handled the sick fish with.
-
Thoroughly wash (using hot water, no soap) and clean tank as well as all tank decor.
-
Wash gravel
-
Do a water change: 100% using conditioned water.
-
Use new tank water to rinse the filter. Place filter into the tank.
-
Check pH levels before placing healthy fish back in.
-
Slowly add all fish back into the water.
Fish Lice (Argulus):
Fish lice are parasites that are often brought into your tank from new fish. Lice are prevalent in pet store fish tanks.
Causes
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New fish introduced to a tank may be carrying fish lice which is contagious to the other fish.
Symptoms
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Rubs up against tank walls or other surfaces
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Disc-shaped parasites are visible on fish
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Fungus appearance
Treatment
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You will need to purchase an anti-parasitic medication from your local pet store.
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Follow dosing instructions carefully.
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Remove sick fish from the tank and place in a separate container.
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Using a fresh, clean fishnet, remove all other fish from tank and place in a separate container (do not put them in with sick fish). Fish lice is contagious, so make sure you do not use the same fishnet that you handled the sick fish with.
-
Thoroughly wash (using hot water, no soap) and clean tank as well as all tank decor.
-
Wash gravel
-
Do a water change: 100% using conditioned water.
-
Use new tank water to rinse the filter. Place filter into the tank.
-
Check pH levels before placing healthy fish back in.
-
Slowly add all fish back into the water.
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Monitor the sick fish for a few days and if it does not improve, add a fin rot treatment (you can purchase at a pet store.)
Gold Dust Disease (Velvet Disease):
Gold Dust Disease is parasites that resembles small dust particles on the fish. It generally begins to develop on the spinal area of the fish, and because the parasites are so tiny, it’s difficult to see.
Causes
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Usually brought into tank water by new fish
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Stress caused by poor water quality
Symptoms
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Film (pale yellow color) develops on fish
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Fish rubs against tank wall or other surfaces
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Clamped fins
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Heavy breathing
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Weight loss
Treatment
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You can treat with a medication called formalin (available at a local pet store.)
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Use caution if treating with formalin. It can easily burn your fish’s fins.
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Remove sick fish from the tank and place in a separate container (hospital tank.)
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Using a fresh, clean fishnet, remove all other fish from tank and place in a separate container (do not put them in with sick fish). Gold Dust Disease is contagious, so make sure you do not use the same fishnet that you handled the sick fish with.
-
Thoroughly wash (using hot water, no soap) and clean tank as well as all tank decor.
-
Wash gravel
-
Do a water change: 100% using conditioned water.
-
Use new tank water to rinse the filter. Place filter into the tank.
-
Check pH levels before placing healthy fish back in.
-
Slowly add all fish back into the water.
REPRODUCTIVE
Sexing goldfish is the same for all varieties.
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MALE |
FEMALE |
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Shape:
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Shape:
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Breeding Behavior: chases females, attempts to push female against tank wall |
Breeding Behavior: develops roe (eggs) that cause bulge on side |
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Vent (anal opening):
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Vent (anal opening):
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Maturity Age: 9 months to 1 year |
Maturity Age: 3 years |
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Tubercles (white spots) are present on gill shields, pectoral fins, face, scales |
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Female Ryukin goldfish spawn 3-10 times (laying eggs) at 8-10 day intervals. They will lay up to 1,000 eggs each time. The eggs are laid on any vegetation that is present in the tank. The fry (baby fish) hatches 5-6 days after the eggs are laid.
The Ryukin Goldfish is almost as tall as it is wide!
CONCLUSION
The Ryukin goldfish is definitely a unique looking fish. Its overall rounded appearance with the hunchback feature will liven up a fish tank for sure!
There does not seem to be a whole lot of information on this breed of goldfish online which shrouds the Ryukin in mystery.
Great for beginners and being an overall hardy fish, the Ryukin is well worth raising and caring for.
RyukinGoldfish Questions and Answers
What is a Ryukin goldfish?
Type: fancy
Colors: red, red/white, tricolor, calico, white, chocolate
Type of Swimmer: slow
Temperament: peaceful
Single or Twin-tail: twin
Level of Care: great for beginners
What does a Ryukin goldfish cost?
$6 – $30 each
What are compatible tank mates for Ryukin goldfish?
Other twin-tailed goldfish; Fantails, Black Moors, Ranchu, Lionheads.
Note: Slow swimming goldfish should not be placed with fast swimming goldfish. Fast swimmers are aggressive eaters at feedings.
Characteristics and Traits of Ryukin Goldfish
How large does a Ryukin goldfish get?
6” – 10”
What is the lifespan of Ryukin goldfish?
10-15 years
Diet of Ryukin Goldfish
What does a Ryukin goldfish eat?
Pellets
Live food (bloodworms, shrimp)
Fruits & vegetables
Flake food
Tank Requirements for Ryukin Goldfish
What size tank does a Ryukin goldfish need?
Minimum: 20-30 gallons
Fish-to-tank Ratio is 1” of fish per 1 gallon of water
What should the water temperature be for a Ryukin goldfish; and do I need to have a heater for the tank?
65 – 75 degrees (F)
A heater is required to maintain water temperature.
Do I need to have an air stone (air pump) in my Ryukin goldfish’s tank?
Yes
Does a Ryukin goldfish’s tank require a filtration system?
Yes, all goldfish should have a filtration system in their tank.
Be careful that your filtration system’s water intake is not too powerful for the Ryukin because they are slow swimmers and too much movement in the water can be difficult for your Ryukin to tolerate.
References:
(n.d.) Ryukin Goldfish, Animal Planet, Retrieved from: http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/ryukingold/
(n.d.) Ryukin Goldfish, Animal World, Retrieved from:
http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/goldfish/RyukinGoldfish.php